Benner, Benjamin Diary
This is the diary of Benjamin Benner who served with Company G of the 29th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. The diary is a summary of Benner’s military service from May 14, 1861. It is an undated narrative account that describes various campaigns and battles including the Battle of Gettys...
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| Format: | Electronic |
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Auburn University Libraries
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| Online Access: | http://content.lib.auburn.edu/u?/civil,26090 |
| Summary: | This is the diary of Benjamin Benner who served with Company G of the 29th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. The diary is a summary of Benner’s military service from May 14, 1861. It is an undated narrative account that describes various campaigns and battles including the Battle of Gettysburg.[page 1]
Diary of Benjamin F. Benner
Co. G 29th Regiment
2nd Brigade
“ Division
Army of the Cumberland
White Star Division
Major Genl John M. Geary
Commander
[page 2]
Enrolled at Philadelphia as a Private in Capt Richardson Company C. G 29th Regiment of Infantry Penna Vol on the 14th day of May 1861 to serve three years
Marches of the 29th Regiment
Left Phila Aug 3d 1861 arrived at Sandy Hook in the evening of the 4th left Sandy Hook on the 18th of August and after marching 22 miles arrived at Monoccy Creek on the 20th Left Monoccy near buck-eye town of the 28 and after an easy march of 4 days arrived at Damstown a distance of about 35 miles we arrived on the afternoon of August 31st. We were encamped here until the Battle of Ball’s Bluff on the 21st of Oct were ordered to march that evening about 7 PM went to Ball’s Bluff did not get into the fight but were ordered to assist the wounded across river On the 22nd we marched to Edwards____(torn)
[page 3]
A distance of 8 miles on the 23rd marched to Senicca Mills a distance of 16 miles Left Senicca Mills on the 24th and marched 3 miles to Muddy Branch while the Regiment was encamped here I was detailed here as a safe guard at the house of Mr. Nall’s about 8 miles from camp Left Muddy Creek on Dec 2nd and marched to a small place called Uniontown after marching 13 miles we put up for the night. On the morning of Dec. 3rd marched again over the sugar loaf Mountain halted for the night about 6 miles from Frederick City after marching 15 miles the next morning 4th marched about 14 miles and stopped until a camp ground was selected and moved about 4 miles and went into winter quarters
[page 4]
We stayed here until the 18th of Dec when we were ordered to dam No. 4 on the Potomac River started from camp at 8 oclock in the evening and marched 14 miles to Middletown. On the morning of the 19th we resumed our march and after crossing South Mountain and passing throught Boonsboro we halted for the night at St. James College after a march of 16 miles On the morning of the 20th we started again and arrived at Dam No 4 after traveling 8 miles we stopped here until Dec. 24th when we marched to Boonsboro 11 miles in the road we came back the next morning the 25th started and after crossing
[page 5]
South Mountain reached Middletown we arrived in Frederick City after going 17 miles next morning the 26th we went to our old camp at distance of 16 miles. We remained here until Feb 26the 1862 we took the cars and after riding 25 miles we arrived at Sandy Hook where we for the night and on the morning of the 26th crossed the Potomac and after passing through Harper’s Ferry we were quarted in the deserted houses in Bolmar Heights this was our first night in Virginia we stopped here until the morning of the first of March when we started at daylight after going 10 miles arrived at Charleston stayed here until March 6th
[page 6]
When we started again and after marching 11 miles halted at Smithfield We left Smithfield on the 10th and marched 5 miles to Bunker Hill
for the night started next morning and marched 5 miles When near Winchester formed line of Battle on the morning of the 12th no enemy in sight. We marched into Winchester and encamped on the Stanton Pike out side of the town This day we went 6 miles we were encamped here until the 22 of March when our Div left Winchester and marched 15 miles to Smackers Ferry on the Shenandoah River. On the 23rd crossed the blue Ridge Mountains and marched 18 miles towards Gun Springs halted for the night in the morning we heard
[page 7]
