On June 12, 1864, the Battle of Cold Harbor ended when General Ulysses S. Grant withdrew his Union troops following a failed attempt to break through Confederate lines to push on to Richmond. Though the battle had resulted in high Union casualties, it would essentially prove to be Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s final victory of the war.
The Battle of Cold Harbor was actually a series of skirmishes and battles that occurred between May 31 and June 12. Grant and Lee had been clashing the entire month of May in the battles of the Wilderness (May 5–7), Spotsylvania Court House (May 8–21), and North Anna (May 23–26), as Grant worked his way southeast to try to take Richmond. Finally, the two armies neared Cold Harbor, Virginia, just 10 miles from the Confederate capital.
The first action of the Battle of Cold Harbor occurred on May 31, when Union and Confederate cavalry fought for possession of Cold Harbor. The Union cavalry emerged the victors of that clash as well of the fight the following morning, when the Confederates—reinforced by the arrival of infantry—attacked again. The Union cavalry also shortly received reinforcements of infantry, and both sides began digging in and making entrenchments, creating a line 7 miles long. That same evening, June 1, the Union launched a partial attack to allow them to get in a better position for the battle planned for the following day, June 2.
However, due to the late arrival of a portion of his troops following an exhausting night march, Grant decided to let them rest, and the attack was postponed until the following day. However, this gave Lee’s troops time to get firmly entrenched, and the Union failed to reconnoiter the Confederate position and learn of the well-executed Confederate defenses.
Three Union corps attacked the Confederate entrenchments at dawn on June 3, and the result was one of the bloodiest battles of the war for the Union, despite the total number of available Union troops being nearly twice that of the Confederates. Caught in concentrated and overlapping fields of fire, Grant’s troops suffered high casualty rates. Although the battle would last until 1:30 that afternoon, the majority of the damage was done in the opening minutes of the fighting. Casualties for the Federal troops just for that day were estimated at around 7,000, while Confederate troops lost about 1,500.
Following the loss at Cold Harbor, Grant decided not to try for Richmond again but instead headed for the rail center of Petersburg, where both armies would become entrenched for most of the remainder of the war.
Did you have ancestors who fought at Cold Harbor? Tell us about it! Or search for more records about the battle on Fold3.
My 2rd ggrand father was shot at Cold Harbor and captured by the Yankees. He was taken to Washington General Hospital when gangrene set in. Hiram Hagler was buried in a mass grave. Later the UDC members had bones exhumed and reburied in Raleigh w a large marker honoring the fallen soldiers. Cold Harbor is a humbling battleground for my family, especially my 93 year old father.
Very moving story.
Nice historical story to pass down to the family…
My 2nd ggrand father was captured at the battle of Cold Harbor, taken to Point Lookout, Md and transferred by train to Elmira, NY where he died on 12-07-1964
of “severe diarrhea” according to the Union Prison Records. He is buried in the National,Cemetery in Elmira, NY. Pvt Henry W. Armstrong from Edgecombe
County, NC and left behind a wife and 9 children, the oldest was only 12 years old.
That should be 1864 not 1964
Your story sounds similar to mine, Joseph. My 2nd great grandfather was also captured at Cold Harbor, taken to Point Lookout, and transferred to the Elmira Prison Camp where he died on 27 Sep 1864 of severe diarrhea. His name was Samuel Burton Holliman, and he was from Warren County, Georgia. He left a wife and young children as well. I am thankful that he died without having to suffer through the difficult winter and living conditions at Elmira.
Exact same story for my family too. Daniel Morgan of the 18th Georgia, captured and sent to Elmira, dying of Variola a few months before the end of the war. I’ve visited his well kept grave.
My great great grandfather, Aaron W. Mashborn, Co. E, 7th Georgia, G. T. Anderson’s Brigade, Field’s Division, Longstreet’s Corps, fought in the battles at Cold Harbor. On June 3rd they and Law’s Brigade decimated Stannard’s Brigade.
Another relative, E. D. Persons, Co. E, 9th Georgia, was part of Anderson’s Brigade’s skirmish battalion under Captain Cockrell. On June 1st they engaged in a vicious fight that resulted in many casualties and the destruction of the skirmish battalion.
I have visited the battlefield and walked the ground where the battle was fought. It is a humbling experience.
My gggrandfather, John Z. Wagner, PA 55th, Co. E was also at the Battle of Cold Harbor – He went on to fight at Petersburg, VA, where he was wounded in the leg – and lost a brother, Joseph, who is buried at the Petersburg National Military Cemetery. John Z. Wagner was also at City Point, and witnessed the surrender at Appomatox Courthouse.
My great grandfather and his brother were at the “wilderness” in 1864 with Company F, Pa 11th Infantry. Henry was wounded on May 5 of that campaign and subsequently died at Carver Hospital in D.C. of his wounds. I visited there last year and it is hard to imagine such devastation as must have occurred during the battle at such a beautiful and bucolic place.
My great great grandfather was killed in action in the Battle of Cold Harbor. His name was John Wilkins and he was with the 151st New York Infantry. He was buried in a mass grave there behind the Garthright Farm. Later his body was moved to the Cold Harbor Cemetery.
My great great great uncle Lt. Rufus Deal died at the battle of Cold Harbor. He was with the North Carina Infantry.
My great great grandfather, Abraham J. “Abram” Frick, a Sergeant with the 15th South Carolina Infantry, Company I, CSA, was wounded at Cold Harbor, having been struck in the head by a Minie ball on June 4, 1864. He was first taken to Wayside General Hospital #8, then transferred to Jackson Hospital in Richmond Hospital for treatment, He was later transferred to the Huguenot Springs Confederate Hospital, where he contracted acute diahrrea. He was transferred to Winder Hospital, and died on July 27, 1864. He was one of many Confederate soldiers who were buried in a mass grave near the Huguenot Springs Resort/Hospital. Though it doesn’t indicate his burial spot, there is a marker in this cemetery identifying him as one of those buried there. Abram Frick enlisted in the CSA Army on June 18, 1862 and served until his death. He had been a wagonmaker/wheelwright prior to his volunteering to serve his country.
My husbands 2x great Uncle James Temple died 4 June 1864. He was a month shy of his 17th birthday. I came across a cemetery monument, in central Ohio, for his parents and his name and dates are listed there “in memory of.” He is actually buried in The Richmond National Cemetery.
