COMMON SCHOOLS - 375 meetings as they were published in the county papers of the time. The great majority of these meetings indorsed resolutions which substantially pronounced the office of county superintendent a miserable failure, inadequate to meet the ends sought, expensive and burdensome. The Legislature was requested to repeal the law and vacate the office. The men whosp names figured most conspicuously would now be ashamed if they were made public. And well might they be, for they belong to that category which have from time immemorial been conspicuous for their opposition to innovations and to all advancement in the arts which have benefitted the human race. They belong to that class which opposed the introduction of the press, of toll-paying turnpikes, of prepaid postage, of locomotives, of telegraphy, of the abolition of the insolvent laws, and of vaccination. As a general remark, they were of narrow minds and of still narrower experience, selfish, ignorant, self-righteous, and covetous. And we know not of any who opposed the common-school system more deserving reprehension or more the objects of well-merited contempt than those who tried to crush out the system in the infancy of its existence. That there were some plausible reasons upon which to found an expression of opinion in opposition to the office of county superintendent, and which at that time were apparent, will not be denied. The supervisory duties of that officer were not then thoroughly understood even by that officer himself. To have a public officer perform the functions of his office more things are necessary than the mere creation of the office and the induction of the officer. All jarring in the working part of the machinery must be stopped; there must be an harmonious movement of all its parts. Such a condition of affairs did not then exist, nor was it possible for it to exist. But how few even at that day, friends of education and of the common-school system, as they called themselves, who, viewing the whole field carefully and critically, made up their minds unbiased by prejudice or un-controlled by ignorance. The report of Superintendent McAfee for the year previous contained the following : " I visited two hundred and two schools during the year, and although I had confidently expected to be able to visit all in the county during the winter, I was compelled, in consequence of the shortness of the school term, to leave over sixty unvisited. I made every effort to redeem my promise to the teach-ers at the public examinations to visit all, but I soon found that no person can visit so many schools in so short a time." For the latter part of the school year of 1859 (February), Mr. McAfee availed himself of the privilege allowed him by the law, and appointed Mr. R. S: Dinsmore, of Burrell township, and Mr. Austin Taylor, of East Huntingdon township, his assistants, to visit schools in the respective districts assigned them. Among the " Proceedings" of the citizens of Derry township, who met at School-House No. 8 on the evening of 10th February, 1859, is the following: " Resolved, That we consider our schools in a retrograde, in place of a progressive, condition. . . . We view the present law arbitrary, the power being all placed in the hands of school board and superintendent, tbe tax-payers having nothing to say. "That we view with indignation that feature of the law which empowers the teachers and directors, absolutely combined, to force on any locality a series of books which they do not prefer, and to debar a series of books which it is the desire of the people to use. "That we will support no man for the office of echool director that will not pledge himself, if called upon, to cut down the salary of the county superintendent, and uee all honorable means to abolish the office." Previous to that meeting a. similar meeting had been held at Hickory Spring School-House, Unity township, at which the following resolution, which had been made public, copied and indorsed by many other meetings in the neighborhood, was passed : "That we view with indignation and abhorrence that feature of the law which empowers the superintendent and directors, combined, to arbitrarily force on any locality a series of books when that locality is already supplied with a series they prefer. We believe that by an easy transition of such laws in their hands many would strike a death-blow at the rights of conscience and triumph in our prostrate liberties " But this resolution was seriously condemned by other meetings in Unity township, particularly at a meeting held at No. 5 (Boyd's) about the same ,time of the meeting in Derry, above referred to. Petitions were in circulation in various portions of the county praying the Legislature to repeal that part of the school law of 1854 which relates to the county superintendency. But the system survived all this, and we have only to suggest a few observations before we note more minutely the progress and come to consider the present status of the system. There should not be any invidious distinctions drawn between the system of education common in the early period and that which was common in a later period, or which now prevails, to an utter contempt for the former system, as is sometimes done. In some respects our schools of to-day, in the subject matter taught and in the method of teaching, are not much, if at all, in advance of the schools of the generation preceding ours. For example, the discipline which is necessary for a mastery of the mathematics, of which elementary arithmetic is a branch, is said to be now wanting. So, too, has it been averred that object teaching does not in its method lay the solid foundation which the old system did. But leaving these things to right themselves, it is apparent that the common-school system in its pre,ent degree of perfection is not the work of a day. The labor of those hands who worked in the cause of popular and free schooling may be seen in the superstructure of the system itself, The present system of common-school education could only have been produced by ft people who were trained up in it, and who towards a common end actively co-operated together. Such a system could not have been built up by any man or by any one set of men out of the 376 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. incongruous elements at hand. A county institute of 1881, with its trained instructors in all the practical and experimental sciences, in practice of teaching and in belles-lettres, in elocution and in vocal music, would have been in its ends and objects utterly incomprehensible to our people of 1834. But there is one difference in the method of instruction which will universally be admitted an improvement. This is in the manner of correcting the pupil by means of corporeal punishment. The rattan, the ferules, the long hickory switches, the dunce-caps, the high stools, the retaining the bad scholars in after school hours, these things have now about all passed out. There is consequently no further use for the charm that lies in the eyelash curled up in the youngster's hands, which was to shatter the accursed wood of the ferule the instant it came in contact, nor can the wicked truant show that Spartan firmness his prototype was wont to show when he took a whipping in his shirt-sleeves, and to the infinite gratification of the other wicked boys the master could not make him cry. FIRST COUNTRY SCHOOLS IN THE NORTH. For the following personal recollections and observations we are indebted to H. M. Jones, Esq., lately county superintendent : " In regard to the schools of the county, my memory only carries me back to 1833. I remember very well, however, the appearance of the building and its surroundings. It was a log building, which stood in the woods near to a stream of water, The only windows, if such they may be called, were one on each side, consisting of a space between two logs with upright sticks some eighteen to twenty inches apart, and covered with greased paper so that the light might more easily penetrate within. The fireplace was of huge dimensions, into which logs of a very large size were rolled and fired, it being in the end of the building. I remember of seeing small paddles on which the letters of the alphabet were pasted, and from which the little learner was expected to learn his A, B, C's. Cobb's Spelling-Book, the Old and the New Testament, and the ' Western Calculator' were the books used. The master, as he was called, was stern, and seemed very much to prefer birch suasion to moral. A better class of buildings took the place of those log structures very soon after the adoption of the common-school system of Pennsylvania. Just here I might say that among those who took an active part in favor of the system in this section of the county were Rev. Samuel McFarren, Samuel Kelley, Thomas W. McConnell, John Jones, William Moore, John S. Adair, William Marshall, John S. Sloan, and John Shields. I remember very well hearing Derry and Salem townships spoken of, when the system was in its infancy, as being fully up to the time, both in regard to houses and teachers. " INSTITUTES.—The first teachers' institute held in the county of which I have any knowledge was held in the borough of New Alexander in October, 1853. It was looked upon with suspicion by many of the old fogies of the county. Some thought it a scheme of teachers to have their salaries increased. " Others thought new studies were about to be introduced which would be ruinous to pupils. Phonetic spelling was one of the new things discussed at that meeting. Township or district institutes were recommended. I do not remember the exact number of teachers in attendance at the meeting, but think it did not exceed fifty. The following are the names of some of those who were in attendance and took an active part, viz.: Samuel Shryock, D. L. Dickin, Lewis Seanor, H. M. Jamison, Joseph Jamison, George Kingsley, J. R. Beatty, and H. M. Jones. In the fall of 1854, district institutes were organized in a few of the townships, and reasonably well attended by teachers and a few friends of the cause. The next meeting of the teachers of the county convened in Latrobe in March, 1858. This meeting was called by Hon. J. R. McAfee, then superintendent of schools of the county. The number in attendance was not large, but the interest manifested was encouraging, and I am safe in saying that great good to the cause of education resulted from that convention. From this time up to the present county institutes have been held each year." NAMES OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS AND TERM OF OFFICE.—In 1854, Rev. Matthew McKinstry, of West Newton, was elected. He served one year and then resigned. James I. McCormick, of North Huntingdon township, was appointed to fill the vacancy and served two years. In 1857, J. R. McAfee, of Latrobe, was elected and served three years. S. S. Jack, of Pleasant Unity, was elected in 1860, and re-elected in 1863 ; served six years. In 1866, Joseph S. Walthour, of Greensburg. was elected and served three years. H. M. Jones, of Salem township, was elected in 1869, and re-elected in 1872 ; served six years. In 1875, James Silliman, of East Huntingdon, was elected, and he served three years. J. R. Spiegel, of Greensburg, was elected in 1878, and reelected 1881. Matthew McKinstry, of West Newton, one year. James I. McCormick, North Huntingdon, two years. J. R. McAfee, Latrobe, three years. S. S. Jack, Pleasant Unity, six years. J. S. Walthour, Greensburg, three years. H. M. Jones, Salem, six years. James Silliman, East Huntingdon, three years. J. R. Spiegel, Greensburg, now in office. Sketches of the persons, their families, and the public services of these first superintendents will be found under appropriate heads in other portions of this book. Sketches of the later ones shall here be given as in proper place. JOSEPH S. WALTHOUR was born in North Hunt- COMMON SCHOOLS - 377 ingdon township, Westmoreland County, Feb. 5, 1829. His grandfather owned the old Walthour Fort, famous in the local history of that region. During his boyhood he worked on the farm of his father in sum-mer, and in winter attended the school known as Kunkel's. In the fall of 1846, at the age of seventeen, he commenced teaching school at the Barnes school-house, in the same township. His salary was eighteen dollars per month. In the fall of 1847 he came to Greensburg, and attended a high school there called the Muhlenburg Collegiate Institute, whi'ch was held in an old frame building, still standing, on Bunker Hill. He remained at this school till 1849, at which time the school there under that management was abandoned, and removed to Zelienople, Butler Co., Pa. In the summer of 1850 he resumed the work of teaching, and taught his home school until the fall of 1852. After a short venture in the mercantile business he again began teaching, and taught the Byerly School in the winter of 1854, at a salary of twenty-two dollars per month. In the spring of 1855 he was engaged as teacher in the boys' department of the Greensburg public schools, in the building still standing, and occupied by the sexton of the St. Clair Cemetery. From 1856 to 1859 he had charge of the New Salem schools. He then conducted various schools in different parts of the county, at the special solicitation of .the citizens, and was one of the four te,achers who opened the public schools in the present school building of Greensburg, and was engaged in this school when he was elected superintendent of the county in 1866. As superintendent he served three years, at a salary of eight hundred dollars per year. During the fall and winter of 1869, the year in which his term of office expired, he traveled throughout the State as an instructor at the various county institutes, and was regarded as a successful popular instructor. He attended seventeen different institutes in different parts. In the fall of 1870 he took charge of a graded school at Albion, Erie Co., Pa., at a salary of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month. He remained here,. however, only eight months, on account of ill health and unfavorable climate, and then went to Saegertown, Crawford Co., where he acted as principal of a graded school for nearly two years. Preferring Westmoreland above any other part of the State, he returned hither, and taught successively at Latrobe, New Derry, and Saltsburg, where he remained three years. He then again taught at Greensburg and in Hempfield township. In 1880 he visited the schools for County Superintendent Spiegel. Mr. Walthour began teaching thirty-six years ago, and, with the exception of some two years in which he was engaged in the mercantile business (counting the time of his superintendency), has been engaged in teaching continuously. The profession of teaching was the one of his choice, and he has had a natural aptitude for imparting instruction to the youth, and his greatest ambition has been to use his influence and talents to the eleva.tion of the system of common schools. The period which Mr. Joseph Walthour presided over the county school as their superintendent is one perhaps deserving of a more lengthy notice than usual, because it began shortly after the Close of the civil war. We give these details from memoranda furnished by Mr. Walthour. When Mr. Walthour took charge of the public schools in 1866 we had two hundred and eighty-six schools in the county. It was his observation that the directors and citizens generally appreciated the system of education, and an honest and straight-forward manner of talk and demonstration in this regard were beginning to develop itself. There were six graded schools, and these, all but one, were in boroughs. Building was much retarded in consequence of the high price of labor and building material incident to the high rate of taxation existing immediately after the close of the war. But with all this quite a number of townships and boroughs en-gaged in building, and erected buildings which were far in advance of the majority of those then in existence. In the erection of these house’s grounds and locations were made a special object. In many other of the houses the old furniture was removed and new and more improved furniture put in its place, while the blackboards were everywhere enlarged. From 1867 to 1868 globes were bought out of the public money, and better blackboards were put in the rooms. This year the. superintendent had 27 public examinations and 4 private ones. There were 365 applicants for schools, 210 males and 105 females. Of these there were 19 males rejected and 27 females, in all 46. There were this year 32 professional certificates and 9 permanent. Of the visits by the superintendent, there Were 302 schools visited once, 63 twice, 37 thrice, and 17 four times, an average of 3 per day, and he traveled 1440 miles in this duty. The county institute met Oct. 1, 1867, and was in session five days. The greater part of the exercises was carried on and work done by our own teachers, with the assistance of Prof. R. Kidd, of Kentucky, Prof. Cooper, of Edenboro, Pa., and Gen. Frazer, of Bellefonte, Pa. There were 245 teachers present, out of 302 in the county. District institutes were held in each township once every two weeks, according to law. The text-books were confined to township uniformity. Public sentiment was decidedly pronounced in favor of the common schools. The wages were: for males, from $28 to $55 per month, and for females, from $27 to $45. From June, 1868, to June, 1869, there were 16 new school-houses built, at an aggregate cost of $40,000. Graded schools were beginning to be formed all over the county. The comfort of the scholars was attended 378 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. to in a more marked degree, and neatness was taken account of as well as durability. Modern desks and seats generally took the place of the old style of side-desks and benches. The walls were uniformly decorated with outline maps and charts, and a globe was put in each school-house built. There was an increase of 13 new schools, making in all 312 schools this year. More advanced pupils were in attendance, and the average attendance was 85 per cent. The public examinations were held in the districts. At most of these the attendance was large, and a general interest was manifested in the teachers' welfare. This school year the superintendent visited 315 schools once, 87 twice, 28 thrice, and rode 2121 miles. In these visits, at nearly every school-house, he was favored with the company of one or two of the directors. The district institutes were held very generally and with