Of Shields Div being attacked by Jackson and we were ordered back Marched 23 miles and arrived at Winchester in time to hurrah for Shields. At that time Banks commanded the 5th corps Our Regiment being in Banks Div. stopped at Winchester until the night of the 25th when took up the line of march and after going 19 miles arrived at Strasburg the next day at 8 oclock We stopped here until the 29th when we were ordered to move our company 5 miles further ahead We remained at this place until the first of April when we moved out and our Regiment being on the advance when near the town of Eden burg a shell from a rebel Battery
[page 8]
Killed one man of company G halted for the night after marching 14 miles went into camp here and stayed until the 17th of April the rebels shelling our camp every day we left Edenburg on the 17th. Shields Div taking the advance marched 16 miles and on the North fork of the Shenandoah River the next day the 18th started again and marched 2 miles beyond New Market and encamped after a march of 6 miles We were encamped here until 25th when we marched to Harrisonburg a distance of 18 miles Left camp at Harrisonburg on the 3rd f May and marched to New Market 18 miles next day the 5th left New Market and marched 8 miles to Massanetta Mountains and
[page 9]
On the morning of the 6th marched 10 miles to Columbia Bridge stopped here until the 9th and then returned to the Gap stopped for the night after marching 10 miles on the 10th left the mountains and after crossing through New Market Mount Jackson and Edenburg stopped for the night near Woodstock after going 21 miles we left Woodstock on on the 11th and after marching 12 miles stopped at Strasburg on the 12th our company G and B were detailed to go about 11 miles near front Royal to guard railroad and bridges stayed here until May 23rd When Ewells Div of Jackson’s Rebel Corps attached us and after a running fight of 6 hours took 58 of our company
[page 10]
Prisoners we were first taken to Front Royal on the 25th we marched 19 miles to Winchester where we stopped for 9 days when we left on the 1st of June and marched 17 miles to Cedar Creek here we were given 3 crackers and ½ pound of bacon. Started next morning and after marching 14 miles stopped for the night near Woodstock here we were given our scanty allowance of grub Next day the 3rd of June started again the Rebles being pushed pretty hard by Gen’l Fremont we marched 4 and one half miles here we stayed until next morning the 4th with nothing to eat when we were given a small lump of dough cake and started again we went beyond New Market 14 miles stopped for the night and the next day we arrived at Harrisonburg after Marching 18 miles. Where we were
[page 11]
Given a lot of bread by the citezens on the 6th we marched about 25 miles beyond Fort Republic and the next day we marched to Waynesboro on the Virginia Central R.R. a distance of 12 miles where we stayed 2 days. On the 9th we were sent 6 miles across the Blue ridge on this day Jackson fought Fremont at a place called Cross Keys the next day he fought one of the Brigades of Shields Div and then he went to the Peninsula On June 10th we were sent to North Garden Station on the Oconoe and Alexandria R.R. a distance of 18 miles on the 11th we were first on the cars and sent to Lynchburg a ride of 55 miles we marched through the city and encamped on a hill outside the fair grounds we stopped here
[page 12]
With no shelter until the 18th when we were first inside the fair grounds and a few tents given us This was the first shelter we had since we were captured and it had rained for 15 days out of 18 that we were coming to Lynchburg. We Were guarded by the 21st Virginia Regiment who not content with starving us they would put their bayonets into the men if we got close to their lines While we were here a number of men died from actual starvation there were 1200 prisoners 300 of them were taken from Bank’s Hospital at Strasburg and Winchester When we went into the Fair grounds the 21st Virginia were relieved
[page 13]
The 2nd North Carolina these men used us more like soliders the Coloenel gave us all tents and done all he could to get us more to eat We got one pint of flour one spoonful of salt one of sugar one of rice or beans and a pound fresh beef or a half pound bacon for a days rations we were kept here until Aug 8th when we were put on cars and taken to Belle Island we arrived there on the morning of the 9th and we were told off in squads of 100 under a Sergant there we saw our hardest times we had poor tents but no blankets or anything but our clothing and our rations were 10 oz of bread and one half pint of soup and this was one daily rations and
[page 14]