I am one of a very mew who can say, “My GRANDFATHER fought at Cold Harbor”. James Sinclair, (1841-1926) Co.A, 7th Batt’n(Enfield Rifles) SC infantry was wounded during the battle, and was told by the doctors he would not live and to “make his peace with God”. this was his second wound (first time at Battle of Pocotaligo, SC) and the second time he had heard this from the doctors. He survived, was discharged at Greensboro and walked home to Camden, SC with the remnants of his company.
he married his sweetheart, had 8 children, she died, he remarried and my father was next to youngest of the last 5 children. Not bad for a boy supposed to be dead twice!
two years ago, i stood in the trenches where he fought with Gen Haygood. it was a touching moment.
also, noteworthy..his father John and his father’s half brother Colin Jordan were in the same company with him. Colin died of fever in richmond in July 1864 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery. We had a marker placed on his grave 2 years ago.
Thanks for passing along. I’ve been to a few battle sites but none were more impactful than Cold Harbor. Horrible folly on Grant’s part.
My 3rd gr grandfather, John B Amos (1833-1901), was wounded on June 3, 1864 at Cold Harbor seriously enough that he was sent to the General Hospital at Mt Pleasant and never saw action again. Although he did return to his Regiment after the surrender and mustered out in Aug 1865. He was with Co D of the 55th PA Infantry. Born, lived and died in Bedford, Pennsylvania and the father to 11 children. I visited Cold Harbor Battlefield a few years ago and the words of the Park Ranger I spoke with “you will breathe his air” certainly set the tone for actually standing where he fought.
My GG Grandfather Thomas Patrick O’Hara died in the battle and is buried there in a mass grave.
My ancestor CYRUS WERKHEISER (from PA) was killed at Cold Harbor. His body was never recovered, & all I know about him is he was born about 1840. His brother Richard Werkheiser (my direct ancestor) named a child after Cyrus. Also, Richard’s 3rd spouse was from Va. I believe he went to Va looking for information on Cyrus’ death, & he met Lucy Guerrant there. She returned to Pa with him.
My great grandfather, Orin Hamilton Patterson, Co E of the 24th New York Cavalry, was captured while on picket duty. He was sent to Andersonville Prison in Georgia where he remained for the rest of the war.
My great-grandfather, Theodore Dwight Sperry of the 140th NY Inf. Vol., was also captured at Cold Harbor and sent to Andersonville. I wonder if they knew each other?
I enjoyed the detail of your article on this time in the Civil War. My Great Grandfather, John Keating, military record is as follows : (Keatings, John; Address: NYC (misspelling of last name)
Rec. #: 16518-20, Pension Claim #: 1126597
Dt. of Enlistment: 26 Mar. 1864 (Record: 10 Jul. 1864 at Munson Hill Va.)
Dt. of Discharge: June 30, 1865
Branch of Service: Co. E, E, 59th N.Y. Inf.
Rank: Private
War Record: Wilderness Va. North Anna Va.
Assault of Petersburg, Va.
Subsequent Service: at 82 at N.Y. Inf.
Wounded (Petersburg – Weldon RR Skirmish – Arm and eye – shell explosion)
I would appreciate any additional information you may have about this battle or what you may have about my GG – pictures of his regiment or the area of battle.
There where a number of battles along the Weldon RR as the Union sought to gain control of it. My gggrandfather, 10 United States Infantry was captured at Globe Tavern and died in Salisbury, NC Confederate prison. My wife’s gguncle, 13th PA Cavalry was captured at Weldon RR. Died in Andersonville prison.
My great grand uncle, Cpl Wyndam Randolph Carper, served all 4 yrs of the war and was at Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Appomattox. After the surrender he walked home to Lynchburg.
Thanks for the fine piece on this terrible turning-point battle. Recently walked the battle field again and was moved by the lay of the land and the present beauty and quiet of the place.
A few years ago I recorded a song about one soldier’s take on the carnage he witnesses there…
Give it a listen @
http://www.civilwarsong.com/cold-harbor-june-3-1864/
My great-grandfather, William White, served with the 7th West Virginia regiment at Cold Harbor. Per his pension record, he was wounded in the head there. His diary for that day says simply “was wounded and left the field”. He subsequently recovered from his wound and lived well into his 90s.
My great grandfather, George Talcott was a captain in the 112th Regiment of New York Volunteers and was at Cold Harbor and Petersberg
STATISTICAL HISTORY
OF THE
112TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS
2d Lieutenant George S. Talcott, Silver Creek, promoted 1st Lieutenant, June 21, ’64; Captain Company D, October 12, ’64; on recruiting service from December 21, ’63 to May 4, ’64;
in command of Company G, from July, ’64 to February, ’65;
Company D from February 28, ’65.
My gggrandfather, Corp John Wright – 112th NY Company G – wounded 5/6 pm June 1, 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor – died of infection complications July 3, 1864
So my John was probably out of the action soon before your George commanded
his Company.
My great great grandfather, Pvt. Jacob B. Nuss, also fought with the 7th West Virginia Infantry, Company B, throughout the Battle of Cold Harbor, witnessed the surrender at Appomattox , and participated in the Grand Review on May 23, 1865,
He died in 1887 at age 51. His obituary states that he had been sick for a year prior to his death with complications from diseases contracted in the service.
My great grandfather lost his two younger brothers at Cold Harbor. John and Hiriam Hill from Ashe County North Carolina, John is buried in a mass grave (unlocated) in Hollywood Cemetary in Richmond. Hiram we have never located. They were 21 and 19 yrs old at the time of their death.
Jared Henry Hottel, member of the 12th Virginia Cavalry was killed near the Plank Road on May 6 at the start of that campaign…we have portions of his diary, but would love to learn all I can about him.
My 2nd gr. grandfather, Warren Perkins fought at Cold Harbor with the 8th NY HART. His brother, Willis, was wounded there in the head and the hand. I hope to visit there someday!
My 3rd great grandfather also served NY 8th HA, company B. Was mortally wounded June 3 and died 4 agonizing days later. His remains were returned to his family in Lockport NY. Cold Springs cemetery. For those of us descended from the NY 8th HA it is an especially sad and humbling walk around the paved pathways next to the Garthwright House. But definitely worth it to experience.