tolerable success, but it was noticed that they were becoming unpopular among citizens and directors, on account, as was alleged, of the teachers neglecting their other duties and losing sight of the object they were instituted for. A hindrance was noticed and complaint made on account of the distance many teachers had to travel to reach the place of meetings. This year 45 teachers held professional and 12 permanent certificates, the rest held provisional ones. On account of the low wages quite a number of the older teachers left their profession. Some dissatisfaction was caused by the employment of female teachers, so that in some districts they were entirely excluded from teaching winter terms. The average salaries were only thirty-five dollars per month. There were this year, for summer session, six normal training-schools, which continued in session 12 to 13 weeks. The county institute was held at Greensburg, Dec. 26, 1868. The principal lecturers and instructors were Professor Byerly, Rev. A. B. Fields, and Hon. J. P. Wickersham. While it was noticed and remarked by the superintendent that the press was the best friend of the school system and the teachers, the pulpit did but little for their encouragement or advancement, and showed but little sympathy, and there were few visitations noted on the part of the clergy. Mr. Walthour, in furnishing this desirable information, thus concludes in a candid and earnest manner his observations : " Whilst we did not make all the improvement and advancement that our condition demanded, yet, all things considered, we did reasonably well, it having been my ambition in assuming the duties of the office of county superintendent to see the greatest possible improvement in those things pertaining to common-school work. But when I consider the enormous burdens imposed upon us at that time by the war, I cannot complain of the directors for not doing more. Taking the disadvantages into account, I can say that we all did well." HENRY M. JONES was born in the eastern part of Salem township, Oct.. 28, 1828. In the fall of 1832 his father, Hon. John Jones, afterward an associate judge, bought a farm .on Porter Run, in that township, and moved upon it April 1, 1833. He lived on this farm until May 21, 1872, when he died. In the fall of 1833, Mr. H. M. Jones commenced his common-school course in a school-house about half a mile north of his father's house, and continued going to school there during the winter season up to the spring of 1847. In the fall of 1847 he commenced teaching at the Elwood school, in the northern part of Franklin township. He taught this school two successive winter terms of six months each. In the fall of 1849 he took charge of the Concord school, in Loyalhanna township, and taught a term of six months. In 1850 he taught a five months' term at Harmony Independent school. During this time, in the summer seasons, Mr. Jones prosecuted his studies in the higher branches of the mathematics and in the dead languages, under the immediate tutorship of his elder brother, Rev. John M. Jones, a.theological graduate, and at present a pastor of a Presbyterian congregation in this county. In 1851 and 1852, Mr. Jones taught the Concord school again, and in 1853 a term of six months at Union Independent school. In 1854 he took charge of the Porter Run school, where he had received his prii mary education, and this school he taught eleven terms, nine of which were public and two select. During the time he had charge of the Porter Run school, in Salem township, he also taught four summer terms at Concord, and from the fall of 1863 till the spring of 1869 he had charge of this school. In 1869 he was elected superintendent of the common schools of the county for three years, ata salary of $800 per annum. In 1872 he was re-elected without opposition, and his salary increased to $1500. His term of office as superintendent was eminently satisfactory. He worked with untiring zeal towards the development of the system which he had so much at heart, and during his terms the system advanced far in perfection. From time to time in his annual report he made suggestions which evince his practical knowledge and his foresight. Some of the defects which he pointed out have been corrected, others in time will be. One of these defects which was patent he seasonably corrected. He insisted with the teachers that English grammar should take up some of the exclusive attention then given to mental arithmetic, and within a few years he was gratified to see the fruits of his zealous efforts all over the county. He also early advocated a uniformity in text-books throughout the county, the want of which is to this day regarded by educators as a defect. At the close of his official term, in 1875, he turned over the books and papers of his office to his successor. He then retired from active school work for one year, which he spent in the mountains of Colorado. COMMON SCHOOLS - 379 In the fall of 1876 he again engaged in his favorite vocation at what he calls " our home school" (No. 1, Salem township), which he has taught every year to the present time. He has thus been engaged in public instruction since 1847, with the exception of the one year spent in travel and recreation. H. M. Jones entered upon the duties of the office of superintendent of schools of the county June, 1869. There were then 312 schools in the county. During the first year the number increased to 315 ; 200 male teachers were employed, and 115 females. The salaries of male teachers averaged $44.12, that of females $34.47 ; average cost of instruction per month, 92 cents per scholar ; 382 applicants were examined, 28 of whom were rejected. During his second year (ending June, 1871) 16 new houses were erected ; number of schools increased to 321; 213 male and 108 female teachers were employed ; average salaries of male teachers, $43.85 ; that of females, $34.34 ; average cost of instruction, 92 cents per month ; 422 applicants were examined, 80 of whom failed to come up to the grade. Third year (ending June, 1872) : six new houses built ; schools, 322; makes employed, 218; females, 104; average salaries of males, $44.08 ; average salaries of females, $35.61; average cost of tuition per month, 90 cents ; 450 applicants were examined, 99 of whom were rejected. Fourth year (ending June, 1873) : 12 new houses built; schools, 329 ; male teachers employed, 197 ; females employed, 132; average salaries of males, $44.88 ; females, $34.60 ; cost of tuition per month, 81 cents ; 431 applicants examined, 90 of whom were rejected. Fifth year (ending June, 1874) : new houses built, 12 ; schools, 335 ; male teachers employed, 205 ; females, 133 ; average salaries of males, $45.55 ; females, $37.83 ; cost of tuition, 83 cents per month ; 400 applicants examined, of whom 92 failed. Sixth year (ending June, 1875) : 15 new houses built ; schools in the county, 342; male teachers employed, 212 ; females, 133 ; average salaries males, 48.50 ; females, $38.95 ; cost of tuition per month, 83 cents ; applicants examined, 475, of whom 102 were rejected. JAMES SILLIMAN was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Jan. 24, 1827. His father came from Ireland when a young man. His mother was of Quaker descent, born in America. He moved with his parents from Lancaster to East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland County, in 1833, and he has since been a resident of that township. His mother having died when he was about seven years of age, he commenced work among strangers when he was about ten. His schooling until he was about nineteen was received at the common schools, he working nights and mornings in the winter for his lodging. From common schools he went several terms to high or graded schools, and subsequently to Mount Pleasant College. He commenced teaching when he was twenty-one, and continued in this profession until 1875, when he was elected county superintendent to succeed H. M. Jones, Esq. Mr. Silliman, while being a professional teacher, is also a practical surveyor, and he has continued to teach and survey since the expiration of his official term. J. RAU SPIEGEL, the present superintendent of public instruction of Westmoreland County, was reared in East Huntingdon township, but born near Stuttgart, Aug. 27,1847. His parents emigrated to this country in June, 1852, and settled in East Huntingdon township, in which township they have been living ever since. William Spiegel, the father, is a descendant of Frederick Spiegel, German orientalist and professor of oriental languages for many years at Erlagen ; he served six years in the German army, and he has a brother who is holding at the present time a high position under the German government. Christina Rau, the mother, is a descendant of Karl Heinrich Rau, German political economist and professor of political economy and financial science for almost forty years at Heidelberg College. Mrs. Spiegel is from one of the best German families. Superintendent Spiegel's parents were very poor when they came to this country ; the father kept a family of five persons on forty cents per day. This their children are not ashamed to acknowledge. When seven years of age he first attended the public schools, known as the Mennonite School, now Stonerville, ex-County Superintendent Silliman being his first teacher. In 1856 his parents moved to Bethany, into . what is known as Pool's School District ; in this district he received his common-school education. Among his teachers are J. D. Cope, J. A. Stevenson, M. 0. Lane, Rev. Peter Loucks. At the age of thirteen he was elected assistant teacher in Pool's School, James Silliman, principal. At fourteen taught one term as assistant in the same school, J. D. Cope, principal. Taught the first public term at the age of fifteen, in South Huntingdon township, Gaut's School. Taught next in New Stanton ; then at Hillside, Mount Pleasant township, three years in succession ; then at Louck's, now Scottdale. The following prominent positions he has filled as teacher : Principal of Mount Pleasant Public Schools, principal teacher Titusville Soldiers' Orphans', principal of Wilcox Public Schools, Elk County ; principal of Wiconisco Public Schools, near Harrisburg ; principal of Greensburg Public Schools. He received calls from the Boards of Directors and Trustees of Williamsport High School and of several of our Normal Schools. He was married to Miss E. Jennie Thomas, Dec. 19, 1876. Mrs. Spiegel is a native of Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa., a teacher for several years. Mr. Spiegel educated himself entirely; teaching in the winter, and attending school in the spring and summer. He almost completed a course at West- 380 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. moreland College, now Mount Pleasant Institute, and finished his course at Mount Union College, Ohio, at which college he graduated in 1871. PRESENT STATUS OF THE COMMON SCHOOLS. At the present time, 1882, there are 398 common schools in the county and 352 houses, of which two-thirds are seated with what is known as the " improved furniture," and one-half are supplied with the ordinary school appliances. There are 54 school districts and 324 school directors. The average length of the school term is five and three-quarters months. The average salary is $34 per month. The average number of annual examinations, based on the current term of the present superintendent, is 22. The superintendent announces these examinations by publication in the newspapers about three weeks before they are held. The examinations are conducted in both the written and oral method. To these examinations there come annually about 600 applicants. In 1881 the superintendent granted only 382 provisional certificates, being about 16 fewer than there were schools in the county. This most certainly is an excellent indication of the high standard of qualification established by the superintendent. The educational progress of Westmoreland County within the last three years is largely due to the annual county institute and joint teachers' educational meetings held throughout the county. Superintendent Spiegel, in four years of his official life just passed, has expended almost $3600 towards the promotion of the teachers' work in having the leading lecturers and instructors of the land at the annual institute. The teachers and the large number of citizens who have attended have had the pleasure of bearing such lecturers as Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, Hon. Edgar Cowan, Theodore Tilton, Robert Burdette, and many other lecturers and instructors of national reputation. The proceedings of the institute for 1881, which we give at length, will give an idea of the manner in which these have been conducted. During the four years of Mr. Spiegel's superintendency he has made 1623 visits to schools, averaging one hour and a quarter in each school ; traveled on an average twelve miles per day, which in these four years, including the annual examination tour, amounts to 7500 miles. The teachers evidently manifest a profound interest in educational meetings. During the sessions of the county institute in 1881 there were in attendance 385 teachers out of 398. The citizens also manifested what might aptly be called an absorbing interest in these meetings. In many of the townships the directors allowed their teachers the time while attending the county meetings,—this before the late act of Assembly allowing them the time so spent as part of their term. As an example of the hearty manner in which Mr. Spiegel conducts his work, and as a thing to be remembered hereafter, the following " Remarks," as part of the programme of the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the institute, are retained : "I need say nothing In behalf of our programme; it is the strongest in the State. Directors, patrons, and citizens, you are cordially invited to attend. Teachers, you are paid for the week; let all be present; let every teacher feel that it is his or her duty to participate in the exercises. How many of our teachers can awaken the energy that will bring out classes of the school-room to the institute, and the teachers of the respective classes exhibit their method of instruction and progress in a branch or branches prosecuted by the pupils? Specimens of pupils' work— free-hand, dictation, map, elementary projection drawing, elementary design of primary schools, and specimens of penmanship—are solicited. Prizes will be awarded for the above work, passed upon by the committee. Course tickets rate as follows: Orcheetra, $1.60 ; Dress Circle, $1.25; Gallery, $1.00. Single admission tickets: Orchestra, 50 cents; Dress Circle, 35 cents; Gallery, 26 cents; except Thursday evening:when they will sell: Orchestra, 75 cents; Dress Circle, 50 cents; Gallery, 35 cents. Due notice of the sale of tickets will be given. Sown your tickets and boarding early. " J. R. SPIEGEL, County Superintendent." The day sessions of the institute were held in the court-house ; evening lectures in the Opera-House. COUNTY TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. Proceedings of Twenty-fifth Annual Session. Institute convened in Greensburg, December 26th, at two o'clock P.M., and was called to order by Superintendent J. R. Spiegel. Devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. W. W. Moorhead. The proceedings were interspersed at proper intervals with music and prayer. Professor George H. Hugus, of Latrobe, was chosen secretary, and E. B. Sweeney, of Irvin, assistant secretary. C. C. Griffith, of Ligonier, E. B. McCormick, of Irvin, and J. P. Algire, of Greenstvere c osen as reporters for the several papers of the town. Institute then fixed the time of holding sessions. Morning session, 9 A.M. to 12 M. ; afternoon session, 1.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M. ; evening session (lectures), 7.30 P.M. Professor John J. Ladd, of Waynesboro, Va., was then introduced, who addressed the teachers with some very interesting remarks on schools and institute work, founded on an experience of thirty-eight years. Secretary Hugus then proceeded to the calling of the roll. A number was given to each teacher, to which they were afterwards to respond. The music of the institute was conducted by Professor John R. Francis, of Greensburg. EVENING SESSION.—Superintendent Spiegel introduced to a very large and appreciative audience the Hon. John Latta, of Greensburg, who greeted the teachers in a lengthy address, referring in feeling terms to the importance of the teachers' work and the accountability of the teacher. Terse responses were then made by Messrs. Sharp, Deemer, Chamberlain, Jones, and Silliman. The lecturer of the evening, Professor J. J. Ladd, was then introduced, and held the audience almost an hour on the subject of" parent, teacher, and pupil," COMMON SCHOOLS - 381 in which he illustrated his firm belief in the opinion that men are born for their callings, not made. TUESDAY MORNING SESSION.—Institute convened at 9 A.M., Superintendent Spiegel in the chair, who appointed committees on journals of education, drawing, and spelling. Discussion—Is it good for a school to be frequently visited by strangers? Participated in by Professors Henry Hohenchell, Stevenson, Chamberlain, DewsIt, Bryan, Jones, and others. Professor J. J. Ladd then instructed the institute on communication in school, cause and prevention. Remarks by superintendent. Discussion—Does arithmetic consume more than its proper time in school-room work? Opened by Professor James Silliman, followed by Monroe, Hohenchell, and Graham. AFTERNOON SESSION.—Roll called and minutes read. Question—What are the dutiee of the directors of the common schools ? Discussed by J. G. Scorer. Methods of teaching primary reading were then illustrated by Mrs. Highberger, the Misses Hill, Law-son, and Reed, also by Messrs. Gardiner and McConnell. Professor J. H. Ryckman addressed the institute on the subject of literature. Instruction by Professor J. J. Ladd. Discussion. Question—What relation has the teacher to the pupils out of the school? Re-marks by the Messrs. Chamberlain, Morrow, and Sharp. EVENING SESSION.—Inititute convened in Opera-House, and at eight o'clock Eli Perkins was introduced, who lectured on " The Philosophy of Fun." WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION, DECEMBER 28.