On the 5th, 6th, and 7th the regiment participated in the battles of the Wilderness.

Greeley says:

"At noon General Griffin whose advance had been driven in, was ordered to push forward the First division of the Fifth corps to the right and left of the turnpike and feel the enemy. An advance of less than a mile, stretching across the turnpike, brought them in contact with the enemy, under Lieutenant-General Ewell, posted on a wooded declivity. A sharp engagement ensued for an hour, when the pressure of the enemy could no longer be resisted. General Griffin's division was driven back, leaving two pieces of artillery in the hands of the enemy.

In this engagement Colonel Geo. W. Lombard fell while gallantly leading his regiment. His death is mentioned in the regimental report as follows:

"On the 5th Col. Geo. W. Lombard was mortally wounded, and died on the 6th. He had command of the regiment since July 2d, 1863; was highly respected and loved by his command, and his noble conduct on every battlefield will never be forgotten by the survivors of the regiment."

Captain W. H. Loveland was wounded in the Wilderness May 5th, and died on the 31st of the same month, of his wounds.

On the night of the 7th the Fourth, then commanded by Major J. W. Hall, moved toward Spottsylvania, arriving at Laurel Hill on the morning of the 8th. It here became engaged with the enemy, and again on the 9th. On the 10th it assisted in a charge upon and capture of the enemy's rifle pits, losing twenty killed and wounded. On the 11th and 12th the regiment was in the advanced lines of the Corps, and on the 13th and 14th was engaged as skirmishers. On the evening of the latter date the command moved to the left of the army near Spottsylvania Court House, and remaining here until the 19th, it then took part in the movement to the North Anna River, which it crossed on the 24th near Jericho Mills, the regiment participating in the engagement at this place. On the night of the 26th it recrossed the North Anna and marched to Hanovertown, crossing the Pamunky River on the 28th. On the 29th, 30th, and 31st of May and 1st of June, it was engaged as skirmishers, and on the 3d it participated in the capture of the enemy's line of works near Bethesda Church. In the engagement Lieutenant Jas. N. Vesey was killed. On the 5th the Regiment marched to Bottom's Bridge, and on the 14th crossed the James River at Wilcox's Landing, whence it proceeded to the lines in front of Petersburg, where it arrived on the 16th. On the next day the regiment was engaged as skirmishers, and on the 19th took part in the engagement of that date, losing eight killed and wounded.

During these engagements, from November 1, 1863, to June 19, 1864, the regiment lost three officers and 37 men killed or died of wounds, with six missing in action. Although this loss seems small, yet it was about 15 per cent of its whole strength.

The term of service for which the regiment had been mustered in, expired June 19th, 1864. It was accordingly relieved, and on the 20th embarked on transports at City Point for Washington. It arrived at Detroit on the 26th, and on the 30th of June the companies were mustered out of service. Of those on the rolls, the terms of 200 men and 23 officers had expired; of these, 32 men and one officer were prisoners in the hands of the rebels; 135 men and 22 officers were present for muster out. Since the 1st of November, 1863, the regiment had received 110 recruits, including a new Company organized at Hillsdale, which joined the regiment on the 16th of May, and which remained in service with the reorganized regiment. One hundred and twenty-nine men of

the regiment reënlisted as Veteran Volunteers. On the 30th of June there were 280 men and three officers on the rolls whose terms of service had not expired. These were ordered to duty with the First Michigan Infantry when the Fourth left the field of war.