Thomas Jefferson Truitt, 1837-1864, my 1st cousin 3x removed, is buried in the Cold Harbor National Cemetery, Section D, Site 785.
His 3-yr. enlistment was set to expire, but he was killed at the Battle of Bethesda Church, VA just one month before he was due to muster out.
I should have mentioned that Thomas Jefferson Truitt was from Armstrong County, PA and was with Co D, 62d Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was the company’s color sergeant. On July 1, 1862 at the battle of Malvern Hill, he rescued the 62nd PA’s flag from capture by securing it inside his uniform coat.
I noticed many mentioned cause of death “diarrhea”. Diarrhea continues to be a problem for soldiers today. NPR has a special broadcast show on this problem from the last week in May 2016.
DURING THE SO CALLED “CIVIL WAR” STARVATION WAS LISTED AS SEVERE
DIARRHEA.
My great grandfather Charles Pecor was in the 112th Regiment of the New York Volunteers, (Chatauqua Regiment ). He was Felled by a bullet hitting him in the belt buckle, that knocked him out. He was missing in action for 6 months, when they located him in Andersonville prison. He was there when the Hung the Commandant. The Family had already had his funeral service, when they were notified. Memoribilia at Brocton Museum in Brocton NY. The whole story is very interesting.
My 3rd great grandfather Robert Thomas Kelley lived with his wife and nine kids on a 200 acre farm at the crossroads of Old Cold Harbor. Their home served as HQ for Major General Horatio Wright in June 1864. After the battle Kelley was taken as a citizen prisoner and used as a guide for General Burnside’s troops in crossing the Chickahominy and James River. He never returned home and is assumed to have taken ill while with the Union Army. His service is documented in army correspondence.
My 2nd great uncle, Walter L. Cady served with the 7th N.Y.H.A. Co H. He died on June 5, 1863 as a result of injuries sustained at Cold Harbor. He was 20 years old.
Below is a copy of two letters one written by Edward D. Varney my 2nd great grand father to the Honorable James Tanner, Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC. dated August 13, 1889. The second letter from William H Wormstead
1009, Prospect Ave. Kansas City, Mo., he was with Edward when he was wounded at Cold Harbor VA.
” Dear Sir
I filed my claim for pension in 1880, and have got all the proof I could up to this time. That I was Disabled in the Service. I enlisted the 12th of November 1861 and served my Country Faithfully until the 29th of June 1865. I was away from my Co and Regiment about four months, in the Hospitals at City Point Va, and the Lincoln Hospital at Washington DC. The records of Lincoln Hospital will show, I was admitted with Malarial Fever also records of City Point Hospital ought to show I was treated for the same there, and sent from there to
Lincoln Hospital. With the statement of Dr. Garland ” of Gloucester Mass” Who treated me for Chills and Rheumatism while on a furlough from Lincoln Hospital, ought to show that I had these Diseases while in the Service. Also the Statement of Dr. Cheney of Bowdoinham Me ” who has since Died ” Who treated ” me from 1875 to 1888 ” that am still suffering from the same. I would gladly get more proof if I could but it looks almost impossible to get any one who has personal Knowledge after all these years. ” As those who best acquainted with Was Killed and have past away. ” ” When I enlisted in the Army I was in perfect Health ” and the length of service and the hardships that one would have to endure. While in the Army of the Potomac ought to show that a man could not pass through this and come out a well man, that he must be Diseased more or less. While others who enlisted and never left the state are receiving Pension for Diseases contracted while in the service ” is this just between the two men ” Is it not common sence that a man would be more likely to be disabled and unfit for manual labor who served 3 to 4 years in Actual service then the one who served 3 to 6 months and was discharged for Diseases Contracted in the same service ‘ and today receives a pension ” when he was no use to the United States. He is today a better man then the one who served his 4 years at the front ” and why. ” Because he has a Hospital record, and the one at the front has none. Was it this man who helped save Country or was it the man who was at his post and facing the danger of Act in Service there is something about this pension Law that is unjust to some it is not helping the man who did his Duty, but the one who never see a Rebel. Now I am unable to do manual labor and I ask the Government to do something for me in return for what I lost in helping her. As I stated in the first of my letter I have been 10 years trying for my Pension, something to help myself and Family and it has been all up hill work with me thus far. But I trust you as an old soldier and one who is a friend to the soldier as far as you can with justice to the Government will now do what you can and what you think right toward me. Will your Honor please consider this four letter in behalf of my Wife and Children and at your earliest pleasure give my claim your attention.
I will forward names of officers and soldiers but I don’t think they can swear to having personal knowledge of my diseases. Address of
Col. James A Cummingham Com. of Soldier Home Chelsea Mass.” late Col 32 Regt Mass Vol. ”
Dr. Samuel W Fletcher Pepperell Mass Late of 32 Regt Mass Vol In.
Wm F Porter Dorchester Mass Late Sargent Co C. 32 Mass Vol
Wm H Wormstead ( evidence enclosed ) 1009 Prospect Ave Kansas City Mo Late of Co C. 32 Regt Mass Vol and was with me when wounded of the battle of Cold Harbor Va.
yours Resp. E D Varney Bowdoinham Maine ”
From the Pension files of Edward Varney a letter from fellow soldier William H Wormstead (listed above) originally from Marblehead, Massachusetts reads.
” Kansas City Oct. 28th 1889
Sir _
I was with E. D. Varney of Co. C. 32nd Mass Regiment when, on the 3rd day of June, 1864 he received his wound. We were behind a light breastwork of rails,earth. I heard the bullet strike the rails and saw the splinters from the same with dust as Varney fell and was in great pain. I asked him where he was wounded and he told me he was helpless and I took him as far to the rear as I was allowed to go,giving him into charge of the ambulance corp. I did not see the wound.
Respectfully
William H Wormstead
1009, Prospect Ave.
Kansas City, Mo.”
I have thought several times about looking into some of the war history, Never went back past ww2 yet . This was good reading. My family are from Indiana. Not a real clue.
Great grandfather was 17th Mich and saw first combat at Battle of Wilderness. Ended war as corporal. Awarded Congressional Medal of Honor for later action. Irwin Shepard.