— Roll called, minutes read, music, etc., Devotional exercises by J. Chamberlain. Remarks by Superintendent Spiegel. The following-named teachers were previously appointed as committee on resolutions: The Misses Hill and Naly, Messrs. Sharp, Bingham, and Davidson. Discussion—Topic No. 2 was called for : Is there Room for the Elements of the Natural Science in the Common School Curriculum? Remarks on topic by Miss Elma Ruff, Messrs. Bryan, Cope, Hutchinson, Chamberlain, Sharp, Vandyke, Sweeney, King, and Jones. How to teach local geography was then illustrated by J. L. Davidson and — Riggle, Miss Brown, and Miss Bell Martin. Professor Ladd gave a talk on tardiness in school, cause and prevention. Secretary reports. three hundred and seventy-two teachers present. AFTERNOON SEBSION.—Roll called, minutes read, etc. Committee on spelling, Miss Lide Churns, Professors Mull and Graham. Said committee pronounced one hundred words. Superintendent Spiegel then appointed a committee to collect and examine manuscripts. Professor J. J. Ladd instructed institute. - 26 - Discussion—Is the Study of Grammar, as Taught in our Schools, a Proper Study? Discussed by Professor Wakefield. Recitation—The Schoolmaster's Guests, by Professor King. Professor J. H. Ryckman addressed institute on English Literature, and how it may be taught in our common schools to make it a pleasing and profitable study. Rev. E. D. Holtz was called, and addressed the very large audience then assembled. How to teach primary reading was discussed by Miss Elma Ruff, J. H. Ryckman, J. J. Ladd, J. D. Cope, and J. Silliman. WEDNESDA.Y EVENING SESSION.—Theodore Tilton was introduced to a very large audience assembled in the Opera-House, where he lectured on " The Problem of Life." THURSDAY MORNING SESSION.—Institute convened in court-house at 9 A.M. ; three hundred and ninety teachers reported present. Primary reading illustrated by Mist; Thomas, of Greensburg public schools, with class. Dr. E. E. Higbee, State Superintendent, was introduced, and addressed the institute in reference to good school directors, and the care which the teacher should exercise over the pupils' physical and intel-lectual powers. Instruction by Professor Young, of Indiana, Pa., on pronunciation of words. Drill on gymnastics, by Miss Sadie Morrow, of Manor. Address by Professor L. H. Durling, of Indiana, Pa. Greetings received from the Somerset County Teachers' Institute, three hundred and seven teachers present. Greetings re-turned by Westmoreland dounty Teachers' Institute, three hundred and ninety present. Report of committee on spelling: James B. Wallace, of Painterville, missed sixteen words, first prize ; E. G. Hays, of Ligonier, missed twenty-one words, second prize. AFTERNOON SESSION.—Roll-call, etc. Recitation by Professor King. Reports made by committees on penmanship and drawing. W. P. Dewalt, followed by others, discussed the question, When shall perma-nent certificates be annulled? Election of committee on permanent certificates. Professor S. K. Henrie presented his class in English Grammar before the institute. The exercise was highly interesting. Professor J. H. Young gave in-struction on the subject of marking progress in school, and derivation of words. Instruction by Professor Ladd. Superintendent Spiegel then with regret read a telegram which announced that John B. Gough would not be present. EVENING SESSION.—Institute met in Opera-House at 7.30 P.M. Profe,ssor King recited " Over the Hills to the Poor-House." Address by Professor Young. Professor King recited " Winter Winds" and "Little Lover." Address by Professor J. J. Ladd. 382 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. FRIDAY MORNING SESSION.—Institute convened in court-house at 9 A.M. Roll-call. Superintendent Spiegel read an article on school discipline, after which remarks were made on the care and general appearance of school property. Recitation by Professor Shields. Professor Young gave a talk on school organization. Professor J. H. Ryckman gave a talk on English Literature. Instruction by Professor Ladd. Committee elected on permanent certificates : J. Chamberlain, H. M. Jones, W. H. Morrow (Manor, Pa.), J. J. Sharp, G. H. Hugus. AFTERNOON SESSION.—Roll-call, etc. Professor Young gave instruction do derivation of words. Instruction by Professor Ladd. Professor Young recited " Schneider's Jug." Professor James Silliman was then called to the chair, when the committee on resolutions made its report. The report was received and the committee discharged. Resolutions were adopted. A vote of thanks was tendered to Professors Ladd, Young, Ryckman, King, and Francis for their valuable instructions. Addresses were made by Revs. Stevenson, Sheerer, Smith, Jones, Moorhead, and Houtz, and by Professors Young, Hugus, Ryckman, King, Henry, and Ladd. Superintendent J. R. Spiegel then addressed the institute with brief remarks, in which he thanked his secretaries, the citizens of the town, and all who assisted in the management of institute affairs. A vote of thanks was tendered to Superintendent Spiegel for his untiring zeal in the interests of our common schools. Music, " Sweet By and By." Benediction by Rev. Stevenson. FRIDAY EVENING SESSION.—Dr. Willits, of Philadelphia, held a very large and appreciative audience in the Opera-House for one hour and forty-one minutes while he delivered his celebrated lecture, "Sunshine, or the Secrets of a Happy Life." CHAPTER XLVI. MEXICO. Public Excitement on Declaration of War, May 18, 1846—Military Spirit—Companies in Greensburg—Promptness of the Young Men of Westmoreland in responding to the Call for Volunteers--" Westmoreland Guards"—Roll—Affairs about Greensburg before their Departure —The Company's Place in the Army—Account of the War in Mexico, and Particulars of the Campaign of Gen. Scott's. Army—Services of the Second Regiment and the "Guards" from Vera Crus to MexiooHonors paid the Company on its Return—Sketches of Capt. Simon H. Drum, Lieut. Richard Johnston, Andrew Ross, and other Members of the Company—Casualties and Deaths—Roll of the Company when discharged. WHEN war was declared with Mexico, the generation of that day knew of war only from the fame of it. The glories of the battles that were fought by the Texans for their liberation from Mexico were carried on the winds all over the republic, like as the fame of the Trojans had reached Carthage. Many years of peace had laid over the land, and of the terrors and anguish of war the young of that day knew nothing. Besides this there was something attractive in the thought and the expectation of waging a war in a foreign country, with a people who were not of the same blood, nor bound to us by any ties of affinity. Nay, the first popular knowledge of them was born in enmity. The highly-colored episodes of border history, the romantic although inhuman destruction of those Americans who fought to the death at Goliad and the Alamo, the glories of San Jacinto, all conspired to make popular the talk of war with Mexico. Besides that it was a country which lay remote, a journey of many days, either over broad uninhabited plains or zeroes the waters of theGulf. It was an empire in history, and its capital and larger cities were said to contain great stores and accumulations of costly materials. There still existed the marble baths, the lofty porticos, and the well-preserved palaces of the ancient Montezumas ; there were the remains of the temple dedicated to the sun, whom the old Toltees worshiped, still magnificent in its decaying splendor, the stone basin used to catch the blood of the human sacrifices, the grand cathedrals of the modern Spaniards. This was the land which produced the luscious fruits of the tropics, where the clime was genial, and the fields were always ripening under the bright rays of an unchanging summer sun. The military spirit at that time was in the ascendant. There were militia companies, under the military-volunteer system of the State then in existence, in nearly every village, and almost every place of importance had two and three companies. There were two or three companies at that time in Greensburg. In these the best class of the community paraded regularly without distinction of social standing. Attorneys, clergymen, doctors, merchants, clerks, mechanics, apprentices, and laborers were members of these companies. Westmoreland was prompt in responding to the call of the country, and sent more than one hundred of her young men to the battle-fields of Mexico. They were not of the class that generally compose the rank and file of an army, but were her choicest spirits, her favorite sons, the flower of the county. Hardship and toil and death terribly thinned their ranks, for nearly one-third of their number who followed the flag of their country to the war did not return to their friends. Some struggled home, it is true, but to die; some expired by the way ; the bodies of some were filing to the sharks of the Gulf; the bodies of others were buried in the sands of Vera Cruz, at Jalapa, Petote, Puebla, in the Valley of Mexico. It was the fortune of a few, and comparatively but a few, to fall on the field of battle ; the greater number sunk under the fatal diseases of a hostile country. The names of the dead, who had, in the words of a gallant comrade, the "privilege of dying in the fight," have thus attained the celebrity and insured the remembrance which no public memorial can aid. MEXICO - 383 The roll of the company recruited at Greensburg follows : BOLL OF THE WESTMORELAND GUARDS- COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Captain, John W. Johnston ; first lieutenant, James Armstrong; second lieutenant, Washington Murry ; second junior lieutenant, James Coulter. NON-COMMISSIONERS OFFICERS First sergeant, Henry C. Marchand ; second sergeant, Thomas J. Barclay ; third sergeant, H. Byers Kuhns; fourth sergeant, James M. McLaughlin; first corporal, James M. Carpenter; second corporal, Andrew Ross; third corporal, William Bigelow ; fourth corporal, Daniel C. Byerly. MUSICIANS Drummer, Andrew J. Forney ; fifar, Michael J. Kettering. PRIVATES. John Aikens. Andrew Bates. Hugh Y. Brady George W. Bonnin. William A. Campbell Humphrey Carson. Richard Coulter. Archibald Dougherty Henry Fishel. Samuel Gorges John R. Grow. Frederick Haines James M. Hartford. James Hays Andrew R. Huston. James Johnston. Jacob Kagarize John Kerr Jacob Kuhn. Philip Kuhns Jacob Linsebigler - - Macready. George (Buck) May William H. Melville. Samuel Milner Samuel C. Morehead Peter McCabe. Samuel McClanen James H. McDermott. Robert C. McGinley. Amon McLane William McWilliams Frederick Rexwood. Joseph Shaw Thomas Spears. Henry Scickle. Nathaniel Thomas James Underwood William R. Vance Lebbens Allshouse. McClure Bills. Samuel Byerly. Henry Bloom. Hagen Carney. Milton Cloud. George Decker. James L. Elliott. Henry Geesyn. Andrew D. Gordon. George Haggerty. Edward Hansberry. George W. Hartman. Michael Heasely. Jacob Hoffer. Richard H. L. Johnston. William Kelly Henry Keeler Daniel S. Kuhns. Edmund B. Landon Benjamin Maris. Jacob Marchand David Mechling Jacob P. Miller. Samuel H. Montgomery. Lewis Myers Richard McClelland John McCollam. Charles McGarvey. William McIntire James McWilliams David R. M'Cutcheon. James Eager. Chauncey F. Sergeant. William R. Shields Frederick D. Steck. John Taylor. Israel Uncapher Samuel Waters At a public meeting held at Greensburg on the 23d of December, 1846, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of procuring conveyances to carry the volunteers from the county to the rendezvous at Pittsburgh. They passed the holidays of 1846 at Greensburg. They were most hospitably and generously entertained by .the citizens of the place. On Monday evening, Dec. 28, 1846, they were entertained by the ladies of the town, at which entertainment a superb supper was given them. On Tuesday afternoon the Rev. Mr. Brownson presented each member of the company with a handsome copy of the Bible, which were received by Andrew Ross, Esq., on behalf of his comrades. On Wednesday morning, at an early hour, the company started for Pittsburgh in carriages and coaches, expecting and intending to reach the city the same day. Liberal contributions were made by the citizens of Greensburg and of various places, and that nothing should be wanting for the comfort and welfare of the men, the county commissioners, at the request of various citizens of the county, gave an additional donation. At Pittsburgh, on the steps of the St. Charles Hotel, Capt. Johnston was presented with a beautiful sword. Mr. McCandlass made the presentation in a neat and patriotic speech, to which Capt. Johnston feelingly replied. The Westmoreland Guards were designated as Company E, Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and were attached to Gen. Pillow's brigade, Gen. Patterson's division, in Gen. Scott's army. When they were mustered in they numbered ninety-four men all told. Mustered into service Jan. 1, 1847, left Pittsburgh Jan. 8, 1847, landed at Vera Cruz March 9th, were engaged in all the principal battles from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, and were mustered out, forty-four men all told, July 14, 1848. William B. Roberts was colonel of the Second Pennsylvania when the regiment took the field, but Col. John W. Geary subsequently succeeded to the command on the sickness and disability of Col. Roberts. In this war our armies operated upon three lines, and were known as " the Army of the West," commanded by Stephen W. Kearney ; " the Army of Occupation," under the command of Gen. Zachary Taylor; and " the Army," commanded by Gen. Winfield Scott. It is not of our province to relate the history of this war, nor to give in detail the campaigns of the several armies. But as any succinct history of this war is not to our knowledge within the reach of the ordinary reader, we shall give a short relation of the campaign of Gen. Scott's army, the one in which were the Pennsylvanians. VERA CRUZ. The forces designated to operate on the line from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico had their rendezvous at the Island of Lobos, and proceeded thence to the shore west of the Island of Sacrificios. Early in March, the weather being propitious and the arrangements of the naval squadrons being perfect, the troops debarked on the Mexican shore in fine order. On the 22d of March, the surrender of the city of Vera Cruz having first been demanded, the batteries opened fire. The fleet assisted. The fortress of San Juan, the gateway to the city and the West, held out; but on the morning of the 26th, when arrangements had been made to carry the works by assault, the Mexican commander made overtures of surrender. On 384 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. the 29th the troops took possession of the city and castle. CERRO GORDO. On the 14th of April our army was in presence of the Mexican army, and for the purpose of a flank march and to close their line of retreat, Scott ordered a road to be cut to the right of the American army, but to the left of Cerro Gordo, which wound round the base of the mountain in rear of the Mexican forts, then rejoining the Jalapa road behind their entire position. It took three days to do the work, but on the 17th, while approaching the Mexican lines, our working party was discovered and fired upon. A part of one of the divisions of our army, under Harney, advanced up the hill and charged the enemy with such impetuosity that they drove them down the steep and up and over the neighboring heights. While our batteries from the heights which they now occupied in front of Cerro Gordo, and while Harney with his command rushed on to storm its heights, Shields pressed forward in the direction of the enemy's left to seize the Jalapa road and prevent the escape of the fugitives. The heights were captured, and the enemy, attacked by Shields, were completely routed. They here lost twelve hundred in killed and wounded, and three thousand as prisoners. Jalapa was taken on the 19th, Perote on the 22d, and Puebla on the 5th of May. These all lay in the line of march. But of the fourteen thousand who assembled at Lobos, now on the 15th of May not more than five thousand effectives were on hand to march to the city of Mexico. Hence the delay in the forward movement until August. Successive reinforcements under Cadwalader, Pillow, and Pierce increased the army at Puebla to eleven thousand. On the 7th of August, 1847, Gen. Scott marched from Puebla with this force, divided into a cavalry brigade and four divisions. After a few days' march the army passed over the crest of the mountains, and when the weary soldiers were almost worn out a sudden turn in the road brought them in view of the splendid panorama of the rich Valley of Mexico. Far off they beheld the lofty steeples, the checkered domes, the silver lakes of the historic city, and behind it the volcanoes which threw up fire over the broad belt of snow that covers them even in summer. But the road thither was fortified at every height, at every bridge, and in every ravine. The attempt to advance by the National road was abandoned, and a passage that existed around the south end of Lake Chalo was sought to be made practicable for the army. This was successfully done. The divisions of the army lay within supporting distance of each other. This route was thought by the Mexicans to be impracticable. On the 18th all the army was in position near San Augustine, on the farther side, and on the Acapulco road, nine miles from the capital. In their way, however, lay the pass of San Antonia. It being strong, and on a narrow causeway, the plan of attack was to turn San Antonio by taking CONTRERAS. On the 19th a portion of the army (four brigades), advanced and fought vigorously with the enemy until night. The superiority of the enemy's numbers and the nature of the ground enabled them to hold our army in check and prevent our advance upon their front. On the slope west of the village was the immense reserve of Santa Anna, about 10,000 men. But when the final arrangements were made, and when a route had been found for the infantry to gain the rear of the enemy's position, the combat began. At 3 o'clock in the morning the march began by the forces detailed to gain the rear ; at the same time the positions were taken by the rest of the divisions in the flanks and in front. About sunrise the assault was made on the Mexicans' rear and both flanks. The whole army as here bestowed was commanded by Gen. Smith, who had arranged the plan, although he was not the senior officer. The intrenchments were stormed and the works carried. All this in seventeen minutes. In the whole war no more brilliant or decisive victory is recorded. It was here that the Fourth Artillery recaptured, with great joy and exultation, two of its guns which had been lost at Buena Vista. CHERUBUSCO lies about four miles east of Contreras, but is six miles