Mighity lucky to get that Our men died by the half Dozen every day nothing ailing them but starvation a great many had the scurvy and for medicine they were given a little vinegar and salt We were kept here until Sept 13th when the Joyful news came that we were to be paroled and marched to Aikens Landing on the James River a distance of 13 miles some of the men died on the way there and the happiest day of my life was when I saw the Stars and Stripes on our transports the first time for 3 months and 3 weeks We were immediately sent to camp Parole at Annapolis Md. When
[page 15]
Arrived there and marched through the town the women cried the most of the men had no shoes lost had no coats and many had only drawers instead of pants we arrived here on the 17th of Sept and stoped here until the 21st when we were put on boots and sent to Washington where we arrived the next day and then to Alexandria and put into camp and clothing issued to us while the prisoners of our company stayed here in this camp I came home to Phila on my own account and Stayed about 7 weeks the others stayed in camp the 8 of Nov when they were declared exchanged and ordered to our Regiment. We took the
[page 16]
Cars and on the 9th arrived at Harpers Ferry and remained their for the night On the 10th recrossed the Potomac and marched up pleasant Valley and joined our company at Boonesboro a distance of 13 miles We recrosted to the Headquarters of the Regiment at Hagerstown and stoped here doing provost duty Our company was order to Join the Regiment on Dec 10th and after a march of 15 miles arrived at Sandy Hook on the 11th and crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry and after a march of 20 miles halted at Leesburg Va for the night Left Leesburg on the 13th and after marching 13 miles halted at Gun Springs laid here one day and marched again on the 15 and arrived at Fairfax Station
[page 17]
Making 18 miles that day the next day the 16th started again marched 9 miles to Occoquan River for the night on the 17th we went 14 miles and halted for the night The next day marched 13 miles & back to Fairfax Station and went into camp here and on 28th of Dec made a reconnaissance on the Wolf Run Shoals a distance of 10 miles came back and laid in camp until Jan 19th 1863
Our Corps was numbered the 12th under the command of Gen’l Slocum and our Div was the 1st commanded by Genl Williams the 2 div by Genl Geary who was formerly Colonel of 28 Regiment Pa Vols we left Fairfax Station on the 19th and after a march of 9 miles we arrived at Occoquan River it was bad marching
[page 18]
The mud was in some place knee deep We _______[blank] for the night and in the morning marched 14 miles to Dumfries halted for the night and on the 21st we crossed the Quantico River and halted only going 3 miles that day Started again on the 22nd and after a march of 18 miles halted for the night On the 23rd we started again and early in the afternoon arrived at Stafford Court House after a march of 7 miles. we stayed here in camp until March 24th when Gen’l Geary had us transferred to his Div We were put into a Pennsylvania Brigade unter Genl. Kane composed of the following Regiments 29th Pa.V. 109 Pa 111 Pa 124 Pa and 125 Pa The last two Regiments was for 9 months and they went home in
[page 19]
May. We left Stafford on March 24th and went to Aquia Creek Landing Seven miles distance we stopped in camp here until April 27th while here in camp the Army was organized into corps again but we were still called the 12 corps and our 1st Div were ordered to wear on their caps a Red Star and our Div a White Star the other corps of the Army each having a mark to Designate who they were about April 25th we received orders to have 5 days rations in our knapsacks and on the 27th were ordered to march we marched 16 miles to near Hartwood Church for the night and in the morning started again and after a march of 17 miles halted near Kellys Ferry on the Rappahanock River The next morning 29th crossed the
[page 20]
River and while on the march the Rebels attacked our rear but were driven off we marched 15 miles and Crossed the Rapidon at Germania Ford and Halted for the night the next morning 30th raining heavy Marched Prisoners were brought in by squads and a heavy skirmishing on our flanks marched 12 miles and May 1st mustered and inspected in the afternoon our Brigade ordered out on a reconnaissance we were driven in and a brisk engagement commenced next morning the 2nd the fighting still going on we built brestworks during the night we were now ordered in the entrenchments that we had built and was attacked buy the Enemy in force who were
[page 21]