Back in the late ’80s, I found the location of the Old Bethesda Church, Grant’s headquarter’s during the Battle of Cold Harbor. An old man showed me the spot and why he knew it was there. Really awesome find.
My 2nd great grand uncle, Captain Seton Flemming , 2nd Florida Infantry was killed leading a sense less chance counter attack. He knew it he was going to be killed as he gave his personal items to members for safe keeping. He made it about 50 yards and was shot down.
Great article and excellent stories from descendants. My GGGrandpa was at Cold Harbor too, he survived, later the next year he surrender at Appomattox. He was from Monterrey Va, served under T. (Stonewall) from Manasas (Bullrun) to Chancelorville then with RE Lee til the end. John Henry (“Squire John”) Samples 1847 – 1937 RIP
Our 2nd great grandfather William E Cole Providence NY Company H 77th Regiment Infantry.(had him listed as William A) was killed June 3 1864 here. He was 22 at the time and left a wife and daughter and son. He was killed by Rebel sniper fire.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=3069770&ref=acom
My ggGrandfather, John Schnaufer, entered the war for 3 months in April ’65 (PA 67 Inf) & missed most of the fighting but possibly met up with his brother on the March to Danville & DC (my ggGrand-uncle George Snaufer). George was in the PA 61 Inf. and fought at Cold Harbor. He made it thru those terrible battles only to be captured in a raid at Weldon RR a couple weeks later and sent to Anderson for 8 months (” & survived”, it says on his record). He must have been tough, for the following spring he was back with his unit helping chase Lee to Appomatox. All those battlefields are somber places to me (& especially Andersonville Prison). Forgot these dates-thanks!
My great-grandfather, Theodore “Tip” Johnson, was one of the “lucky” ones. He lost a leg above the knee at the Battle of Cold Harbor, returned to Orleans County, New York, farmed, built a road, married and raised six children. He died at age 92.
My 2nd great-grandfather, William Wesley Crimm, along with brothers, Peter and Frank were at Cold Harbor. Two brothers, Thomas and George had already died in the war. They were all in the Alabama 44th Infantry Regiment, Law’s Brigade.
My ggg-grandfather Alonzo McCoy was heavy artillery for NY 8th. He, along with his commander Peter Porter and 505 comrades, was gunned down in less than half an hour of heavy confederate gunfire in the morning of June 3, 1864. He was mortally wounded and died on June 7th. I have been to the battlefield twice and it just brings tears to my eyes. There is a touching tribute to the NY Bloody 8th on the walking path and in the cemetery there.
I appreciate the depth and details of this account.
I grew up on those old battle grounds. I live my younger years right on Cold Harbor road and spent many hours in those woods that were pretty much untouched at the time. The breastworks were still there-only the canons were missing. Now I wonder how many souls I passed in those woods-how many did I walk right over. It’s all gone how-to progress but as a child by myself in those woods, I never felt afraid or alone.
I appreciate reading your lovely thoughts. There’s a sweetness to knowing a child was there with those souls.
My ggGrand uncle (he was also my gg step-grandfather) was killed on the May 5, first day of the Wilderness battle. Whether he died of his wounds or in the woods fire that afternoon that took the lives of the wounded, I don’t know. Have not been able to find out where he is buried. His name : Pierre Francois, but in the records he is recorded as Peter Francis, some times as Peter Frances. My gg grandmother had to pay the government $18.00 that he still owed on his uniform.
My g-grandfather, Timothy W. Kelly, as Capt of Co. C, 164th Regt., NYV and fought at Cold Harbor and survived that battle but was captured at Reams Station on August 25, 1864. He was imprisoned at Libby, Salisbury and Danville prisons. He survived and eventually rejoined his regiment but never regained his health which was badly impaired during his imprisonment. The following are parts of 2 letters he wrote home after the battle of Cold Harbor.Two letters from Captain Kelly give some detail of the battle of June 3rd. The first was written to his wife, Rose, just two days after the battle and gives but a brief summary of their part in it and its grim results. “On Friday morning last about half past three in the dull down pour of rain, the regiment fell in after a cheerless sleep on the soaking ground. our Corps was to charge the rebel rifle pits. we had been lying behind a breast work. we had no sooner left its protection than the enemy opened on us we went closing up the gaps shot and shell made in our ranks. We reached the enemys work and went over it with a cheer. after a fierce hand to hand fight with bayonet and pistol and clubbed rifle, we were victors, but at a fearful cost. we made two charges since we joined the Army of the Potomac on the18th May. on that morning 567 men went into the fight. this evening we muster 240, of 33 officers there are left 14.”
The second letter was written to Frank Gallagher, Capt. Kelly’s brother-in-law, more than a month after the battle when the Corps was taking part in the siege of Petersburg and there was more opportunity for reflection. “You are surprised at finding a piece of a shirt in this letter but there is a sad day in the history of our regt. which it recalls. The battle of Cold Harbor in which the Colonel [James P. McMahon] was killed was fought on the 3rd of June–the night before I slept with him. before he laid down he changed his clothes and I envied him the possession of a clean shirt and drawers. on the seventh a flag of truce was sent out for the purpose of allowing both parties to bury their dead between the lines. the truce was to last from two until eight P.M. it was nearly six before we were informed of its existence. at the same time all persons were forbidden to go outside our works except the burial party and as officer in charge, anxious to learn the fate of the missing officers of our regt. I disregarded the order and went out after the white flag. the bodies of our men distinguishable by their Zouave clothing lay thick before the rebel earth works. I examined the pockets and cartridge boxes of fifteen or twenty on the hope of finding something by which they might be identified but I was successful only in two cases where I found on one body a prayer book and on another a letter. they had all been rifled. about twenty bodies laid under a large apple tree. one of these had just been covered up as I approached. there was barely time to throw a few shovels full of earth upon each body. one of the men at work pointed to the body and said, “There is Capt. Moroney” wishing to be satisfied I caused the body to be uncovered. in trying to get at the pants pocket I tore the cloth and saw the drawers, and getting at inside coat pocket I saw the shirt both of which I recognized every one else insisted that it was Capt. Moroney’s body. I was positive it was the Col.’s and cut off the enclosed wristband in order to show it to his servant. the Adjutant coming up at the time remembered his pants so a stretcher carrier was sent for and he was carried to the rear and buried. I enclose the wristband as the means through which the remains of a man I respected and esteemed obtained decent burial–“
My ancestor, Dr. Lewis R. Kirk was Regimental Surgeon in the 26th PA Volunteers, an infantry unit in General Winfield Hancock’s Second Corps, Fourth Division, Third Brigade. At Cold Harbor he set up shop either at the Second Corps’ Main Hospital at the Tyler House, or at the hospital at White House Landing. I visited the Cold Harbor battlefield as part of the research I’m doing for a family history book. It was a chilling experience to imagine men rising up out of shallow ditches and charging into a hail of white-hot minie balls delivered at point-blank range. Dr. Kirk and his medical compatriots had all the work they could handle, and for days afterwards. After the war, he turned aside from general medicine and surgery and opened a pharmacy in Rising Sun, MD, having had all the death and dying he needed for a lifetime. A generations later, one of his great nephews, Dr. Norman T. Kirk, in part inspired by Dr. Lewis Kirk’s military service, entered the Army’s medical corps and served as Surgeon General of the US Army throughout WWII.