distant by the road. Contreras being won, Gen. Worth's division was ordered to attack San Antonio, to open a shorter and better road to the capital for our siege and other trains, and, after carrying that, to move on and join the other divisions in attacking Cherubusco. The garrison of San Antonio retreated. The Mexican army under Santa Anna were concentrated in and around Cherubusco. In the attack two battles raged at two different points of attack. The parapets were from all directions, ditches were crossed, all fortified places were captured one after another, and at length the citadel itself, which crowned the heights, was entered sword in hand. Victory followed victory, and at length the American dragoons on the rear of the Mexicans, with the sword at their loins, drove the fugitive enemy to the very gates of the city of Mexico. In these engagements 9000 Americans were engaged, whose loss was 1000 in killed and wounded, while the loss of the Mexicans, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, exceeded 7000 out of 32,000. The five battles fought on this 20th of August were Contreras, San Antonio, the We du pont , the Convent of Cherubusco, and the action with the right wing of Santa Anna's army. But the city was not yet to fall. An armistice was signed, negotiations for peace were begun, and our army was halted two miles and a half from the city to await the result. On the 6th of September these negotiations ended fruitlessly. MEXICO - 385 MOLINO DEL REY. A stone building of thick and high walls, with towers at the end, was at the foot of the hill slope, to the west of Tacu,baya, where Scott had established his headquarters. This itself was nearly a mile south of the hill of Chapultepec. West of Molino del Rey lies the Casa de Mata, another thick and massive building. Between these points were Santa Anna's forces, 14,000, in line of battle. On the 8th of September, 3154 made the attack in three columns. The centre was pierced, then the small attacking force was driven back, but, supported, again rushed forward, penetrated through the lines of the enemy and isolated the two wings. Here on the left, at Molino del Rey, Drum's Battery did such excellent service, and here fell the gallant Dick Johnston. While this attack was being made here, a heavy column of Mexican cavalry and infantry defiled around Casa Mats. upon our extreme left. These were met and routed. Casa Mata was abandoned. The field was ours, but the battle was the bloodiest battle of the whole war. Our loss was 787 killed and wounded, of whom 58 were officers. That of the enemy, killed, wounded, and prisoners, was 3000. On the morning of the 12th of September our batteries opened fire upon CHAPULTEPEC, and continued it until night. The hill of Chapultepec is a steep, bluff, rocky height, rising one hundred and fifty feet above the surrounding grounds, and defended by a strong castle of thick stone walls. The fortress is about nine hundred feet long. The base of the hill was defended by a thick and high stone wall, and inside of it lay a considerable body of troops. The lower slope of the hill was mined. Beyond the mines and about midway of the ascent was a strong redoubt clasping the entire front. This was also filled with troops. Above this redoubt was an inner wall, inclosing the crest of the hill with a wide and deep ditch. Inside of this wall was the main fortress or citadel, filled with troops under Gen. Bravo, and defended by eleven pieces of artillery. At 8 A.M. on the 13th the signal was given for assault on the cessation of fire of the heavy batteries. It was stormed on all sides, under a terrible shower of balls. They reach the ditch, bridge it with fascines; the scaling-ladders are placed against the massive walls; they mount and rush into the citadel. The South Carolina and New York Volunteers and the Second Pennsylvania, in which are the Westmorelanders, all on the left of Quitman's line, together with portions of the storming parties, crossed the meadows in front under a heavy fire, and entered the outer inclosure of Chapultepec just in time to join in the final assault from the west. A brief but fierce struggle occurred, the fortress was carried, its artillery was captured, and a large number of prisoners were taken. THE CITY OF MEXICO at length lay open to attack. The army attacked in two columns under Worth and Quitman. The enemy fought in the suburb's, and gallantly defended their gates, but when the morning of the 14th of Septem-ber, 1847, dawned both columns marched into the city without resistance, and this wondrous battle-march from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico was history. The following sketch, being the epitome of an extended diary kept by one of the members of the company, Mr. Thomas J. Barclay, now deceased, gives in detail the part taken by the " Guards" in the campaign from their landing at Vera Cruz: " From that time things proceeded rapidly. Vera Cruz was invested; in three days after the trenches were opened the city surrendered, having only sustained a bombardment of twenty-four hours. The army at once proceeds to Cerro Gordo. On the 18th of April, 1847, they make the attack. The position is taken by storm. Santa Anna sustains a crushing defeat. Three thousand prisoners, four thousand muskets, many battle-flags, abandoned artillery, and what remained of the Mexican army in flight, these are the trophies of this almost unparalleled act of skill and heroism. On the 21st of April, 1847, three days after the battle of Cerro Gordo, Mr. Barclay was appointed first sergeant of Company E, commanded by Capt. John W. Johngton. Gen. Scott, towards the close of April, sent back four thousand of his men wbotse term of enlistment had expired. The remaining troops advance, and on the 8th of July, 1847, the large city of Puebla surrender, without battle. The army of invasion now numbers only four thousand five hundred. In four short months the army had lost five thousand five hundred men by casualties got of a total of fourteen thousand, and four thousand by reason of expiraUon of term of enlistment had returned home. Company E, which left Pittsburgh with an aggregation of ninety-four men, now only numbers seventy. More than one-fourth of the entire number are gone. They will suffer other losses before the capital of Mexico is taken. The government of the United States forwarded other troop. to make up for the losses, and the army is again raised to fourteen thousand five hundred. Six hundred able-bodied men and six hundred convalescents are placed in the garrison at Puebla to guard that point and to take care of the twenty-five hundred sick confided to their care, and among the list of the sick is the captain of Company E. Gen. Scott leaving Puebla advanced with the balance of the army, numbering ten thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight men. He has now reached a point of great danger ; nearly month of marching must elapse before the small invading army can reach the capital. A blazing sun in a tropical climate ie pouring down his hottest rays. The army is cut off from its base, and is surrounded on all sides by hostile populations. Hungry and desperate guerrillas hang on the flanks of the army, as it advances. Santa Anna is organizing another army to make a last and desperate defense before the capital of the nation. It may be twenty or one hundred and fifty thousand men. He has had over four months to accomplish this. The little army is advancing into the jaws of certain death, or to victory that will cover them with imperishable glory. The national honor is in the keeping of that little band of brave men. Westmoreland County had a deep stake In that apparently forlorn march. Company Z was mainly constituted of the Oils of the county. Having crossed the table-lands and mountains which separated Puebla from the capital, the army approached the capital From the 18th to 20th August the battles of Contreras, San Antonio, and Cherubusco were fought. The Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers came up on the 12th September, and formed part of the guard of Batteries Nos. 1 and 2. On the 13th September the rock of Chapultepee, crowned with strong Spanish fortifications of the seventeenth century, which commanded all its approaches, was stormed and taken after a bloody resistance. The Second Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteers, including Company E, formed part of the storming party, and on the same day this company assisted in the attack which carried the Mexican Batteries No. 1 and 2 on the causeway leading from the castle. The city fell into the hands of the invading army, and on the 14th September, 1847, Company E formed part of the garrison of the city. Santa Anna retreated with the remnant of hie army, soon after to fall upon the garrison at Puebla, where the sick and wounded had been left. In 386 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. the battles fought around the capital the invading army took thirty-seven hundred prisoners, thirteen of whom were generals and three ex-Presidents, and seventy-five cannon and many small-arms, and the invading army after leaving Puebla lost in the conflict tweuty-seven hundred and three men, more than one-fourth of the invading force that left Puebla." The honors which Westmoreland paid to her children when they returned were heartfelt and substantial. They were feted and feasted wherever they went. A meeting had been held at Greensburg, which was attended by delegates from all sections of the county, at which arrangements were made to welcome home the returning members of the Guards. Accordingly, when Capt. Johnston's company arrived at the wharf at Pittsburgh, on the morning of the 11th of July, 1848, they were there met when they put their feet on shore by the chairman of the committee of arrangements and cordially welcomed back. " A host of warm hearts from old Westmoreland," so says a Pittsburgh paper of the time, " were soon on the steamer ; fathers and sons, wives and sweethearts were found in happy communion." And again : " They were escorted to their quarters by a number of our citizens and some friends from Westmoreland. We got a fair look at them as they passed our office. We think them the best-looking fellows that have yet returned ; this is the opinion of all. Capt. Johnston, as well as his men, deserve great credit for the really good appearance they made." They were escorted from Pittsburgh by the committee and citizens, and their entire progress was one constant ovation. The volunteers turned out, addresses were made, dinners given, toasts drank, ballrooms festooned, fiddlers pensioned, and the fair were ready, everywhere ready, to honor the returning brave. Nor did these demonstrations cease at the county town. Wherever a squad of these veterans came they met the same hearty welcome. A large meeting was held at Youngstown, near to which was the home of Capt. Johnston and of many who had accompanied him to the war. Arrangements had been made, a procession was formed with a chief marshal and assistant marshals, the military were in line, and the citizens in carriages. They were met a mile out of the town. As they approached they were honored with a national salute from the brass field-pieces. The town was hung with garlands, flags, streamers, and arches of evergreens. They were welcomed home in a neat speech, and conducted to a tavern at which had been provided abundance of refreshments. When the cloth was removed a meeting was organized : toasts were read in which the valor and bravery of the Guards were the principal theme. At night " bright eyes looked love to eyes again, and all went merry as a marriage-bell." Early in 1848 it was proposed to raise a plain but durable monument inscribed with the names of all the Westmorelanders that served in the war. For a time it looked probable that the project would be accomplished. But after the first expressions of regard the matter ceased to be agitated, and the fortunate moment passing, the memorial was abandoned by that generation and left to another. Simon H. Drum, who fell gloriously before the gates of the city of Mexico, Sept. 13, 1847, was a native of Greensburg, son of Simon Drum, Esq., and a brother of Richard C. Drum, the present adjutant-general of the army. He was a captain in the Fourth United States Artillery in Mexico. By a desperate charge at Contreras he recovered the cannon taken from his own regiment at Buena Vista. When he got a glimpse of the guns, he turned to his men and said, " See those guns, men : they belong to the Fourth Artillery, and we must take them." A prominent historian of the war thus mentions his services at Chapultepec : " Captain Drum's battery kept up a constant and destructive fire the whole day at Chapultepec. Quitman's division, consisting of the Second Pennsylvania and South Carolina and New York Volunteers, a battalion of United States marines, occupied a position in supporting distance of the battery." In every account of this battle the services and the gallant conduct of this artillery are highly and commendably spoken of. Amid the tempest of fire that preceded his death, being unable to move his guns on account of the loss of his men, he turned to the Westmoreland Guards, who lay in the arches of the aqueduct beside him. Many of them had been his schoolmates ; and these were those who would carry back to Westmoreland the story of the glorious bravery of one of her sons. He turned to them and said, `.` Will not some of my Westmoreland friends lend a hand?" The response, so another one said who was not a Westmorehinder, " did honor to old Westmoreland." His last words to his comrades were, " Forward the battery !" Some of his comrades or friends composed a beautiful pot n upon the subject of his death, which was published in the Pittsburgh Morning Post late in 1847, and in it appeared these lines : "And Westmoreland, whose fearless sons Saw thee in death expire, Thou, and her brave, heroic ones, Whose fall she mourns, to her bequeath Glory's unfading laurel wreath,— And sacred patriot fire,— Which she will cherish while remains Each green hill of their native home, While living verdure crowns the plains, By honor hallow'd, where their names Have mouldered in the tomb." He was born June 8, 1807 ; entered the Military Academy at West Point, and graduated with distinguished honor, July, 1829. He was on active duty in the Black Hawk war, and served for three years in the Florida war as an officer of artillery. In 1846 he joined Gen. Wool in his long and arduous march through Mexico to Saltillo, performing duty as assistant-inspector-general. From there. he marched, in command of his company, with Worth's division to MEXICO - 387 join Gen. Scott in the attack upon Vera Cruz. In the whole campaign he conducted himself with that cool and accomplished bravery for which he was so remarkably distinguished, and at Cerro Gordo and Contreras his gallantry displayed itself in a conspicuous manner. The following observations were made upon the news of the death of Capt. Drum and Richard H. J. Johnston at Molino del Rey, and they show what a deep feeling of sorrow pervaded the community upon the occasion : "But what shall we say of the gallant but unfortunate Dick Johnston? He volunteered, as all know, as the private soldier of his country less than a year ago; was shortly afterwards appointed a lieutenant by the President, distinguished himself for his daring and courage, and fell. fighting gallantly, in view of the city of Mexico. How much he is regretted by all who knew him here is more than we can express. Under a rough and blunt exterior he had a heart as kind and as fearless as ever beat in human breast. He was the youngest brother of three who went to Mexico together. One was stricken down by the disease of the climate and wee barely able to reach home, where, thank Providence I his health has been restored. The other, Capt. Johnston, is still in Mexico, suffering much from impaired health. And the gallant Richard, who followed the steps of his elder brothers to battle, escaped almost entirely the sickness of the climate to fall in the sanguinary conflict of King's Mill, like a true soldier, ' with his back to the field and his feet to the foe.' "Capt. Drum and Lieut. Johnston were both natives of this county, and the eons of two of our oldest and most respectable families. Their friends have the deep sympathy of the entire community in their .bereavement. They have, besides, the consolation of knowing that these gallant men fell nobly in discharge of their duty; that they fell where the brave and chivalrous soldier wishes to fall, if fall he must, in the thickest of the tight, and that their memories will be respected wherever patriotism is honored and the true soldier of his country has friend." Andrew Ross died on board the steamer " New Orleans," April the 30th. He was born in Allegheny township, graduated at Union College, New York, studied law at Greensburg, and had been admitted but a short time when the war broke out. He was among the first to volunteer. He died on shipboard from exposure and sickness contracted in the open campaign field. His body was thrown into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. James Kerr, a native of Sewickley township, had just been prepared to enter upon his professional career, that of the law, when he enlisted into the Guards. His disease developed itself at New Orleans, yet he pressed forward to Lobos, and thence to Anton Lizardo, near Vera Cruz. Here he was unable to go on shore, but died on shipboard on the 11th of March. At a meeting of the bar, held at the sheriff's office on the 5th of June, 1847, suitable and appropriate resolutions of respect and condolence were passed in memory of these young men who died in Mexico. George May, of Youngstown, James M. Hattford, of Stewartsville, and Lewis Myers, of Carlisle, died at Vera Cruz before the march began. Lieut, Washington Murry died on the 16th of June (1847), on his homeward passage, between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. He took part in the capture of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, and in the battle of Cerro Gordo. He left Jalapa on the 28th of May, on a furlough to recruit his health in the United States. His remains were interred in the graveyard of the Long Run Church, near Stewartsville. Andrew Jackson Forney, drummer to the " Guards," died in the Marine Hospital at Louisville on the 18th of June. He had been discharged at Vera Cruz some time before, and was on his way home, when he became so ill he had to stopover at Louisville, where he died. Andrew R. Huston died in the hospital at Vera Cruz, of yellow fever, on the 18th of June. When the army moved forward from Jalapa he was left in charge of the sick, and tips himself fell a victim to disease. William A. Campbell, on account of ill health, received a certificate of discharge at Jalapa on the 8th of June. He arrived with much difficulty at his father's house near Blairsville, where he died on the 12th of July. Henry C. Marchand was honorably discharged on account of ill health. Arriving home in May, 1847, he was compelled for a long time to keep his room and bed. James Johnston, assistant quartermaster's sergeant, and Corporal James M. Carpenter were honorably discharged on account of sickness, and they both arrived home towards the middle of June. William Wentz took sick beyond the city of Jalapa, while the company were encamped there, and died in the garrison. Robert McGinley, from Salem township, died in the city of Mexico. Sergt. James M. McLaughlin, of Greensburg, son of Randall McLaughlin, died at home on the 30th of March, 1848, in the twenty-second year of his age. He took part in all the battles in which the " Guards" were engaged, from Vera Cruz to Mexico. After the battles of the city of Mexico he was disabled for duty by sickness, was discharged, and arrived home December the 25th, 1847, and was compelled to keep his room almost constantly till the day of his death. Jacob Miller, a private, who was wounded in the leg at Cerro Gordo, left Jalapa on the 8th of June (1847) for home, where he arrived about the middle of July. George Decker, a private, was wounded at Chapultepec, 13th September, 1847, returned home, near Salem, and died 19th August, 1871, in Penn township. The following list includes the volunteers who went from Westmoreland County with the Duquesne Grays, First Pennsylvania Regiment, as also a full list of the Westmoreland Guards, arranged under appropriate heads : DUQUESNE GRAYS (FIRST REGIMENT). John C. Gilchrist, Esq., killed in battle, 12th October, 1847. James Keenan, Jr., promoted second lieutenant, 11th Infantry. Richard C. Drum, promoted second lieutenant, 11th Infantry. Joseph Spencer, died at Perote, Mexico. Henry Bates, died at Perote, Mexico. William Burns, no return. 