Repulsed with great loss we were now ordered to the left and in advance of our other Div to open a fight at this part of the line we advanced about half a mile and were driven back took our position in line again when the enemy attacked our left wing and drove the 11 Corps the fighting lasting all day the enemy attacked us in the night when they were repuled with the loss of Stone Wall Jackson. Early on the morning of the 3rd the battle commenced and our Boys were driven back our Div held the line until a new one was formed when we fell back the Rebels pouring grape and cannister into us We fell into the new
[page 22]
Line of battle the Rebels not daring to follow we immediately commenced to throw up breastworks Monday May 4th commenced raining cleared off and went to work strengthing our works the Rebels made a slight attack but were repulsed there was heavy firing towards Fredericksburg Tuesday May 5th all quiet in front raining heavy and in the evening got Orders to be ready to move as it was feared by Hooker that our pontoons at United States on the Rappahannock would be swept away Stopped in line all night and at daylight on the morning of the 6th our Brigade fell back to the River which we crossed and took our line of march and after going 9 miles halted for the night Next morning 7th started again and after passing
[page 23]
Stafford Church we arrived at our old camp at Aquia Creek after a march of 15 miles Went into camp again and was here until the 4th of June and was presented flag and markers by the Ladies of Phila which were received for us by Genl Geary We stayed here until June 13th when we were ordered to march started and marched near the Potomac Creek a distance of 6 miles and sent at Midnight Ordered to rejoin our Regiment when we found it had left its quarters started after them and caught up to them at daylight marched on to Dumfries about 20 miles Monday 15th started again and after passing Fairfax Station we halted at Fairfax Court House after a march of 23 miles 16th We laid here all day and on the 17th started again with 3 days rations
[page 24]
Marched 12 miles and camped on the 18th marched 18 miles on this march passed through Dansville and camped near Leesburg on the 19th heavy firing on the front on picket until the 21st when releived went into camp on the 24th detailed for picket again for 3 days stopped on picket until 26th when we was ordered into camp when we heard that Lee with his whol Army was in Maryland started on big march and after crossing the Potomac at Edwards Ferry and after a march of 16 miles halted for the night at Monocacy Aqueduct MD On 27th started again and after passing Point of Rocks halted for the night near Sandy Hook.
[page 25]
After a march of 17 miles On the 28th Ordered to Williamsport by genl Hooker but Genl Slocum to go to Fredrick Md marched 12 miles heard to day that Meade releived Hooker started on the 28th passed through Fredrick City and took the road to Pennsylvania Marched 21 miles Started again on the 39th arrived in our own State about noon marched 11 miles to Littlestown Pa. Cavarly skirmishing we drew in line of battle halted for the night Next day July 1st started on the road towards Gettysburg fighting all day. Our Brigade guarding ordance train reached 6 miles halted for the night On 2nd marched 2 miles when we took our position in line our corps on the right of
[page 26]
The Army went to work and threw up breastwork in the evening The 2nd Brigade were ordered to help the 3rd corps who were being driven back we were ordered back before we got to them and take our old position While away the Rebels took part of our entrenchments our Brigade was ordered to charge our Regiment being on the advanced left in front while going in were met by a heavy fire of Musketry our company losing 12 men we relined and went in again by a flank movement and plaid quiet the balance of the night On the morning of the 3rd about ½ past 4 we were ordered to return to 11th which we
[page 27]
Did went to work until we used all our ammunition then fell back and got more and went at it again at this time the Louisanna Tigers charged us but were driven back faster than they came at 12 oclock we were releived and fell back in the afternoon we went back to our lines but the Rebs were gone except the skirmishers On the 4th our company was sent to gather arms we got 1500 stands laid in the tents all day and night and on the 5th were ordered to Littlestown marched 8 miles and camped laid over here one day on the 7th we marched 28 miles and camped On the 8th we started again
[page 28]