Vermin Yankees
I am 92 years old and found all of the above most interesting. For 39 years have researched my family and am sure that there is some unfound history in my family’s past but am not aware of My gggrandfather Richard Delany was shot in 1964 and retired to his home in Portland.Me. to later die there. I only know that he was a Union soldier. Any help would be most appreciated.
My wife’s great grand uncle Edgar Wylie Potter, was a First Sergeant in the NY 9th Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, Company A on the morning of May 31, 1864 when he was killed in a skirmish as part of the Battle Of Old Church (up the road from and a day before Cold Harbor). He was shot through the neck while mounted and died almost instantly. He was given a battlefield burial in the field where he fell. On the same day, his younger brother, Stanley Noble Potter, a Corporal in the NY 1st Mounted Rifles (later 7th Cavalry), who had been fighting as part of the Army of the James was returning to West Point from an interdiction raid south of Richmond. By his diary entry he was probably within 40 miles from where his older brother fell that day. When the war was over, Stanley mustered out at Fredericksburg and went immediately to Hanover County to retrieve Edgar’s body to return it home to Machias NY. With the help of a local neighbor, he found and disinterred the body and decided to move it to a better location on the farm as he told the family it was not right to return the body in the state it was in. He built a wooden box and carved a wooden headboard with the help of the local individual. We have a copy of the letter written to the family about the inscription. The land was described as being the Buttermilk Plantation. A descendant attempted to locate the grave in a visit to the location and even with the recollection of the local people 90 years later the plantation house was in ruins and the gravesite was not located. We ave a fairly good idea where it was located based on the geographical description given by his commanding officer who was himself killed later in September out near Berryville VA.
Fortunately we have the 1864 & 65 diaries of our great grandfather, William Harrison Bratton who was originally mustard as a member of B and 49th Regt. Penna Vols on August 29th 1861. Captured at Gains Mill and was in Libby and Belle Isle prisions until his exchange on 8/9/1862.
Re-enlisted March 31st 1864 in Battery G 2nd Penna. Heavy Art. Equipped as Infantry, he was engaged in battles at North Anna, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Chapins Farms and Petersburg. From his diary: received 2 wounds in his left arm (during a charge against Ft. Gilmore under Gen. Butler) and lay upon the field 2-3 hours bleeding. Ended up in Wise Hospital, Richmond where his left hand was amputated after receiving stimulants freely. Paroled and sent to Annapolis. Left arm amputated below the elbow toward the end of October as gangrene has set in. When discharged he found he could no longer farm so entered Duff’s comercial college in Pittsburgh. the Republicians of Mifflin Co. nominated him for Senator and he served 9 years all together. Eventually settled on a homestead in Burleigh county, south of Sterling, ND raising crops and sheep and once again served in the newly formed legislature.
Generals rarely second guess their decisions. Grant was an exception. In his two volume book on the war he openly states his decision at Cold Harbor was one that he truly regretted. However, this was part of his strategy to relentlessly engage Lee in a war of attrition the South could not win. It was brutal and in the end was the proper course of action. Battlefields throughout history have been hellish killing fields. The Wilderness Campaign was one of the worse. The dense forest and thickets frequently caught fire burning to death many of the wounded on both sides.
My gg uncle, John Daly (Daily, Daley) was in the NY 147th Infantry from Oswego, New York. This Regiment fought at Cold Harbor. It then went onto Petersburg, VA. My ancestor was injured in the stomach. He died of his wounds 19 Jun 1865.
A memorial I wrote for my gg-granduncle.
Joseph Anderson Lively
A confederate soldier of the 26th Virginia Battalion, Company H. Captured during the Cold Harbor battle on June 3, 1864, at Gaines Mill near Richmond. Taken to Point Lookout, MD, then on July 12th was transfered to Elmira, NY.
Suffering in horrible conditions at Elmira, many prisoners were taken ill soon after arrival. Late Sept. 1864 orders were received to send “unfit” prisoners south for exchange. Oct. 11, 1864 J. A. Lively was transfered to Baltimore. A report dated Oct. 14, 1864 indicates that during the previous days about 1200 prisoners arrived at Baltimore by train and were examined by doctors. Doctors recorded the horrible condition of many of the prisoners, stating that some “should have never been permitted to leave Elmira”. Joseph A. Lively was part of this transfer.
He died Oct. 19, 1864 at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD, where many of the prisoners had been taken. He was buried Oct. 21, 1864. He was 37 years old and left behind a wife and at least 8 children, the oldest not yet a teenager.
Buried at Loudon Park Cemetery, Baltimore, MD.
so sorry to hear of ur gg-uncle my gg-gfather was in 21st NC/ company G and was taken prisoner at the battle of monocacy , MD and taken to elmira in july 1864 and survived the POW camp (HELLmira) and was pardoned in June 1865….there is a book about elmira i have read but don’t remember the name (i think its the only one) the thing about the northern camps was the north HAD the food to give the POW’s they just chose not to…were as the south didn’t have food much less for their own army…
My great grandfather Job Sherman Driggs participated in the Battle of Cold Harbor. He was part of the Iron Brigade and the 6th Wisconsin Volunteers. He had been born in Colrain, Ma in 1840 into a family descended from several 1st families of Massachusetts and Connecticut. He enlisted in 1861 from Glendale, Wisconsin and fought in most of the great battles with the Iron Brigade, including Antietam, where he was in Company I and was sent into the Corn Field and fought back and forth during that horrific battle. After Antietam he was attached to the 4th U. S. Artillery and participated at Gettysburg at the Railroad Cut, and he was wounded at the Wilderness.