388 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. WESTMORELAND GUARDS (SECOND REGIMENT). Killed in Battle—at Molino del Rey.—R. H. L. Johnston, promoted first lieutenant, 11th Infantry. Died in Mexico.—Samuel Gorgas, George Hagerty, James N. Hartford, Andrew R. Huston,. John Kerr, Daniel S. Kuhns in consequence of a wound), Jacob Linsenbigier, John McCollam, Robert C. McGinley, Edward McCredin, George May, William H. Melville, Lewis Myers, Joseph Shaw, Thomas Spears, Nathaniel Thomas, William R. Wentz. Discharged and Died coming Home.—Lieut. Washington Murry, Lieut. Andrew Rose (11th Infantry, promoted), Drummer A. Jackson Forney. Discharged and Died at Home.—William A. Campbell, Esq., Sergt. James M. McLaughlin, Michael Heasly. Discharged.—H. C. Marchand, Esq., J. M. Carpenter, John R. Grow, Edward Haneberry, James Johnston, William Kelly, Edmund B. Landon, Philip Kuhns, William McIntire, Jacob P. Miller (wounded), Jonathan Pease, Frederick Rexroad, John Taylor, Henry Fiehel, Jacob T. Wise, Archibald Dougherty. Promoted.—S H. Montgomery, assistant quartermaster. Promoted and Resigned.—H. Byers Kuhne, Thomas J. Barclay, second lieutenants, 11th Infantry. To Return.—Capt. J. W. Johnston, Lieut. James Armstrong, Lieut. James Coulter, David Mechling, Corp. William Bigelow, Fifer M. J. Kettering, John Aikens, Lebbius Allshouse, Andrew Bates, Hugh J. Brady, McClure Bills, Samuel A. Byerly, George W. Bonnin, Hagan Carney, Humphrey Carson, Milton Cloud, R. Coulter, Jr., George Decker, Samuel Elliot, James Underwood, Henry Geesyn, Andrew D. Gordon, Frederick Haines, George W. Hartman, James Hays, Jacob Hoffer, J. Kagarize, Henry Keelar, Jacob Kuhn, Benjamin Martz, Peter McCabe, Samuel McClaran, Amon McLain, Richard McClelland, D. R. McCutchen, Charles McGarvey, James McWilliams, William McWilliams, Jacob Marchand, Samuel Milner, Samuel C. Moorhead, James Rager, C. Forward Sargent, William R. Shields, Frederick D. Steck, Henry Stickle, Joseph Smith, Israel Uncapher, Samuel Walters. CHAPTER XLVII. WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR. The Call to Arms—The Response from Westmoreland—The Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers—History of its Colors—Biographical Sketch of Capt. E. H. Gay—The Fourteenth Regiment—The Twenty-eighth Regiment—The Fortieth Regiment (" Eleventh Reserve") —Forty-first Regiment (" Twelfth Reserve")—The Fifty-third Regiment—Sixty-fourth Regiment (Fourth Cavalry—Seventy-fourth Regiment — Eighty-fourth Regiment—One Hundredth Regiment (" The Round-Head Regiment")—The One Hundred and Fifth Regiment—One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment (Nine Months' Service)—One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment (Drafted Militia)—Two Hundred and Sixth Regiment (One Year's Service)—Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment (One Year's Service)—Two Hundred and Twelfth (Sixth Artillery) Regiment—The Militia of 1862—Militia of 1863—Colored Troops, etc. THE roar of Sumter's guns as it rolled northward along the Atlantic coast, and westward across the prairies, awakened the nation from its peaceful dream of half a century to the startling reality of armed rebellion and civil war. Following close upon the surrender of Fort Sumter came the call from Washington, not less startling than the report of the first cannon-shot, for volunteers to defend the rightful authority of the government. Every Northern State sent back the same enthusiastic response. Party lines were obliterated and political differences forgotten in the common danger. Cities, towns, and villages rivaled each other in their patriotic offers of men and means. Such an uprising had perhaps never before been witnessed. The State capital became the military rendezvous of Pennsylvania, and to Harrisburg her sons flocked from their shops and farms, from their stores, offices, and counting-rooms. Rapidly as the troops arrived they were organized into regiments and sent to the front, each regiment distinguished by the number that marked the order of its organizations THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. One week later than President Lincoln's call for troops, ten companies, representing six different counties and containing in all a thousand men, were united and formed into the Eleventh Regiment. Companies A, D, and G represented Lycoming County ; B and C, Clinton County ; E, Luzerne County ; F, Northumberland County ; H, Montour County ; and I, Capt. Richard Coulter, and K, Capt. W. B. Coulter, Westmoreland County. The election for field-officers that followed this union of companies resulted in the choice of Capt. Phaen Jarrett for colonel ; Capt. Richard Coulter, lieutenant-colonel ; and William D. Earnest, major. To complete the regimental organization, Lieut. A. F. Aul was appointed adjutant ; W. H. Hay, quartermaster ; Dr. W. F. Babb, surgeon ; and Dr. H. B. Buehler, assistant surgeon. It was mustered into the United States service April 26, 1861, and mustered out August 1st, having been recruited for three months' service. During this time it was actively engaged along the front lines on the Upper Potomac, repelling the advance of the then audacious enemy, and, in connection with the First Wisconsin Regiment, finally met and defeated them in their first fair, open field fight, at the battle of Falling Waters, where the afterwards famous name of "Stonewall" Jackson was first heard. While stationed at Martinsburg the conduct of the regiment so won the esteem of the citizens that the ladies of that place presented it a neat, substantial flag. Before the close of the " three months' service," on the application of a number of the officers, and through the personal solicitation and exertions of Col. Coulter, the Secretary of War continued the organization of the regiment, and permitted it to return to Harrisburg to recruit for the three years' service. It was finally recruited and mustered into service for three years, chiefly through the personal influence of Col. Richard Coulter. There was some dispute among the State officials as to the number to be given the regiment, most of them desiring to designate it the Fifty-first, which the officers refused to accept. The dispute was finally settled 'by an order from Governor Curtin, dated Harrisburg, Oct. 26, 1861 : "The regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers commanded by Col. Coulter mill continue to be known as the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. It is just to the officer' and men that the regiment should have future opportunities of displaying the courage and gallantry of Falling Waters, which is now a part of the military history of the State, under their original designation." On November 20th, Governor Curtin presented to the regiment its stand of colors provided by the State, and side by side with the flag presented by the Mar- WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 389 tinsburg ladies it was carried until after the close of the war. On November 27th it left for Baltimore, and reported to Gen. John A. Dix. The regimental roster of field- and staff-officers was as follows : Colonel, Richard Coulter, rank from July 19, 1881; appointed brevet brig.-gen. Aug. 1, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, and Spottsylvania; must out with regt. July 1, 1866. Lieutenant-colonel, Thomas S. Martin, rank from Sept 21,1861; killed at Bull Run, Va., Aug. 30, 1862. Lieutenant-colonel, Henry A. Prink, rank from Ang. 30, 1882; ap-pointed to col. 186th Penna. Vols., March 21,1864; wounded at Second Bull Run. Lieutenant-colonel, Benjamin F. Haines, rank from Dec. 13, 1864 ; appointed brevet col. March 13, 1865; must. out July 1, 1865 ; wounded at Second Bull Run, Gettyaburg, and Hatcher's Run. Major, Henry A. Frink, rank from Aug. 1, 1861 ; pro. to lieut-col. Major, John B. Keenan, rank from Aug. 30, 1882 ; wounded at Thoroughfare Gap; killed at Spottsylvania, May 8, 1864. Major, Benj. F. Haines, rank from Sept. 5, 1864; pro. to lieut.-col. Major, John B. Overmyer, rank from Dec. 13, 1864; appointed brevet lieut-col. March 13, 1866, and brevet col. April 1, 1865; wounded April 1, 1866 ; must. out July 1, 1866. Adjutant, Israel Uncopher, rank from Jan. 17,1862 ; resigned Nov. 28, 1882. Adjutant, Arthur F. Small, rank from January, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 27, 1863. Adjutant, John A. Stevenson, rank from Sept. 28, 1864; wounded April 1, 1865; must. out July 1, 1866. Quartermaster, George W. Thorn, rank from Sept. 30,1861; hon. disch. May 30, 1863. Quartermaster, Allen S. Jacobe, rank from June 3, 1863 ; died Oct. 18, 1863. Quartermaster, Samuel P. Lightcap, rank from June 30, 1865 ; not mustered. Quartermaster, Robert Anderson, rank from Nov. 22, 1864 ; pro. to capt. Co. G. Surgeon, R. S. M. Jackson, tank from Sept 9, 1861; resigned April 7, 1863; pro. to surg. U. S. A.; died in service at Chattanooga, Jan. 18, 1865. Surgeon, James W. Anawalt, rank from May 26, 1863; must. out July 1, 1865. Assistant surgeon, James W. Anawalt, rank from Oct. 15,1861; pro. to surg. 132d Regt. Sept.15, 1862. Assistant surgeon, Thomas G. Morris, rank from Sept. 17, 1862; re-signed Nov. 26, 1882. Assistant surgeon, W. C. Phelps, rank from Aug. 4, 1862; pro. to surg. 22d Cav. April 4, 1864. Amistant surgeon, W. F. Osborn, rank from Nov.24, 1863 ; pro. to surg. 117th Vols. Jan. 21, 1865. Assistant surgeon, John M. Rankin, rank from Jan. 24, 1865 ; must. out July 1, 1865. Assistant surgeon, Charles D. Fortney, rank from Feb. 25, 1865; must. out July 1, 1885. Chaplain, William H. Locke, rank from Nov.5, 1861; resigne4 Dec. 19, 1863. Sergeant-major, Edward H. Gay, must. in Nov. 27, 1861; pro. from private Co. K to sergt-maj. Jan. 15, 1862; to 2d lieut. Co. F, March 10,1862. Sergeant-major, John Ingram, must. in July 3,1862; disch. March 30, 1865. Sergeant-major, William J. Willyard, must. in Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. from sergt. Co. K May 30, 1865; must out with regt.; veteran. Quartermaster-sergeant, William R. Huber, must. in Oct. 4,1861; prto from 1st sergt. Co. E Oct. 18, 1861; disch. on surgeon's certificate Marsh 16, 1863. Quartermaster-sergeant, Samuel W. Phelps, must. in Nov. 27, 1861; pro. from private Co. D to com.-sergt. March 1, 1863; to q.m.-sergt April 1, 1863; to 2d lieut. April, 1864; veteran. Quartermaster-sergeant, Samuel P. Lightcap, must. in Nov. 8, 1861; pro. from private Co. H Oct. 1, 1864; com. Regt. q.m. June 30, 1865 ; not mustered; must. out with regt. July 1, 1865 ; veteran. Commissary-sergeant, Charles H. Clifford, must. in Oct. 4, 1861 ; pre. from private Co. E Dec. 1, 1863 ; disch. Oct. 3, 1864. Commissary-sergeant, N. B. Dilhorn, must. in Nov. 26, 1861; pro.from sergt. Co. A to com.-sergt. Dec. 24, 1864, to 2d lieut. Co. H May 20, 1866; veteran. Commissary-sergeant. Lewis P. Hays, must. in Oct. I, 1861; pro. from corp. Co. K May 30, 1865; must out July 1, 1865; veteran. Hospital steward, P. F. Hyatt, must. in Nov. 27, 1861; pro. to hosp. steward U.S.A. Jan. 23, 1863. Hospital steward, J. J. Briggs, must. in Oct. 4, 1861; pro. to hosp. steward March 1, 1863; to 2d lieut. Co. E March 28, 1864; veteran. Hospital steward, E. S. Stephenson, must. in March 1, 1866; must. out with regt. July 1, 1865. The regiment was engaged in provost guard duty, guarding railroads, etc., at Annapolis, Md., until April 18, 1862, when it was sent to the front, and sta-tioned for some time along the Manassas Gap Railroad. During the summer of 1862 it was actively engaged in the campaign under Gen. Pope, and was in the battles at Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, where it bore the brunt of the battle, Thoroughfare Gap, where, supported by part of Gen. Ricketts' division, it held the Gap against Hill's whole corps, and prevented the annihilation of Pope's army, Second Bull Run and Chantilly, after which it took part in the battles at South Mountain and Antietam. To write the history of the regiment from this time on would be to write a history of the Army of the Potomac, as it continued actively engaged in that army until it was finally diasolved, and space will only permit a brief mention of the principal engage-ments and actions it participated in, which are as follows : Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, Norfolk Railroad, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, raid to Hickford, Dabney's Mills, Hatcher's Run, Boydtown Plank-Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, and finally at Appomattox, where Gen. Lee's army surrendered. On Jan. 1, 1864, it re-enlisted as a veteran regiment for three years more, and came home in February, 1864, on furlough to recruit. Its thinned ranks were rapidly filled, and it again returned to the front. It left Harrisburg in November, 1861, with nine companies, numbering in the aggregate about seven hundred men. The tenth company joined it Aug. 27, 1862. The whole number belonging to the regiment and taken upon its rolls was nineteen hundred and eighty, showing that about eleven hundred and fifty joined as recruits or were transferred to its ranks after its organization. When it was finally discharged, July 6, 1865, it only numbered three hundred.and thirty-two, showing that about sixteen hundred and fifty were lost by deaths, losses in battles, discharges, etc. This was the oldest regiment in the service from Pennsylvania, being the only one whose old organization and number was continued, and there being the Eleventh Reserves and Eleventh Cavalry in the field from this State, this regiment was generally known and distinguished from the others as the " Old Eleventh." Of the gallantry. and general good soldierly conduct of the officers and men of this veteran rikiment, the long list of battles and the great number killed and wounded therein speak more forcibly than language. Of Col. Coulter we shall not speak 390 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. too high terms of praise; but his reputation is safe with the men he commanded, and they and the officers under whom he served will always commend him for his personal disregard of danger, his kindness of heart, and his excellent management of the regiment under all the trying circumstances to which it was exposed. His vigorous constitution was seriously shattered by three severe wounds, received respectively at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Spottsylvania, and for his gallant coufse in action he received the sobriquet of " Fighting Dick Coulter," by which he was almost universally known both. in the Confederate and Union armies. For the rosters of the Westmoreland companies of this regiment, see Appendix " R." THE REGIMENTAL COLORS.