And after passing through Fredrick halted at Cramptons Gap after a march of 16 miles started again on the 9th passing South Mountain at Cramptons Pass halted near Rhorsville after a march of 7 miles The next day 10th started again marched to Antietam Creek where we formed a line of battle halted one hour when we started again in support of Cavarley after marching 7 miles we went we went to work and built breastworks on the 11th went about 4 miles and formed another line of battle slight skirmishing occurred on the 12th we remained in line of on the 13th marched about a mile and through more
[page 29]
Works on the 14th were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness To move when we heard that Lee had crossed the Potomac into Virginia 15th marched about 13 miles and encamped on the north side of Maryland Heights On the 16th passed around the mountain and went into camp in Pleasant Valley above Sandy Hook Md marched 5 miles On the 17th and 18th remained in camp 19th crossed the river into Virginia and marched up the Shenandoah Valley and camped near Hillsboro after a march of 9 miles. On the 20th marched about 12 miles and in the evening camped at Snickersville remained here until the 23rd when we
[page 30]
Marched to Ashby Gap halted for dinner when we were ordered to Manassas Gap a march of 11 miles when we halted for the night 24th marched up the Gap 6 miles and heard that the 3rd corps had driven the Rebels. When we marched back 11 miles when we rested for the night after a tramp of 19 miles. The next day we marched 16 miles to Thorough Gap in the Bull Run Mountains 26 we went through the Gap and reached Warrenton Junction after a march of 18 miles We remained here in camp until the 31st when we marched to Kellys Ford a distance of 16 miles Aug 1st in the morning our Regiment
[page 31]
Was sent to Beverlys Ford for picket duty and releived on noon of the 2nd sent back to Kellys Ford and from their to Ellis Ford 5 miles distance for picket duty We staid here until the 16th of September when we started before daylight and crossed the Rappahannock at Kellys Ford and camped near Stevensburg after marching 15 miles 19th We marched 6 miles and camped here until the 24th when we went near Brandy Station where we laid until the 26th when we took up our line of march to Bealetown Station a distance of 10 miles where the first Div embarked in cars 27th Our Div took cars for Alexandria 28 Passed through
[page 32]
Alexandria and Washington took the cars of the B & O. R.R. when we found out we were going to the Army of the Cumberland remained on the cars until Oct 7th when the Regiments went into camp at Murpressboro Tenn until the 9th when we went to a place called Christanna the next morning went 6 miles to Fosterville on the Nashville and Chattnooga R.R. We stopped here until the 21st when we took cars and after riding until the 23rd arrived at Stevenson, Ala. Remained here until the 25 when we were releived 26th Marched 14 miles and halted at Bridgeport on the Tennessee River started next day crossed the river and stopped for the night at Shell Mound on the Railroad.
[page 33]
A march of 7 miles 28 marched 17 miles and went into camp at the foot of Lookout Mountain near near Wachatchie after having coffee we were sent on picket and about 11 oclock were driven and a fight commenced we were attached by Jenkins Brigade Hood’s Div Longstreets corps the fight lasted for 3 hours when they were driven back In this engagement only 6 Regiments were in it under Genl Geary On the 29th the Rebels shelled us from the Mountain same day we were releived by part of the 11 corps and ordered to support the pickets on our left flank We remained here until the 31st when after being mustered marched 2 miles went into camp
[page 34]
And threw up breastworks we stopped here doing picket and fatigue duty until 22 of Nov when we ordered to lay in the breastworks of the 28th Regt Pa Vols laid under arms until the morning of the 24th when we were ordered to form in line and told that we had to take Lookout Mountain Our Regiment was the first to cross Lookout Creek and reached the mountain with Companies E and C as skirmishers We drove the Rebels at every point The forces engaged were were the 3rd Brigade supported our Brigade of the 4 corps and with the 1st Brigade of our Div we took the Mountains
[page 35]
Capturing 25 prisoners and 4 pieces of Artillery We stayed on the Mountain until 12 oclock that night when we were releived by the 35the Ohio 14th corps On the 25th our div took full possession of Lookout Mountain and raised the flag about 10 oclock We were then ordered to Missionary Ridge about 6 miles formed line of battle and after several desperate charges our Corps captured the Ridge along with cannons and many prisoners The Rebels forces engaged to Breckenridges Corps those at Lookout Mountain were Hardies Corps We encamped at the foot of Missionary Ridge for the night and in the morning we started.