He eventually was promoted to 1st lieutenant and mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. After the war he returned to Wisconsin, then to Texas where he worked for the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad, He participated in the Land Run into Indian Territories in Oklahoma in 1889. He eventually moved to the foot of Missionary Ridge at Chattanooga, Tennessee where he died in 1921. He was buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery and later when his 3rd wife and my great grandmother Georgia Ann Boatman Driggs died her body was placed on top of his grave.
Thanks, Ken Pennington
My 3rd great uncle Captain Adin Caswell commanded Company B of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. At Cold Harbor he was knocked to the ground by canister fire, and his overcoat was pierced several times by bullets, but he escaped with only minor wounds. Because the regiment’s commander was killed at Cold Harbor, he took command of the regiment for about 10 weeks. Captain Caswell returned home to Massachusetts after the war in relatively good health. He lived until 1900, and was held in high esteem by his comrades in the Grand Army of the Republic veterans group.
One thing no one talks about is the number of Union Troops, and for that matter, southerners that went AWOL during Grant’s push to Richmond. Grant’s strategy was to waste Lee’s Army which he did, wasted his own Army in the process, but the North had more Troops to send.
The South didn’t listen to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston who did not want to waste his Army guarding Cities but wanted to engage with Gorilla Fighting on favorable Ground. Both Lee and Davis were against Johnson and they were wrong.
General Johnston understood the situation that existed in the south at the time much better than Davis. However, his approach was politically unfavorable and did not suit the emotional climate that existed, with the south wanting to annihilate the northern armies in the field. Johnston loved his men and loved the south but his pragmatism was not appreciated. When Davis removed him from command before the battle of Atlanta and gave his army to General Hood, I feel that that decision was one of the final nails in the coffin for the Confederacy. Very few memorials for General Johnston but he was a great general and loved my his troops.
Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign is a sample of what would have happened if the South had indulged in guerilla warfare – scorched earth tactics. Look also at what Sherman’s March to the Sea and subsequent march north from Savannah did, and imagine Grant’s and Thomas’s armies added to the mix. Plus a large number of pro-Union groups in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The results would have been catastrophic damage to the Confederacy, in terms of both property and impact on civilians.
Thanks to Lee, the war in the east was waged on relatively restrained terms, with the exception of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, which was partially an answer to guerrilla warfare, though mainly to the threat pose by forces there to Washington.
I agree in part… Lee started making sedentary mistakes after the loss of Jackson. N. Bedford Forrest was the main element for Johnstons plans for guerilla war, and I believe it would have bled the north into a state of apathy…
My great grandfather David Crockett Whitt was there with the 29th VA and after the battle they were known as the Bloody Twentyninth I write a book about it. See at. http://dahnmonwhittfamily.com
My 2nd & 3rd great-grandfathers, Andrew A. Wells & his son George W. Wells both fought at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Finnegans Floridians.
My gg grandfather Henry Connahey fought in 183rd Pennsylvania 1st brigade. He made it through all the wilderness campaigns! Pretty sure he was at Appomattox court house when Lee surrendered. Died of lead poison at 48 yrs old. He was a house painter after war
My gg grandfather William Draper fought with the 8th Alabama at Cold Harbor and was with Lee at Appomattox. He died in Texas in 1892.
Had a great grandfather ,Phillip A work that caught in that Battle Of Cold Harbor.
My GGG grandfather Martin Lyddy (or Liddey, Liddy, Liddie) Private of Company E of the 155th New York Infantry (Irish regiment) was killed on 4th June 1864 at Cold Harbor. He arrived in New York from Glasgow (an Irishman) in 1861 or 1862 and sent for his Scottish wife Jane and two infant children to follow him. They eventually arrived New Year 1864, by that time Martin had signed up for the army and was away fighting. I do not know if the family ever saw Martin before he was killed but they struggled to survive in New York. One child died and Jane eventually remarried and returned to Scotland. Her application for a pension is lodged at the Washington National Archive and was a revelation to find when I visited from Britain last year. I also made it to the Cold Harbor Battle Site. The Ranger was extremely knowledgable and could locate the place where Martin is likely to have died with the recorded death date, company and regiment info. since there are diagrams showing the battle lines. Fascinating. I would be very interested to hear of any other 155th NY ancestors’ stories.
I am still trying to find out where Martin was from in Ireland, and this is proving very difficult. If anyone has pointers I would be glad to hear.
My Gorman relatives (husband, wife and six children) first relocated to Glasgow from County Tyrone in hopes of finding work. On 28 AUG 1852 they arrived in NY. This would suggest you look in the northern part of Ireland.
I have a gguncle who fought in the battle of Franklin from the 2nd and 6th Missouri. He was wounded on Nov 30th and supposedly died a few days later. His name was Charles F Moran. Young man, not married, however he left loving parents to mourn him. If you should find anything on him or about his unit, please email me! Thanks
Joy
Brave men in another era…hard to believe but true.
The NJ 14th Regiment included many ancestors. My GG grandfather, John Yetman, was shot and captured at Cold Harbor. He survived Andersonville Prison and I believe is mentioned as Getman in the diary of “Death Before Dishonor” written by a fellow tent mate who did not survive Andersonville. My GGG uncle, Daniel Polhemus Soden, was killed at Cold Harbor shot in both legs. His nephew, Peter Soden, also died there. Fortunately my GGG uncle Jonathan Craig Soden survived.
Glenn…are you from NJ? We just put a flag on Memorial Day on soldiers from the 14th NJ buried in Adelphia, NJ. including a Willam Yetman of the 14th. Relation?
you can contact me offsite at [email protected]
What incredible stories. Thank you for honoring your ancestors.