-The State flag was presented to the regiment by Governor Curtin, Nov. 20, 1861, and placed in the hands of Sergt. Charles H. Foulke, of Company A, who carried it until Aug. 11, 1862, at Cedar Mountain, where he was accidentally wounded in the foot, when it was placed in the hands of Sergt. Robert H. Knox, of Company C, who carried it August 21st to 24th, at Rappahannock Station, August 28th, at Thoroughfare Gap, and August 30th, at Second Bull Run, where he was severely wounded, losing his right leg, the flag passing on the field into the hands of 1st Sergt. Samuel S. Bierer, of Company 'C, who was immediately wounded. It was then taken by 2d Lieut. Absalom Schall, of Company C, who was severely wounded, when it was again taken by Sergt. Samuel S. Bierer, of Company C, who carried it to Centreville. Daniel Matthews carried it September 1st, at Chantilly, September 14th, at South Mountain, September 16th and 17th, at Antietam, where he was severely wounded, and it was taken by Private William Welty, of Company C, who was almost immediately killed: It was then delivered to Corp. Frederick Welty, of Company C, who was soon severely wounded and obliged to leave it on the field, where it remained some time, all of the men near it having been killed or wounded. It was next carried by 2d Lieut. Edward H. Gay, of Company F, 1 1 Carr. EDWARD H. GAY, born in Donegal township, Westmoreland Co., Fa., 29th October, 1842, was the son of John and Elizabeth Gay. In the year 1858 he entered the Republican printing-office at Greensburg, and on the next day after his apprenticeship had expired enlisted for the three months' service in Capt. Richard Coulter's company. At the end of this service he re-enlisted at Youngstown on the 27th November, 1861, under Capt. John B. Keenan, and was mustered into the United States service at Harrisburg. In January was appointed sergeant-major, in March he received the appointment of second lieutenant in Company F, and on the 15th of October (1861) he was commissioned as captain, all within eleven months, and when he was not twenty years of age. During the last three years in which be was in the service he was in thirteen engagements and was wounded three times. The engage-merits and dates are as follows: Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862; Rappahannock Station, Aug. 21, 1862; Thoroughfare Gap, August 28; Bull Run, August 30; Chantilly, September 1; South Mountain Gap, September 14; Antietam, September 17 ; Fredericksburg, December 13 ; with Burnside's advance, Jan. 20, 1863; Rappahannock, April 30 to May 2 ; Chancellorsville, May 2-6; Gettysburg, July 1, 2; Morton's Ford, October 10; Mine Run, November 28 to December 1. At Antietam he was twice wounded, in the arm and in the side, but who received two gunshot-wounds, and most bravely passed the flag to Sergt. Henry Bitner, of Company E, who retained it until the close of the action. Dec. 12 and 13, 1862, at the battle of Fredericksburg, it was carried by Corp. John V. Kuhns, of Company C, until he was three times severely wounded, losing his left leg. It was then borne by Cyrus W. Chambers, of Company C, who was killed, when it was taken by Corp. John W. Thomas, of Company C, who was also severely wounded. It was brought off the field by Capt. Benjamin F. Haines, of Company B. Corp. John H. McKalip, of Company C, was next made color-bearer, who carried it April 30th to May 5, 1863, at Chancellorsville, and July 1st at Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded in a charge upon Iverson's North Carolina brigade, the flag falling among some bushes, where it was afterwards discovered by Private Michael Kepler, of Company D, who carried it during the remainder of the engagements, July 1st, 2d, and 3d, and also at Mine Run, Dec. 1, 1863. In April, 1864, he being sick and absent, it was delivered to Corp. J. J. Lehman, of Company D, who carried it May 5th and 6th, in the Wilderness, and May 8th at Spottsylvania, where he was killed, and the flag was brought off the field by 2d Lieut. McCuthen, of Company F. The next color-bearer, whose name has not been ascertained, was severely wounded in the foot May 12th, at Spottsylvania. Corp. William Matthews, of Company C, carried it during the remainder of the engagement at Spottsylvania, and at North Anna, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, in front of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and bore it in the Hickford raid until December, 1864 ; Feb. 6 and 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mills ; March 28th, Quaker Road; March 30th, White Oak Ridge ; April 1st, Five Forks ; April 9th, Appomattox Court-House, and until May 28, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. John C. Scheurman, of Company A, then carried it until the regiment was mustered out of service, July 7, 1865. It was delivered to the State authorities at Harrisburg, and July 4, 1866, it was formally returned to the Governor at Philadelphia upon the occasion of the public return of all the State flags. such was his interest in his men and in the engagement that his superior officer had to order him peremptorily from the field before he would go, though his wounds were severe. At Gettysburg he was badly wounded in the hand, and in the fight his sword was shot from his grasp and his hand very much shattered. He was only absent on leave twice, a period of ten days each time. He had come home on a short furlough, but detailed on the recruiting service, he went at once to work without giving himself the necessary amount of rest from his arduous labors. In the midst of his duties he was taken sick with smallpox, two weeks before his death. He gradually sunk under the disease, and ou Saturday; the 12th of March, 1864, he died at Greensburg, aged twenty-one years, four months, and twelve days. His remains, accompanied by relatives, many members of his company and other companions in arms, and a vast concourse of citizens, were conveyed to the St. Clair Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, where, with other becoming services, they were interred with the honors of war. A fine marble shaft covered with appropriate emblems and inscriptions rises over his remains. WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 391 FOURTEENTH REGIMENT ( Three Months' Service). This regiment was formed at Camp Curtin, of companies raised in various sections of the State. The men had been recruited, or rather accepted, for the outpouring everywhere was at the flood tide, at periods varying from the 15th to the 30th of April. John W. Johnston, of Youngstown, former captain of Company C, and who had been a captain of volunteers in the Mexican war, was colonel. The regiment organized at Harrisburg, April 30, 1861, and was mustered out of service August 7th following. It served under Gen. Patterson in the region of Martinsburg, Charleston, and Bunker Hill, in which region it was when news was received of the battle of Bull Run. After its term of service, nearly all of its officers and men re-entered the service in various Pennsylvania organizations.' Captain Johnston's company from Youngstown, for the most part, entered the Eleventh Regiment upon its organization, and are identified with its history. TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT ( Three Years' Service). Early in June, 1861, Col. John W. Geary (who had served in the MexiCan war, was a native of this county, and afterward Governor of the State) obtained permission from President Lincoln to raise in Pennsylvania a regiment of volunteers to serve three years. He accordingly established a camp at Oxford Park, in Philadelphia, and on the 28th of that month the Twenty-eighth Regiment, which was uniformed and equipped at his own expense, was mustered into the service of the United States. It re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered out July 18, 1865, near Alexandria, Va. This regiment participated in the battles of Bolivar, Front Royal, Second Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain, Peach - Tree Creek, and in Sherman's march to the sea, and achieved a name for its gallantry and services hardly surpassed by that of any other organization in the Union army. At Lookout Mountain, Capt. E. R. Geary (son of the old colonel of this regiment), of Knapp's Battery, attached to the Twenty-eighth, was killed while sighting his gun, pierced by a rifle-ball through his forehead. The officers and men from this county were : Colonel, John W. Geary, rank from June 28, 1861 ; pro. to brig.-gen., U. S. V., April 25, 1862; wounded at Bolivar, Cedar Mountain, and Chancellorsville; pro. to maj.-gen. Jan. 12, 1865. Major, Robert Warden, must. in June 29th as capt. of Co. B; pro. to major April 25, 1862; died in Winchester, Va., June 30, 1862. Assistant surgeon, William Logan, with rank from June 28, 1961; resigned Sept. 26, 1862. FORTIETH REGIMENT-" ELEVENTH RESERVE"- (Three Years' Service). The companies comprising this regiment were recruited, A in Cambria, B and E in Indiana, C and D 1 For roster of the Westmoreland soldiers in this regiment, see Appendix " R." in Butler, F in Fayette, G in Armstrong, H and I in Westmoreland, and K in Jefferson County. Most of them were raised for the three months' service, but failing of acceptance still preserved their organizations, and when the Call for the Reserve Corps was issued marched to the rendezvous at Camp Wright, near Pittsburgh. It was mustered in July 1, 1861, at the park, Washington City, where it had arrived June 26th. It was mustered out June 14, 1864, at Pittsburgh, and its veterans and recruits transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment. It bravely participated in the following battles : Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross-Roads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Bristoe Station, Rappahannock Station, New Hope Church, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, and other smaller engagements. It was assigned to the Second Brigade, Brig.-Gen. George G. Meade, of the Reserve Corps, Maj.-Gen. George A. McCall, and was thus associated with the Third, Fourth, Seventh, and Thirteenth ("Bucktail") Reserve Regiments, which with it composed this celebrated brigade. The field-officers from Westmoreland County were: 2 Colonel, Thomas F. Gallagher, rank from July 2, 1861; diach. Dec. 12, 1862, for wounds received at South Mountain, Sept. 14,1861 ; pro. brevet brig.-gen. March 13, 1865. Quartermaster, Hugh A. Torrence, rank from June 21, 1861; pro. from 2d lieut. Co. E to q.m. July 2, 1861; to let lieut. March 1, 1863; to brevet capt. March 13, 1865. Chaplain, Adam Torrence, from S.nt. 8, 1862, to Nov. 10, 1863; resigned. FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT-" TWELFTH RESERVE" Three Years' Service). The companies raised for this regiment, raised primarily for the three months' service, but not accepted, rendezvoused at Camp Curtin. It was organized July 25, 1861, mustered into service Aug. 10, 1861, and mustered out June 11, 1864, and its veterans and recruits transferred to the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment. Its first colonel was John H. Taggart, of Philadelphia, who was succeeded July 8, 1862, by Martin D. Hardin, of the State of Illinois. Its chaplain was Rev. Obadiah H. Miller, of this county, appointed June 18, 1862, and who resigned June 9, 1863. It was first attached to Col. John S. McCalmont's Third Brigade of Gen. McCall’s division, in connection with the Tenth, Sixth, and Ninth Pennsylvania Reserve Regiments. Its gallantry was exhibited on many battle-fields, and particularly at Drainesville, Mechanicsville, Chickahominy, Charles City Cross-Roads, South Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg, and in the campaign under Gen. Grant at Wilderness, etc., that led to the surrender of Lee and the Confederate forces. For roster see Appendix " R." 2 For list of men from this county serving in the Fortieth, see Appendix " R." 392 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years' Service). On Aug. 21, 1861, John R. Brooke, of Montgomery County, was commissioned colonel of this regiment. On November 7th it moved to Washington, and encamped north of the Capitol. On the 27th it crossed the Potomac, went into camp near Alexandria, and was assigned to a brigade commanded by Gen. William H. French, in the First Division of Maj.-Gen. Israel B. Richardson, Second Corps, Maj.-Gen. E. V. Sumner. It remained here during the winter of 1861-62, and was with the army of the Potomac in its advance in March, 1862, arriving at Manassas Junction, which had been evacuated by the rebels, the 12th. It participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Yorktown, Gaines' Mill, Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Bristoe Station, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Strawberry Plains, Ream's Station, and Deep Bottom. It was organized Nov. 7, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered out June 30, 1865, near Alexandria, Va. Lieut.-Col. George C. Anderson, promoted from second to first lieutenant, Sept. 17, 1862; to major, Sept. 20, 1864 ; to lieutenant-colonel, Nov. 10, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment. 1 SIXTY-FOURTH REGIMENT-FOURTH CAVALRY (Three Years' Service). This regiment was recruited under the direction of David Campbell, of Pittsburgh, in compliance with authority granted by Governor Curtin, Sept. 4, 1861. Company A was recruited in Northampton County ; B, E, and G in Allegheny ; C and D in Westmoreland and Indiana; H, I, K, and L in Venango ; and M in Luzerne. The State colors were presented by Governor Curtin, in person, at Camp Campbell, Sept. 20, 1861. It was organized at Harrisburg from August to Octobar, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered out of service July 1, 1865, at Lynchburg, Va. It took part in the Peninsula campaign, and participated in the following engagements : Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross Roads, Hedgesville, Antietani, Markham Station, Kelly's Ford, Middleburg, Gettysburg, Upperville, Shepherdstown, Trevilian Station, Todd's Tavern, Sulphur Springs, Deep Bottom, St. Mary's Church, Ream's Station, Stony Creek Station, Boydton Roads, Wyatt's Farm, and Bellefield. At St. Mary's Church, June 24, 1864, the gallant Col. Covode, while issuing his orders and directing the fight, was shot down by a party of the enemy, whom, in their partial concealment, he had mistaken for his own. He was carried from the field, and much against his own will, nearly three miles to the rear, but in a desperate final rally of the enemy he fell into their hands. His wounds were mortal, and he expired on the following day. 1 See roster in Appendix " B." Darkness put an end to the contest, and enabled the division to retire in safety. This regiment here lost eighty-seven in killed, wounded, and missing. After crossing the James River, a scouting party, headed by Lieut. John C. Paul, penetrated the enemy's lines to ascertain the place of burial of the remains of Col. Covode. This having been discovered and reported to Gen. Gregg, he ordered a party of thirty with ambulances to proceed under cover of darkness and bring in his body and any of our wounded who could still be found, Capt. Frank H. Parke volunteered to accompany the party, which successfnlly accomplished the object assigned it without molestation. Colonel, George H. Covode, pro. from captain of Company D to major March 12, 1862; to lieutenant-colonel Dec. 8. 1863; to colonel May 28, 1864; killed at St. Mary's Church, Va., June 24, 1864. Major, James H. Trimble, resigned Aug. 6, 1862. Major, James Y. Peale, pro. from captain of Company D to major Sept. 9, 1864 ; to brevet lieutenant-colonel March 13, 1815. Major, N. J. Horrell, pro. from captain of Company C June 8, 1865. Adjutant, William B. McElroy, pro. to sergeant-major June 14, 1866; veteran. Chaplain, Henry Q. Graham, from Nov. 22, 1863, to Sept. 22, 1864. SEVENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years' Service). Early in the summer of 1861, when the government was in pressing need of troops, the design was formed of recruiting in Pittsburgh and vicinity a regiment to be composed of German citizens. A spirited appeal for pecuniary aid to prosecute the enterprise in an editorial in the Evening Chronicle so aroused the people's feelings that in a single day the requisite funds were secured, the Economy Society contributing, unasked, the sum of five hundred dollars. Having received the proper authority from the War Department, the committee in charge, headed by I. I. Siebuck, Joseph Abel, Joseph G. Siebuck, and Charles McKnight, citizens of Pittsburgh, commenced recruiting, and in three weeks' time had a regiment of nearly the requisite number ready for acceptance by the government. A portion of the regiment re-enlisted, seven new companies were assigned to it in March, 1865, and it was mustered out of service Aug. 29, 1865, at Clarksburg, West Va. It participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, in the latter of which its loss was one hundred and thirty-six. It afterwards saw service in South Carolina, and was subsequently stationed at Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, where it performed duty as heavy artillery. EIGHTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Year.' Service). This regiment was organized at Harrisburg from Nov. 22, 1861, to Oct. 1, 1862. Its re-enlisted men, recruits, etc., were transferred to the Fifty-seventh Regiment Jan. 13, 1865, and mustered out of service with that organization June 29, 1865, near Washing. ton, D. C. It participated in the battles of Winchester, Front Royal, Fort Republic, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Kelly's Ford, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 393 Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, and Poplar Spring Church.1 COMPANY C. The following sketch of Company C of the Eighty-fourth Regiment, the only company of Westmoreland troops in that command, has been specially prepared for this volume from materials in possession of some of its surviving members : When the call came for volunteers and every community manifested that restlessness incident to war, no place was more moved than the western portion of Ligonier Valley, comprising Ligonier, Cook, and Donegal townships. J. J. Wirsing and W. Logan concluded to raise a company, and rode through the country and solicited enlistments. This canvass resulted in the enlistment of forty men. James J. Wirsing was offered the captaincy in consideration of services in securing the enrollment, but on account of his youth he would not accept, and W. Logan was chosen captain, A. Douglass first, and J. J. Wirsing second lieutenant. Before the company, however, had seen active service J. J. Wirsing became its commanding officer. The following is a full list of the members of Com-pany C at its organization: Captain, William Logan, resigned. Lieutenant, A. Douglam, resigned. Lieutenant, J. J. Wining, promoted to captain, and mustered ont a pris-oner of war. SERGEANTS. William Hays, promoted to second lieutenant; wounded; discharged. Joseph McMasters, promoted to second lieutenant ; wounded; returned with company. John Stone, promoted to second sergeant: wounded; discharged. Robert R. Roberts, discharged. Charles McCieeve, discharged. Matthew Campbell, transferred to Invalid Corps; returned. Harman Hines, discharged. CORPORAL'S. John Felgar, returned. Moses Clark, returned. Jacob B. Barrone, wounded; discharged. George Hoffer, returned with company. Peter J. Kesler, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. Eli Johnston, returned with company. Jeremiah Wirsing, disabled and discharged. Joseph S. Hood, discharged. DRUMMER. Austin Ringler, returned with compeny. WAGONER. Michael Fry, discharged. PRIVATE Norman Ankeny, returned with company. William Akers, transferred from Company A ; killed. Aaron Brougher, wounded and returned. Jacob Binkey, wounded and discharged. Josiah Baldwin, returned. Adam Bales, returned. Isaiah Campbell, discharged. John E. Campbell, returned. John Cramer, returned. Reed A. Douglass, returned. John Douglass, returned. George S. Freeman, killed at Chancellorsville. Michael Fry, Jr., discharged. 