[page 36]
After the Rebels and after going 14 miles halted for the night at Pidgeons Ridge here we captured a lot of Prisoners and 6 pieces of Artillery. We started again the next morning and skirmished for 5 miles to Ringgold where they made a stand outside of the town our boys went to work at them and forced them to retire after loseing very heavy Our Div here lost _________ men than at Missionary Ridge or Lookout Mountain. We remained in the empty houses in the town until Nov 30th when our Brigade was ordered on picket went on duty at 2 oclock in the morning of Dec 1st ordered to fall back marched all day and in the afternoon at 4 oclock arrived
[page 37]
At our old camp in Lookout Valley after marching 25 miles while in camp here we were received by Generals Grant Hooker Hunter Thomas Butterfield Reynolds and Geary Renlisted and Dec 12th started for home as Veteran Volunteers for 3 years did not reenlist with the Regiment stayed here in camp near Wachatchie until the morning of Jan 4th 1864 when we left raining hard a march of 19 miles before we halted for the night on the 5th we started but stopped after going 8 miles the roads being in a very bad condition started on the 6th and halted with in 2 miles of Bridgeport after going 9 miles the next
[page 38]
Day we started and Marched 3 miles beyond Bridgeport Ala where we went into camp On Jan 20th our Brigade being home Veterans those that were left were organized into 4 companies under the command of a Captain of the 29th and were called the Detachment of the 2nd Brigade about Feb 9th the 66 Ohio arrived and joined the Brigade followed by the 111th Pa C Vol on March 9th and the 2nd Brigade resumed its old organization On March 21st and order came from the War Department ordering all men to their own regiments when they came back on this day snow fell to the depth of 14 inches
[page 39]
On April 9th the 29 P V.V. came back to the Div having marched from Nashville April 11th our Div was reviewed by Genls Geary and Slocum the latter delivering his farewell address having been ordered to the War Department of Vicksburg Our corps and the 11th having been consolidated into 1 corps under Genl Hooker On April 20th an order from the War Department ordered the 111th and 12 corps to be merged into one and called the 20th Corps under Genl Hooker our Div remained the 2nd under Genl Geary and our regiment was transferred to the 3rd Brigade some regiments of the 11th corps having been put into the 2nd Brigade On May 2nd our
[page 40]
Brigade came from Stevenson and on May 3rd received orders to join them we started on the march and went 8 miles to Shell Mound and started on the 4th from Shell Mound and marched 22 miles and halted at the foot of Lookout Mountain On the 5th we started again and marched 18 miles and
6 marched 5 miles and took a position to the left of Gordons Mills On the morning may 7th marched 2 miles to Lees Mills and laid by for the Corps train to pass After stopping 5 hours we resumed our march we traveled 15 miles and [blank] near Genl Kilpatricks headquarters near Tunnel Hills On the 8th our
[page 41]
Brigade was sent 8 miles to support cavalry and hold the front until the 15th Corps came We held the position until 3 oclock PM when we were releived and ordered to our Div. commenced to hear cannonading heard that our 1st and 2nd Brigades were engaged with the Rebels at a place called Rock Face Mountains and after marching 17 miles halted near the field of battle where We laid on our arms all night On the 9th of May being still under arms in the afternoon our Regiment and the 149 NY were ordered on Picket expecting an attach through the night the Div was hard at work entrenching themselves On 10th we were still of picket heard the news that
[page 42]
Grant had whipped Lee in Virginia May 11th still on picket cannonading on the left May 12th releived by the 1st Tennessee cavalry marched 10 miles halted with in 6 miles Resaca the 15 corps were here entrenched we here May 13th The 15th and 16th corps 1st and 3rd Div of our corps moved ahead our Div stopped until the 14 corps came up and we moved on heard cannonading and laid on our arms the pickets commenced shooting and after marched 4 miles went into position near a town called Resaca Genl Kilpatrick if the Cavalry was wound in the morning in the evening built breastworks and supported the 1st Michigan battery On May 14th we were still in the
[page 43]