My great grandfather, George Finley Walters and his brother, Sidney Walters fought in that battle. He, his brother and step father, James Boon, were captured in the battle near Fredericksburg. They all survived the war.
My Great Grandfather, Archibald Boan, fought at Cold Harbour with the 21st SC. He was later captured at Petersburg and survived Elmira. He lived to be 83.
I recently discovered my ggggrandfather Allison Blackden (Blagden) was a member of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. I found a book written by members of that unit titled simply The First Maine Heavy Artillery by H. Shaw. They were late to the fighting as they were protecting Washington until Pres. Lincoln decided they were more useful at the front. My ancestor was wounded on May, 19, 1864 so I’m not sure if he fought at Cold Harbor. Later in the war the 1st Maine suffered the most casualties at Petersburg; 632 men. My ancestor was discharged in 1865 and moved to Pennsylvania where he is buried.
My GG grandfather owned the property on which both battles of Cold Harbor were fought. He operated an inn on the property.. His name was Isaac Burnett. The Union Headquarters were right behind the Inn. Isaac Burnett’s Tavern was turned into a hospital and his daughters were forced to take care of the wounded Union Soldiers. Grant’s soldiers stole all the pigs, cows, chickens and other livestock on the property. The blood dripped through the ceiling from the 2nd floor. They occupied the property for eleven days. When they moved across the James River to Petersburg, they left the tavern and farm in complete disarray. Isaacs son ,my G surrendered with Lee at Appomatox.
My g-grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Beall, was a corporal in Co. C of the 7th Regiment of the 7th Maryland Infantry, a part of the famed Maryland Brigade, and fought under Gen. Grant from the time he assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. He was there for the “Battle of Cold Harbor” and ten-days later on June 22nd, as the Union Army beseiged Petersburg, he was wounded — a mini-ball passing through both thighs. He was transported to Finley Hospital in Washington, D. C. where he remained February. He recovered enough before the War ended to be transferred to Co. D of the 11th Regiment of the Veterans Reserve Corp from which he was mustered out. He later went West, served for a time as a teamster at Ft. Harker in Kansas, rode with Buffalo Bill, herded cattle on the Chisholm Trail, married, took a homestead in Ellsworth county, Kansas. When the Cherokee Strip opened in Oklahoma Territory, his oldest daughter was 21 and she and her father made the run and staked a claim in Grant county in her name (he being ineligible because of having homesteaded in Kansas). Even later, he joined his only son in Rosebud co., Montana, where the son took a homestead and Ben purchased a railroad section. Both returned to Oklahoma where Ben passed away on February 20, 1928, in Nash in Grant county. What an amazing legacy he left us, his family, of courage, stamina, adventure and achievement, overcoming odds that would have crushed many of us.
Three great, great uncles were in this and all of the major battles fought by the 14th TN Infantry who were with Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. They were each captured and/or wounded during their service but all three made it home unlike four other grew great uncles from Indiana on the union side. They weren’t in Cold Harbor like my confederate uncles but were in different battles throughout the entire war. Unfortunately my uncle, Fielding Webb Gilliland, of 23rd Indiana Infantry, was killed at Kennesaw Mountain – the only one of many ancestors killed in this war.
My g g grandfather was captured in the Battle of Cold Harbor. John Francis Smith. Company E. Third Virginia Cavalry. He survived the war, led a productive life, and died in 1911.
My husband’s Grandfather, Robert Emmett Burns, entered the Battle of Cold Harbor on June 3rd. He had been taken prisoner in December, 1863, at Bell Island, Richmond, VA. His exchange on April 5th allowed him to reenter the fighting. He served in the 97th New York Infantry, Company G. He was wounded in the right ankle at Weldon Railroad in August; a wound that affected him the rest of his life. After the war, he went on to be Police Judge in Dodge City, Kansas from April, 1882 through early 1892 and then on to Probate Judge in Payne County, Oklahoma. Through various circumstances, he died on November 13, 1918 in California and is buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.
My GG Grandfather William Cantwell served with the 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Co. I. He was at Cold Harbor but was listed as deserted on June 2, 1864. He was later discovered in a field hospital with dysentery. He was the oldest soldier in his company being the age of 42 when he enlisted in 1862. Prior to his being listed as sick at Cold Harbor, he served faithfully at Drewry’s Bluff & Fredericksburg. He also survived Burnside’s famous “Mud March” in the winter of 1862. He was honorably discharged in July of 1864. He lived another 30 years in his home in Norwich CT.
I regret this assault more than any I ever made. Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant, who was honest enough to admit it and wise enough to not repeat it.
My Great Grandfather, David Henry Brown, from NY was part of the Army of the Potomac and was in this battle. He took care of the horses that pulled the canons.He was part of Cowans Battery. His brother, Robert was also in the war.
My great-grandfather’s brother, Thomas Dudgeon, died in one of the charges at Cold Harbor. His body was never identifed. He is presumed to be one of the unknowns buried in the National Cemetery there.
My great great uncle, Joseph Weaver/Webber, was a member of the 8th NY Heavy Artillery. He died on June 3, 1864 at Cold Harbor leaving four children orphans. His wife died prior to his enlistment which was to be for three years. The grandparents and other relatives raised his children.
Very interesting! My GG Grandfather who served with the 21st Connecticut Volunteers was not fit for duty at Cold Harbor which may well have saved his life. His son William Jr (1860-1938) Gave up his children when his wife (my great grandmother Mary Gallagher died at the age of 27. Her parents raised them on their farm in Easthampton MA. Their grandfather Daniel was also a Civil War veteran, serving with the 9th Connecticut (Irish Ninth) Volunteer Infantry. He saw hard service in Louisiana in the Port Hudson campaign as well as in 1864 as part of the Army of the James. War has always exacted a terrible toll for entire families!
My GG Grandfather Edward G. Appel fought at Cold Harbor. He served with Company B 51st Pennsylvania Volunteers.
My ggggrandfather, John Brown, and his son, Dann Brown fought in the battle of Cold Habor. Dann was killed at Enon Church. They were both with Ohio 6th Vol. Cavalry.
My name is Gene Marshall from Australia ,my Great Great Grandfather fort in the American Civil War .This is what I know about him from Myheritage family tree. He fort at Cold Harbour.