1 See roster in Appendix " R." John Ge!say, returned. Jesse Hoffer, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. Eli Hannan, returned. George Hays, killed at Chancellorsville. Clement H. Hays, discharged. Jeremiah Hoffer, killed at Spottsylvania. John Heins, wounded; returned Samuel Hoffer, returned. John Johnston, returned. Jacob Johnston, killed before Richmond. tidal Johnston, discharged. James Kesler, died. Samuel Kunkle, returned. Daniel Kuhns, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corp.. Henry Knox, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. Jacob M. Knox, discharged. George Kissell, discharged. Daniel Kern, discharged. Isaac A. Moore, returned. Robert McLevain, died. George A. Miller, died. Robert C. Moore, discharged. Edward Monteoue, returned. William Miller, returned. Martin Miller, killed at Fredericksburg. Josiah Moore, returned. Adam Moul, died. Noah Miller, returned. Daniel M. Miller, died. James Martheny, discharged. Marsha Moody, died. John Mickey, died. John Matthews, died. Henry Nedrow, returned. Edward Nickole, died. William C. Payne, returned. William Paden, discharged. William Queer, wounded and returned. Perry H. Roadman, discharged. Thomas Richards, wounded and discharged. George D. Reece, died. Henry H. Smith, returned. Henry Stone, wounded and died at Chancellorsville. Paul Shawley, discharged. Jonathan Shawley, wounded at Chancellorsville; returned. John Shultz, wounded ; discharged. Joseph Showman, discharged. Jno. W. White, discharged. William G. Wissinger, discharged. Harrison Wissinger; returned. Edward Walters, returned. The company was ordered to Harrisburg, but reported too late to be accepted in the call. Lieut. Wirsing called on Hon. H. D. Foster, of Greensburg, and secured his aid in getting the company passed into service. Mr. Foster telegraphed A. G. Curtin, then Governor of Pennsylvania, who answered that the company could not be received. He then sent to the Secretary of State with the same result, then telegraphing to the Secretary of War the company was accepted and allowed to recruit its number to the maximum, eighty men. Mr. Fost,er, for this kind service, not only gratuitously but cordially rendered, was kindly remembered, for by a unanimous vote Company C was named the " Foster Guards." Company C then pitched its first tents near the grounds of a religions camp-meeting at Stahlstown, Westmoreland Co. Here the company received en-listsments rapidly, and soon numbered seventy men. There it was that the first warch was taken, viz., from 394 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Stahlstown to Ligonier. After an additional increase of twenty men the company was taken to Latrobe in wagons furnished by the kind citizens of Ligonier. At Latrobe the company took the cars for Harrisburg, the rendezvous of Pennsylvania troops. Here the company was drilled and became soldiers of the camp. The duties of camp life, the drill, and, most of all, a soldier's diet, worked a change ; home-sickness, after the excitement wore away, made the boys long for the front, and it was the universal wish of the members of this company to join an old regiment which had seen active service, and they concluded to join the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which had fought under Pope and Shields. The regiment was originally commanded by Col. Murry, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., who was killed at Winchester in an engagement with the rebels under Gen. " Stonewall" Jackson. At this time the regiment was lying at Arlington Heights, opposite Washington City, and at the former home of the illustrious rebel chieftain, Gen. Robert E. Lee. The regiment as well as the entire army presented a dilapidated appearance as it lay scattered over the Heights. It had just returned from Pope's retreat from Winchester without half of the necessary clothing for comfort, and if any one entertained an opinion that a soldier's life was a round of pleasure, he modified., that opinion without notifying his comrades. In September, 1862, the regiment marched into Washington and took the cars for Point of Rocks, where they crossed the Potomac, and marched to Fredericksburg, Va. On the 13th day of December they crossed the Rappahannock and engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg. In this terrific battle quite a large number of the men were killed, wounded, and missing. The historian has already written the history of this terrible engagement, the crossing of the army, the encounter, the stealthy retreat. Company C, notwithstanding the defeat, entered the dwellings vacated by the rebels and played on the pianos, cooked their meals on their stoves, and, although unwelcome tenants, made themselves at home. They were among the last to recross the river and go into camp, which proved to become their winter-quarters. It was from here they could view the sign-boards erected and painted with inscriptions to further humiliate and deject the Union army. The company also took part in Burnside's fruitless attempt to march a second time. At the battle of Chancellorsville the company fought on the enemy's right. The Eleventh Corps breaking left Jackson on the rear, changed front to rear, Saturday night, May 2, 1863. On Sunday morning New York troops broke, and the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with two other small regiments, retook the position and drove the enemy back, acid for the first time fought from behind breastworks. At about noon the enemy moved around to the left and surrounded the command spoken of on three sides, and firing into the rear within fifty yards. Finding it impossible to hold the position, in attempting to move the enemy captured at least half of the Eighty-fourth, but with the aid of some troops the enemy was taken prisoners, and when being marched off the rebels were reinforced, and in a hand-to-hand conflict the rebels captured their own men which had been captured by the Union troops, besides taking many prisoners. This was a disastrous conflict for the Eighty-fourth, going into the battle with four hundred men, and coming out with less than one hundred and fifty. Company.0 had several killed, two officers and five men wounded, and nine taken prisoners. After this battle, which lasted several days, the army found itself on the north side of the Rappahannock, and in a short time set out for Pennsylvania, marching through Virginia, crossing the Potomac River at Edmunds' Ferry, marching at night up the tow-path. During all this time it was raining incessantly, and when the regiment arrived at Menohessy Creek, at about 2 o'clock P.M., the men nearly all had " given out," and only twenty were there to stack arms when the regiment stopped. After resting at this place for some time, they marched with the army through Frederick, Md., and then to Taneytown, and at Gettysburg, Pa., the regiment was selected to guard the wagon-trains of the great army, the regiment being one of the smallest, having lost so heavily at Chancellorsville. A month priar to this the commanding officer had ordered the regiment to guard the train, and this was almost disastrous to the men. A spy came into the camp near Manchester, Md., and, after surveying the ground, was just in the act of leaving to bring the rebel cavalry, who were posted at South Mountain, to destroy the train, when he was discovered, and on being arrested passes from General Lee were found under a secret bottom of his tin cup. A court-martial was hastily convened, he was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death. He was hung on an apple-tree west of Frederick City, where he was still hanging when the army marched back into Virginia. He confessed his guilt, and said that all the time he wanted was five hours, and he would have had the entire train of the Army of the Potomac destroyed. The army was now on the march back after Lee, and brought up at United States Fording on the Rappahannock River. Here the company lay in camp until October, 1863, when the army fell back towards Washington ; the enemy followed and destroying the railroad again fell back. The Union army rebuilt the road up to Culpeper, and the Eighty-fourth Regiment went into camp near Brandy Station, and after building winter-quarters in the month of November, they broke camp and marched across the Rappahannock and had a skirmish with the enemy. The regiment moved to left, and the division and two divisions of Warren's corps were selected to charge the enemy's works under the command of Warren. This was what was called Mine Run battle. The WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 395 enemy had built fortifications and felled trees in front, forming an abatis. This was to be made at daybreak, but fortunately it was postponed. All day long the boys would go out in front of the line and look at the enemy's works, which were not far distant, and speculate on the hazard of the undertaking. The command was agreeably surprised to be ordered back, when they recrossed the river and marched back to camp, and remained during the winter of 1863 and 1864. It was in this camp the brigade's field and line officers built a large hall and had several balls ; the wives and sisters of the members of the command participated. After this the hall was turned over to the boys, who converted it into a theatre, and the minstrel troupes were largely attended. The army again broke camp May 1, 1864, burnt the hall that had seen so many pleasant events, laid aside festivity, and prepared for the march and battle. At this time Gen. Grant had taken charge of the army. The march was over the Rappahannock, and was soon again at Germania Fording and the old battle-ground of Fredericksburg. The company then examined the field to see traces of the former conflict, but found few places they could recognize. After resting for the night the command was again in motion, with loaded knapsacks, sixty rounds of cartridges, and five days' rations. This amount of rations was by no means a load; it consisted of a few crackers, a little coffee, and piece of salt pork. They were not long in finding the enemy. The advance engaged them about noon, and the company came on them in the field or rather wood. This was the beginning of the Battle of the Wilderness. This battle-field was a hedge of small trees and underbrush. The boys threw up a breastwork of logs, stumps, and anything that would stop a bullet ; the sound of musketry was heard, but the line of battle was not visible. On the 5th of May the company went into the fight about four o'clock P.M. ; had several men killed and wounded. On the morning of the 6th the battle opened furiously, and the Eighty-fourth Regiment advanced at daybreak, drove the enemy back, and held the position until about noon. During this fight the lines were formed so near the enemy that a member of Company C, George Hoffer, captured a rebel flag. The regiment was flanked about noon, and this caused the whole line to fall back pell-mell until it reached the log breastworks that they left in the morning. After reaching the works the boys collected together and had a lunch. A few shots from a-thicket sent back the pickets with the cry that the enemy was advancing with their line of battle. The enemy had advanced so close on the Union pickets that the latter had scarcely crossed the works until the main line opened fire. Little artillery could be used owing to the trees, and the battle was waged by the use of small-arms. On the afternoon the regiment lost its commander, Col. Milton Upp, a grand soldier and a good officer, who was shot down while driving the enemy back. This fight lasted to nightfall, and the enemy fell back ; the boys engaged in burying their dead. They then threw up works near the plank-road and lay behind them all night. On the 9th moved to Todd's Tavern, and fought but little until May 12th. A detail of about one hundred men from different regiments was sent out to skirmish. They came up with the enemy's line and were shelled all afternoon. Next morning, May 12th, the Second Corps, commanded by the gallant Hancock, with the Sixth Corps, charged the enemy's works at daybreak. The morning was wet, and a heavy fog rising ; the pickets were driven in with but few shots and raised the yell. The company charged on with the command until they reached the enemy's works. The enemy, taken by surprise, were routed and lost seven thousand prisoners and eighteen pieces of artillery. Among the prisoners was Gen: Johnston. Fighting continued all day long with a loss to the Eighty-fourth of fourteen killed and twenty-four wounded. Company C had two killed and several wounded. Marching and fighting then became the order or events of the day. This continued until the army arrived at Cold Harbor. Capt. J. J. Wirsiug with a detail from a half-dozen regiments, nearly all strangers, was sent to establish a line, there being a break between our infantry and cavalry. Scarcely had the line been formed, prior to advancing, whert the enemy sent their shells and opened battle, but the Union army crossed the James on transports and marched in front of Petersburg. Here it would be too tedious to recite the conflicts. One continuous conflict tells the history of the army before Petersburg. On the 15th of August, when the Eighty-fourth was crossing, the troops marched to the north side of the James, to what was known as " Deep Bottom," and engaged the enemy and suffered severely in killed and wounded. This movement was made to lead the enemy to move his force from in front of Petersburg and leave Burnside to blow up Lhe famous mines, which proved a failure. The regiment at the time the mine was sprung was in the front line, on the right of which the troops were slaughtered. Company C did a great deal of hard marching during this time. Their right was with the Second Corps (Hancock's) in the Weldon Railroad battle. They were nearly surrounded by the rebels ; and on October the 2d, when within fifty yards of the works, Capt. Wirsing was severely wounded and left the field and taken prisoner, having been shot through the shoulder and thigh, and his comrades left him for dead. The regiment was repulsed. Col. Zinn was wounded with several of the command. Capt. Wirsing was taken to Richmond as a prisoner, and never got back to his company. Company C, with its regiment, the same fall went on the " Apple Jack" raid, when they tore up miles of the Weldon Railroad. The regiment was afterwards consolidated with the .Eifty-seventh Pennsylvania 396 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Volunteers. Both regiments were nearly annihi-lated. They took an active part in the battle and marches that resulted in the surrender of Gen. Lee. In the spring of 1865 they were marched to Washington, when transportation was furnished them to Harrisburg, and at that place were mustered out of service. Those who were left returned to their Westmoreland homes, and were again honored citizens of our staid old county. ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT (Three Years' Service). The One Hundredth, or, R8 it was more commonly known, the " Round-Head Regiment," was recruited in the northwestern counties of the State, originally settled by the Round-Heads of the English Revolution, and by Sootch-Irish covenanters. Daniel Leasure, of New Castle, who had since 1832 been connected with the militia as a private or an officer, had served as captain and adjutant of the Twelfth Regiment, received authority from the Secretary of War Aug. 6, 1861, to recruit a regiment of infantry from among the descendants of the Covenanters and of the men who had followed Cromwell, whose leading characteristics had been a devotion to the principles of liberty of person and conscience. It was organized at Pittsburgh, Aug. 31, 1861, for three years, re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered out of service July 24, 1865, at Harrisburg. It nobly maintaink, the reputation of its time-honored name to gallant fighting at James Island, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and Hatcher's Run. Lieut.-Col. David A. Leckey, pro-moted from captain Company M to major, Oct. 9, 1861 ; to lieutenant-colonel, July 12, 1862; resigned Dec. 30, 1862. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Years' Service). Early in August, 1861, Amor A. McKnight, of Brookville, who had for some time previous commaded a militia company, and who during the three months' service had led a company in the Eighth Regiment, received the requisite authority to raise a regiment for three years. Recruiting was immediately commenced, many re-enlisting from the returning regimentf3, and by the close of the month its ranks were full. It served three years, re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and was mustered out July 11, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Its men were principally from the Congressional district then popularly known as the " Wild-Cat District," embracing the counties of Jefferson, which was most largely represented, Clarion, and Clearfield, with one company from Westmoreland, were well formed and stalwart, and in-ured to hardships and privations in their struggles to subdue the forests. It was at once assigned to Jamison's brigade of Heintzelman's division (afterwards Kearney's). In March following it marched with the Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, and crossed the Chickahominy, where, on May 31st, it took part in the battle of Fair Oaks. Headley, in his War History, says, " Napoleon's veterans never stood firmer under a devastating fire" than the officers and men of this regiment in this action. It lost forty-one killed, one hundred and fifty wounded, and seventeen missing. It went into the battle of Gettysburg reduced in numbers to two hundred and forty-seven, out of whom one officer and fourteen men were killed, thirteen officers and one hundred and eleven, men wounded, and nine missing, a loss of more than half ita entire strength. It participated in the following other battles: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Bristow Station, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Kelly's Ford, Mine Run, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Poplar Spring Church, and Boydton Road. Lieutenant-colonel, J. W. Greenawalt, pro. from capt. of Co. E to maj., Nov. 29, 1862, to lieut.-col., May 4, 1863 ; died May 17, of wounds received at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Major, Mungo M. Dick,-pro. from capt, of Co. E, Sept. 20, 1861 ; res. Aug. 9, 1862. Assistant surgeon, George W. Ewing, rank from Aug. 4, 1862 ; pro. to surg., 115th Regt., April 7, 1863. ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIFTH. REGIMENT (Nine Months' Service). Its regimental organization was effected Aug. 19, 1862, at Camp Curtin, and on the same evening went I to Washington, and reported to Gen. Wadsworth. He assigned it to provost-guard duty by detachments in that city and Georgetown, where it remained until Feb. 16, 1863. It was then assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division, First Corps, and until the opening of the Chancellorsville campaign was en-gaged in guard and picket duty. At the battle of Chancellorsville, although not actively engaged, it performed valuable services. It was mustered out May day 24, 1863. The only field-officer from this county was Lieut.-Col. David L. McCulloch, promoted from captain Company F, Aug. 19, 1862. (See Appendix " R" for roster.) ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years' Service). This regiment was organized at Harrisburg in Au-gust and September, 1862, for three, years, and mustered out May 29, 1865, near Washington, D. C. It participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Wilderness, Peters-burg, and several other engagements. Chaplain William D. Moore, from Oct. 1, 1862, to Jan. 25, 1863. (See Appendix "R" for rosters.) WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 397 ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Drafted Militia, Nine Months' Service). This regiment was raised in the counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Beaver, Allegheny, and Erie. The men rendezvoused at Camp Howe, near Pittsburgh, during the latter part of October, 1862, where the companies were organized. On December 2d it left for Fortress Monroe, from whence it was ordered to Newport News, where it remained two weeks, with the command of Gen. Corcoran. It was then ordered to Suffolk, Va., and was there assigned to Spinola's brigade, subsequently known as the " Keystone Brigade." From there the brigade went to Newberne, N. C. It was out upon several expeditions against the enemy, but did not come to battle. It afterwards relieved the garrison of Little Washington, where it remained until June 28th, when it was sent to Fortress Monroe, and thence to White House, to co-operate with forces under Gen. Dix in a demonstration towards Richmond. For nearly a week the troops were out upon this duty, and here the intelligence was first received of the invasion of Pennsylvania. It was then turned homeward towards the State, and occupied Maryland Heights, at Harper's Ferry, and joined Meade's army at Boonsboro' after the battle of Gettysburg. It was mustered out July 25, 1863. 1 Colonel, Joseph Jack, rank from Nov. 28, 1882. Adjutant, Isaac R. Beazell, rank from Nov. 23, 1882. TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT (One Year's Service). This regiment was organized at Pittsburgh, Sept. 8, 1864. Most all the field and line officers had seen service in other regiments, and the greater part of the men who served in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, nine months' service of 1862-63, now returned to service again in this regiment. Proceeding to the front, it was attached to the Eighteenth Corps, near Bermuda Hundred, but soon after moved to the north side of James River, and was assigned to duty with the Engineer Corps, and built Fort Brady, north of Dutch Gap. In the latter part of October it was assigned to the Third Brigade, First Division, Tenth Corps, and went into winter-quarters. Upon the reorganization of the army corps it was attached to the Twenty-fourth Corps, and continued on duty with the Army of the James under Gen. Orth. Upon the evacuation of Richmond it was the first regiment to enter the,city, and for a time did provost-guard duty there, and afterwards at Lynchburg. Lieutenant-Colonel, John T. Fulton, pro. from captain of Co. E, Sept. 9, 1864; must. out June 26, 1865. Assistant surgeon, David Alter, must. out June 26, 1866. Chaplain, John C. High, must. out June 26, 1865. TWO HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH REGIMENT (One Year's Service). This regiment was organized at Camp Reynolds, in September, 1864, and soon after its organization moved to the front, and on the 20th was placed in the intrenchments at Bermuda Hundred, where it was incorporated with a provisional brigade in the Army of the James. On November 27th it joined the Army of the Potomac, on. the south side of the Appomattox, and was assigned to the Second Brigade (Col. Matthews'), the Third Division (Gen. Hartranft's), Ninth Corps. It gallantly participated in the fighting around Petersburg, where, April 2, 1865, it lost four officers and seventeen men killed, four officers and eighty-nine men wounded, and twenty-one missing, an aggregate loss of one hundred and thirty-five. It was mustered out June 2, 1865, at Alexandria, Va. Colonel, James H. Trimble, hon. dish'd March 18, 1865. Mikior, Augustus A. Mechling, com. 2d lieut. March 19,1865; not mustered; disch. May 3, 1865. Chaplain, John W. Plannett, rank from Oct. 5, 1864 ; must. out with regt, 2 TWO HUNDRED AND TWELFTH REGIMENT—"SIXTH ARTILLERY"—( One Year's Service). This regiment was organized at Camp Reynolds, near Pittsburgh, Sept. 15, 1864, and two days later moved to Washington, where it was assigned to the Second Brigade of De Russy's division, which was garrisoning the defenses of the capital. On the 29th it was detached from the division and ordered to duty in guarding the portion of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad lying between Alexandria and Manassas, the several companies being stationed at intervals along the line, with headquarters at Fitirfax Court-House. About the middle of November, Sheridan having cleared the Shenandoah Valley of the foes, this line was abandoned, and the regiment was ordered back to the defenses of Washington, being posted at Forts Marcy, Ward, Craig, Reno, Albany, Lyons, and others. It was mustered out June 13, 1865. Chaplain, William D. Moore, from Sept. 17, 1864, to June 13, 1865. MILITIA OF 1862. The militia organizations of the county in 1861 were but few, but, such as they were, they formed the basis of organization of some of the companies of men recruited that year for the national service. The rebel army had no sooner achieved its triumph in the second battle of Bull Run than it hastened forward to the north and commenced crossing the Potomac. The southern border of Pennsylvania lay in close proximity, all unprotected, and by its rich harvests invited invasion. The Reserve Corps, which was originally organized for the State defense, had been called away to the succor of the hard pressed army of McClellan upon the Peninsula, and was now upon the weary march, with ranks sadly thinned in the hard-fought battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross-Roads, and the second Bull Run, to again meet the foe, but powerless to avert the threatened danger. The result of the struggle on - 26 - 1 See roster in Appendix " R" 2 See also roster In Appendix "B." 398 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. the plains of Manassas was no sooner known than the helpless condition of the State, which had been apparent from the first, became a subject of alarm. September 4th, Governor Curtin issued a proclamation calling on the people to arm and prepare for defense. He recommended the immediate formation of companies throughout the State, and, for the purpose of drill and instruction, that after three P.M. of each day all business houses should be closed. On the 10th, the danger having become imminent, the enemy being already in Maryland, he issued a general order, calling on all able-bodied men to enroll immediately for the defense of the State, and to hold themselves in readiness to march at an hour's notice, to select officers, to provide themselves with such arms as could be obtained, with sixty rounds of ammunition to the man, tendering arms to such as had none, and promising that they should be held for service for such time only as the pressing exigency for State defense should continue. On the following day, acting under the authority of the President of the United States, the Governor called for fifty thousand men, directing them to report by telegraph for orders to move, and adding that further calls would be made as the exigencies should require. The people everywhere flew to arms, And moved promptly to the State capital. On the 14th the head of the Army of the Potomac met the enemy at South Mountain, and hurled him back through its passes, and on the evening of the 16th and day of the 17th a fierce battle was fought at Antietam. In the mean time the militia had rapidly concentrated at Hagerstown and Chambersburg, and Gen. John F. Reynolds, who was at the time commanding a corps in the Army of the Potomac, had assumed command. Fifteen thousand men were pushed forward to Hagerstown and Boonsboro', and a portion of them stood in line of battle in close proximity to the field, in readiness to advance, while the fierce fighting was in progress. Ten thousand more posted in the vicinity of Greencastle and Chambersburg, and " about twenty-five thousand," says Governor Curtin, in his annual message, " were at Harrisburg, on their way to Harrisburg, or in readiness and waiting for transportation to proceed thither." The Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command of. Col. Dechert, at the request of Gen. Halleck, was sent to the State of Delaware to guard the Dupont powder-mills, whence the national armies were principally supplied. But the enemy was defeated at Antietam, and retreated in confusion across the Potomac. The emergency having passed, the militia regiments were ordered to return to Harrisburg, and, in accordance with the conditions on which they had been called into service, they were on the 24th mustered out and disbanded. Gen. McClellan, in a letter to Governor Curtin, thanking him for his energetic action in calling out the militia, said,— "Fortunately, circumstances rendered it impossible for the enemy to set foot upon the soil of Pennsylvania, but the moral support rendered to my army by your action was none the lees mighty. The manner in which the people of Pennsylvania responded to your call and hastened to the defense of their frontier no doubt exercised a great influence upon the enemy." Four companies of militia were raised in Westmoreland, ghthered together between September 4th and 12th, eight days. There were .men in some if not all of them who had already seen service in the early campaigns of the war, and while they were not called upon to contend with the foe in deadly strife, the uprising of an army in the space of a week in the State of Pennsylvania had an equally encouraging effect upon the weary troops of the Army of the Potomac, and an equally disheartening effect upon the rank and file of the Confederate forces, beaten and driven back from the bloody field of Antietam. 1 MILITIA OF 1863. In the spring of 1863, Gen. Lee, after repulsing the Federal attacks upon his stronghold at Fredericksburg, planned a second invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, the blow being mostly struck at the latter. Lee was several days in advance of the Union army, finding no considerable force in his way, capturing a portion of Gen. Milroy's force at Winchester, and compelling the balance to seek safety in the works on Maryland Heights, opposite Harper's Ferty, he triumphantly marched into Pennsylvania. The small force in the way at all was that under Gen. Couch, with headquarters at Harrisburg, and Gen. Brooks' small force on the border of Western Pennsylvania and extending to the Ohio. The general government seeing the danger called for troops from the nearest States, asking of Pennsylvania 50,000 men. The people having become disheartened by rebel successes South responded slowly, no considerable force of militia being organized until Lee's army was on Pennsylvania soil, levying contributions of money and material upon its defenseless towns, asking the town of York alone for $100,000 cash, of which it actually paid $28,000, besides food and clothing furnished. Very few regiments were raised until the decisive battle of Gettysburg was fought, from July 1st to 3d. There was some dissatisfaction on the part of some of the troops on account of being mustered into United States service, and Governor Curtin, being called upon, assured the troops that they would be discharged as soon as the danger to the State was averted, and, more than this, gave them the choice to elect to serve six months or during the emergency. There was not much demurring among the Westmoreland County men, whose companies, among the very first raised in the State, were sworn into the United States service on the plighted faith of the Governor that they would not be detained beyond the exigency calling them to arms. It furnished two cavalry and 1 See roster of Twenty-second Regiment in Appendix " R." WESTMORELAND IN THE CIVIL WAR - 399 seven infantry companies, the latter being in the Fifty-fourth, Fifty-seventh, and Fifty-eighth Regiments. The Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh were both assigned to the command of Gen. T. H. Brooks, and rendezvoused near Pittsburgh. The rebel cavalry leader, Gen. John H. Morgan, then on a raid through Indiana and Ohio, had by this time gone so far north as to make his escape somewhat doubtful, and the more so after Lee had been driven back defeated into Virginia. The Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh were both moved down the Ohio and posted at fords of the Ohio River, by some of which Morgan had hoped to make good his escape, the gunboats having effectually stopped him from crossing the river lower down, and he was also closely pursued by a land force under Gens. Shackleford and Hobson. Attempts to cross were made at several point,s, and some five hundred of his men had effected a crossing at different points on the river. These, with the loss of six hundred men as prisoners in the engagement at the ford above Pomeroy, had reduced hit force very much, and made his chances of escape still less, and with the loss in prisoners at Belleville left him with scarcely a thou-sand men. In the race for life his scouts were con-stantly trying the passes to the fords if possible to find a way of escape, but found the militia regiments so posted at each as t,o make it very hazardous to attempt even crossing. These regiments were rapidly moved from one ford to another by railroads, making quicker time than the rebels on horses, aud consequently were well posted at each ford in good time. At one point the Fifty-seventh Regiment captured the scouts sent to examine the fords. At Warrenton it was feared Mor-gan would cross, but the Fifty-seventh Regiment by a quick movement of some three miles reached the place, and being the first on the ground, Col. Porter so disposed his men that any force attempting a passage of the river must have done so under a concen-trated fire of the regiment in a space where not over six abreast could have formed to charge the obstructed path. Morgan then tried the position of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, but found it impracticable. The Ohio militia in the mean time were pressing the rebel chieftain closely, as also Gene. Shackleford and Hobson in his rear. Being thus closely pursued and environed, he surrendered to Gen. Shackleford, and the work and duties of the Pennsylvania regiments over, they were soon disbanded, save Col. Lininger's independent battalion, which was retained in service seven months, doing duty on railroad guard and at crossings on the Upper Potomac River, with headquarters at Green Spring Run, W. Va. It is to the credit of these hastily-summoned troops for State defense that there was a willingness to move out of the State when necessary for the welfare of the country, and there is no doubt but the militia force mustered at this time had a wholesome effect upon the general result, and had it been in the field promptly at the call of the President, might have added very materially to the amount of material captured from Lee on his retreat, for there was but a small force in the Army of the Potomac in fit condition to follow and harass Gen. Lee in his retreat. Couch's militia, RS well as Brooks', may have been laughed at as worthless, but we must not forget " what Washington, Gates, and Jackson severally did with militia; but though they had only been held in reserve or set to guarding trains, their presence would have had a wholesome moral effect," and we do know they did good service in the campaign, those in the West rendering effectual help in the capture of Morgan and his troopers, and those in the East disputing every foot of advance of Lee's detached forces there, and we believe they would have prevented the crossing of the Susquehanna, even if Lee had not ordered his detached force under Gen. Early to return to the main body for the struggle with the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg. Many of the men in these Westmoreland County companies of 1863 had seen service before, having been discharged from regiments in the Army of the Potomac for wounds received in action, and had now so far recovered as to be able for duty on a short term ; others, to whom this service was the beginning, enlisted in regi-ments chat went to the front,. and proved by their future service that they had soldierly qualifications. FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT STATE MILITIA. This regiment was organized at Pittsburgh, July 4, and mustered out Aug. 17, 1863.1 Colonel, Thomas F. Gallagher ; Major, John McClintock. COLORED TROOPS. No colored companies were recruited in Westmoreland County, but a large number of its colored resi-dents enlisted in the United States service and served in the war. They went into several different organizations, but the largest part were assigned to the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh United States Colored Regiment. It was formed from men enlisted and drafted in the State of Pennsylvania to serve one, two, and three years. It was organized at Camp William Penn during the period extending from Aug. 23 to Sept. 10, 1864. On arriving at the front it was incorporated with the Army of the James. It participated in the battle at Deep Bottom, and after the war was sent with other troops to Texas and posted on the Mexican frontier. On Sept. 11, 1865, it was consolidated into a battalion of three companies, which was mustered out October 20th following. For rosters of troops of the regiments mentioned in this chapter, and Others from Westmoreland County, see Appendix "R.* 1 See roster of this regiment in Appendix "R."