Breastworks heavy firing on the left about 3 PM were ordered to the left-wing of the Army our old Brigade of 1st Div got up in time to save the 4th corps as they were being driven back. After marching 9 miles we halted and built new works on the 15th of May Sunday we moved 3 miles and formed line our Regiment in advance charged on the Rebles breastworks and in 5 minutes our Regiment lost and killed and wounded 59 and we fell back as we had no support Next day some of the Regiments were detailed to bury the dead and the Div we pursiest along with the rest of the Army after the enemy who had left in the night after marching 10 miles
[page 44]
At Coasa River On the 17th we laid over till 10 oclock when we moved about 4 miles further ahead and
issued to each man one large pug tobacco which had been taken from the Rebels On the 18th May started again and marched 18 miles when we halted for the night 19 started again and when within 3 miles of Kingston were ordered to _____ and formed line for attack. Some of our Batterys opened fire on the Rebels they left and we went into camp after marching 12 miles laid in camp until May 22 when we received an order to prepare for 20 days hard marching and fighting On May 23 rd started in the march
[page 45]
After passing Casswells Station on the Atlanta R.R. traveling 16 miles halted for the night. 24th Our Div was sent out as a feint and after marching 13 miles started next morning and towards noon the 1st Brigade commenced skirmishing with the Rebels laid in line during the afternoon and in the evening our Brigade was sent into the fight we had a pretty sharp fight it rained all night and we ceased firing laid on our arms all night after marching 10 miles the Regiment lost 20 Killed and wounded in this fight On 26th of May our Brigade was ordered on the right into some breastworks laid in the works all day no fighting except
[page 46]
Between the skirmishers. This place is called Altoona Ridge or Burnt Hickory. In the night our Brigade was moved futher to the left We were still in the breastworks on the 27th some of our Batterys had got into position on the left and opened fire and the skirmishers firing at the Rebels all day 2 men of our Regiment were wounded 28 still in breastworks the Rebels opened on us with Artillery skirmishers still fighting The 1st Michigan Artillery battery was put in position at our works and once and a while opened on them We had 3 men wounded in our regiment. For the evening the 111th P.V releived us and we
[page 47]
and we moved about 10 yds behind our works and stacked arms. We remained there the next day the skirmishers still fighting in the night the Rebels made an attack on our left and they were repulsed. Heavy firing on our right supposed to be Genl McPherson Next day May 30th still in the works Skirmishing On the 31st only skirmishers fighting in the evening our Regiment moved up in the works and the 111th fell back June1st skirmishing at noon our corps was releived by the 14th corps and we started on the march no one knowing where we were going and after traveling 6 miles we left of our line On the 2nd moved about 2 miles formed
[page 48]
In line in rear of the 23rd corps stopped here all night next day started about 12 oclock as we supposed to support cavalry after going 8 miles
near a creek and within 1 mile of a place called Atworth on the Atlanta R.R. heard we were to stop here to hold the bridge next day 4th the 11th Indiana Battery came to us we moved our camp futher to the right 5th Co E on picket duty and on the 6th started about noon passed through Atworth and ordered to our Div. as the 14th corps had come up and we after a march of 10 miles found the Div entrenching themselves and we part of our Brigade built
[page 49]
Breastworks. We laid in camp next day strenthing our works and stayed their until the 10th when we were ordered to move but did not start. Our 3 years clothing accommends on the 11th of June On the 12th about 4 oclock we received orders to move on the 13th moved about 2 miles and built breastworks in front of Lost Mountain we could see the Rebels fires at night On the 14th of June we strengthed our works. Knapps Battery got into position and threw into the Rebels works We could get no reply from them in the night the Rebels left the hill during the shelling by Knapps Battery. The Rebel Genl Polk was out in
[page 50]
Half by a solid shot The next day 15th in the afternoon got orders to move moved about 2 miles and got into position and moved in line of battle for some distance we soon came in sight of the Rebels works we moved up to with in 75 yds and met a heavy fire laid down for some time when we fell back Our Colonel was wounded and about 60 of the Regiment killed and wounded On the 16th we moved to our right in some works and were to strengthen them