Birth: Jan. 6, 1845 Death: Jul. 6, 1929 Husband of Mary E. Marshall. He served with the 4th Delaware Infantry, Company G during the Civil War. He was 18 when he enlisted. A Delaware farmer who signed up with Capt. McClary. He was home sick during May-June 1864 and mustered out June 3, 1865, with the rest of the regiment. Family links: Spouse: Mary E. Marshall (1846 – 1912)* *Calculated relationship Inscription: husband of Mary E. Marshall Burial: Methodist-Episcopal Church Cemetery Leipsic Kent County Delaware, USA Plot: 54 Created by: Russ Pickett Record added: Jul 10, 2003 Find A Grave Memorial# 7673758
Military Service
4th Regiment Infantry Letter written by George W. Johnson Jr. Organized at Wilmington, Del., June to November, 1862. Ordered to Baltimore, Md., September, 1862. Attached to Defenses of Baltimore, 8th Army Corps, Middle Dept., to December, 1862. Busteed’s Independent Brigade, 4th Army Corps, Dept. of Virginia, to May, 1863. King’s Independent Brigade, 4th Army Corps, to June, 1863. Unattached, 4th Army Corps, to July. Unassigned, King’s Division, 22nd Army Corps, Dept. of Washington, to January, 1864. Tyler’s Division, 22nd Army Corps, to May, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to August, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Army Corps, to June, 1865. SERVICE.–Duty in the Defenses of Baltimore, Md., until December, 1862. Ordered to Yorktown, Va., arriving there December 28, and duty there until July, 1863. Expedition from Gloucester Point to Gloucester Court House April 7, 1863. Reconnaissance from Gloucester Point to Hickory Fork April 12. Expedition from Gloucester Point into Matthews County May 19-22. Expedition from Yorktown to Walkerton and Aylett’s June 4-5. Dix’s Peninsula Campaign June 24-July 7. Expedition from White House to South Anna River July 1-7. Baltimore Store July 2. Moved to Washington, D.C., July 8-14, and duty in the defenses of that city and at Centreville and Fairfax Station until October, 1863. Guard Orange & Alexandria R. R. until November 16. Ordered to Delaware November 16. Duty in the District of Alexandria, Va., until May, 1864. Ordered to join Army of the Potomac in the field May, 1864. Rapidan Campaign May 29-June 15. Totopotomoy May 29-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 16-18. Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Mine Explosion, Petersburg, July 30, 1864. Reserve, Weldon R. R., August 18-21. Poplar Springs Church September 29-October 1. Yellow House October 1-3. Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, October 27-28. Warren’s Raid on Weldon R. R. December 7-12. Dabney’s Mills, Hatcher’s Run, February 5-7, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Lewis Farm, near Gravelly Run, March 29. White Oak Road March 30. Gravelly Run March 31. Five Forks April 1. Fall of Petersburg April 2. Pursuit of Lee April 3-9. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Moved to Washington, D. C, May 1-12. Grand review May 23. Mustered out June 3, 1865. Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 80 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 79 Enlisted men by disease. Total 164.
My gr grandfather Daniel Kelly Trant, 2nd cpl enrollment ofcr Co. I Jeff Davis Legion and Co. B, 4th Al Cavalry Loves Cavalry, May 1-Aug 1864. Letter of Capt. B.B. McKenzie titled BEFORE THE BATTLE, (Cold Harbor) placed in DKTrant file in Archives, Montgomery, Al. This letter names a number of men and officers in their fight of June 1,2,3 1864 at Cold Harbor. This letter also includes the story of the Black Horse Cavalry. 1 June 1864 engaged at Hawes Shop, 2 June 1864 engaged at Gaines Mill, 3 June 1864 wooded line. The companies mentioned : CO I,Troy, Al: Co K Lt Bray, Eufala, Ala; Co B 4th Ala. Daniel Kelly Trant was injured by a very bad burn on one leg and used a cane in order to walk. He was paroled in High Pt NC and walked all way home to Dale Co., Al. Was Justice of Peace in civilian life. See all records in Anc.com
My GG Grandfather William B Marshall who fought at Cold Harbour , died July 6 1929 at the age of 84.
After the war William and Mary raised 11 children on a farm.I think my father knew him.
My 2nd great grandfather, Joseph Lockhart Peebles, fought at the Battle of Cold Harbor in Company D of the 12th Georgia Battalion Light Artillery. The 12th Artillery Battalion was organized at Augusta, Georgia, in May 1862, with men from Ramsey’s 1st Georgia Volunteers Regiment. In June 1862, it was assigned to the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and was active at Fort McAllister, Fort Sumter, and Battery Wagner. Then in May 1864, the battalion was transferred to General C. A. Evans’ Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. Serving as infantry it fought at Cold Harbor, was with Early in the Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the Appomattox operations. The unit surrendered with 6 officers and 125 men. Its commanders were Lieutenant Colonel Henry D. Capers and Major George M. Hanvey. My GG grandfather was wounded at Appomattox, taken prisoner, later paroled and eventually returned to his wife and family on the farm in east Georgia. He died of natural causes in 1921.
My great uncle. John H. Hewitt was just 20 years old 1844- 1864 when he was killed in the Civil War. Died at Cold Harbor.
Any idea what state/regiment in which he served? God bless him.
My ggg grandfather was enlisted in June 1861, became a part of the 4th Texas Regiment in December. A sergent in Co.K, he was listed as killed in action on June 27,1862 at Coal Harbor, VA. The 4th Texas Regiment became part of John Bell Hoods’ Texas Brigade. Their first real battle came on June 27, 1862. Of the 500 members of the Brigade going into battle, my ggggrandfather was one of 21 killed. I am forever amazed at the size of this battle. I found a website with maps and lists all the companies and where they were located. Lots of history out there on this battle.
Can you share the web site. I would be very interested.
If your GGG grandfather was killed in action on June 27, 1862, it wasn’t at Cold Harbor. That campaign and battle took place from May 21 – June 3, 1864. Perhaps you are thinking of the Battle of Gaines’ Mill (June 27, 1862) (the primary engagement of Seven Days Battle). The Texas 4th Regiment participated in both places, but at Gaines’ Mill it was assigned to Field’s Division, in the Brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. John Gregg. Take care.