Our Batterys got into position and they and the Rebels had an artillery fight during the day in the night the Rebels left their works and fell back
[page 51]
On the 19th we moved across to their works laid by for 2 hours and then moved on in line of battle for about 4 miles and our Regiment with the 60th NY was ordered to fix bayonets and support the 13th NY Battery while they planted their guns The guns were put within 300 yards of the Rebels breastworks and soon silenced their guns in the night built works we had 4 men wounded in the eveing. On the 18th there were heavy skirmishing and Artillery fighting our Brigades right was resting on the road about 20 miles from Atlanta and joining the 23 rd corps in the night the Rebs left On the 19th of June we moved on and
[page 52]
After going a mile or so formed line of battle and advance skirmishers firing very brisk I the eveing we moved to our left and built breastworks had about 6 men killed and wounded on the skirmish line The next day we left our works and our Regiment sent to the left to Kapps Battery. Nothing was done but skirmishing and artillery firing In the eveing moved to our right in rear of our 3rd Div On the 21st moved to our right beyond our 3rd Div Our regiment laid in read of our Brigade. Next day moved about a mile above the Rebs skirmishers built works lost about 12 men In the eveing the
[page 53]
Rebs were massed and charged our 1st Div and part of the 23 corps and were repulsed. We had a fine view of the fight our Div Chief of Artillery Capt Wheeler 13th NY Battery was killed. Our position was on the right of Kensaw Mountain. On the 23rd we remained in the works strengthing them pickets and artillery firing expecting an attack all day. On June 24th nothing happened only Artillery firing and skirmishing. In the eveing the Greelyites Men not veterans of the regiment sent a petition to Genl Hooker about mustering them out Joe told us that we were to be a Chattanooga by the 1st of July
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To be mustered out of the service on the 25th were still in the works slight firing on the picket line. In the night the pickets of both sides agreed to stop firing Recorders next day in the eveing to be ready to move at daylight. Next day our Div massed and advanced across our works toward the Rebels I and the most of the Greelyites limbered to the rear On the 28th of June still in rear in the eveing went to the wagon train On the 29th heard that we were to start home tomorrow. In the night Rebels attacked the 14th corps On the 30th was mustered with the regiment and us the non vets of the 28th and Knapps Battery started for big shanty on the Railroad
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Geary spoke a few words to us and shook hands with each man We started for the station and after marching 8 miles halted on afternoon at Big Shanty took the cars and rode to Kingston about 30 miles laid over here until morning. On July 1st we started again and reached Chattnooga in the eveing after going 79 miles stopped at the Soldiers Rest. On 2nd of July went into camp drew rations and clothes and commenced to make out our papers. We stopped here until the 16th of July when we started for Nashville. While at Chattnooga on the 8th about 2300 Rebel prisoners were brought in. A great many of them were taken by Genl Hookers 20th corps On July 11th we turned
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Our guns and accouterments On the 14th we were mustered out of the service by Capt Wilbur of the 102 NY Asst Com of Muster of the Div 20 corps July 15th we took the cars and after riding 151 miles arrived at Nashville at daylight next morning the 17th started same day at 4 30 PM and arrived in Louisville next morning at daylight on the 18th took the boat crossed the Ohio to Jeffersonville took cars here for Seymour 59 miles here changed cars to Cincinnati 85 miles by Ohio to Miss R R where we arrived at 12 oclock same night Put up in the market and on the morning of the 19th took cars on the belle Miami R R for Columbus 120 miles arrived here at 12 oclock took the cars to Pittsburg
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By Central Ohio RR arrived in Pittsburg on the morning of the 20th at 2 a m changed cars for Pennsylvania Central R R for Phila 301 miles arrived at 12 oclock on Wednesday the 20th and on Friday the 22nd we were paid by Major W.U. Porter USA who also handed us our eagles.
Benjamin Benner
Co. G 29th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteres
White Star Div
transcribed by: Joyce Hicks
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