The regiment participated in engagements with the enemy at Bull Run, Va., July 21, 1861. New Bridge, Va., May 24, 1862. Hanover Court House, Va., May 27, 1862. Mechanicsville, Va., June 26, 1862. Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862. Savage Station, Va., June 29, 1862. Turkey Bend, Va., June 30, 1862. White Oak Swamp, Va., June 30, 1862. Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862. Harrison's Landing, Va., July 2, 1862. Gainesville, Va., August 29, 1862. Bull Run, 2d, Va., August 30, 1862. Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862. Shepardstown Ford, Va., September 20, 1862. Snicker's Gap, Va., November 14, 1862. Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 14, 1862. Morrisville, Va., December 30, 31, 1862. U. S. Ford, Va., January 1, 1863. Chancellorsville, Va., May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1863. Kelly's Ford, Va., June 9, 1863. Ashby's Gap, Va., June 21, 1863. Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 3, 4, 1863. Williamsport, Md., July 12, 1863. Wapping Heights, Va., July 21, 1863. Culpepper, Va., October 13, 1863. Brandy Station, Va., October 13, 1863. Bristo Station, Va., October 14, 1863. Rappahannock Station, Va., November 7, 1863. Cross Roads, Va., November 26, 1863. Mine Run, Va., November 29, 1863. Wilderness, Va., May 5, 6, 7, 1864. Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864. Po River, Va., May 10, 1864. Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. Ny River, Va., May 21, 1861. North Anna, Va., May 23, 1864. Jericho Mills, Va., May 24, 1864. Noel's Turn, Va., May 26, 1864. Tolopotomy, Va., May 30, 1864. Magnolia Swamp, Va., June 1, 1864. Bethesda Church, Va., June 2, 1864. Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. Weldon R. R., Va., August 19, 20, 21, 1864. Peebles' Farm, Va., September 30, 1864. Hatcher's Run, Va., October 27, 1864. Nottoway Court House, Va., December 8, 1864. Dabney's Mills, Va., February 6, 7, 1865. Hatcher's Run, Va., March 25, 1865. White Oak Road, Va., March 29, 1865. Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865. Amelia Court House, Va., April 5, 1865. High Bridge, Va., April 6, 1865. Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. Siege of Petersburg, Va., from June 17, 1864, to April 3, 1865.

The total membership of the Fourth had been during its service 1325, while its losses were 273, of which eight officers and 115 men were killed in action, four officers and 50 men died of wounds, and one officer and 95 men of disease.

"Their brows bear many a gory stain,
Their white lips press not ours again,
And eyes that once our life light were,
Give back a cold, appalling stare."

NOTE.

66

Incident related by Alexander D. Patrick, company B," Fourth infantry, who served a long time as mail carrier to the brigade in which his regiment belonged: "On the arrival at Aquia Creek from the Peninsular campaign of the Fourth infantry in company with their division (Porter's), we proceeded to and pitched our camp at Kelly's Ford, on the Rap. pahannock river. My position at this time was bugler for General Griffin, and had immediate charge of all mail for the brigade, to and from Washington. After arriving at Kelly's Ford I asked and obtained fifteen days' furlough for the purpose of taking a rest, having been continuously on the road day and night in my line of duty since the battle of Malvern Hill. The postmaster of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania was detailed to take my place. He had two large bags of mail matter and some important letters for Gen. Burnside, then commandant at Aquia Creek. He was mounted on a fine gray horse, and was well armed, having two large Colt's revolvers and a carbine. I gave him his instructions and away he went, but he never got to the end of his journey. He, horse, nor mail were ever heard from. A few days after this circumstance, Chaplain Sage of my regiment was

going to Washington, and volunteered to take the mail to Aquia Creek. When the reverend old gentleman took the road, well mounted, we thought at least his sacred cloth would be safe from our rapacious foe; but he had only been gone a few hours when his horse came bounding back with our priest severely wounded, almost riddled with rebel irreligious bullets. Several days after this occurrence, my furlough not having yet expired, our general sent for me and requested that I should start next morning for Aquia Creek. I thought a great deal of the hazardous expedition, but only replied, 'All right, sir; but I would like to have Capt. Mirvin's horse,' (Assistant Adjutant General). The General complied with my request at once, but the Captain objected, saying he did not want to lose his horse just yet,' but the General said, sharply: Patrick, you take that horse and get out of this at daylight. I replied, All right, sir.' That night long after tat-too had sounded in the camp the flickering light of the tallow candes in nearly every tent could be seen burning, but a dead silence prevailed, for most all were writing letters to their loved ones at home. The mail bag hung on the center-pole of my tent, and the early morning saw it nearly filled. When reveille sounded I had passed our out-posts and trod the ground where the enemy roamed at will. I proceeded unmolested till I got about half way to the creek. On the top of a hill to the right of the road, distant about 150 feet, was a fine large Southern mansion, where I was somewhat acquainted, which acquaintance came about as follows: In all Southern houses there were generally plenty of women and children (but no men); these were almost all naked and with no shoes on. My plan, which was for self-protection, was to sympathize with their unfortunate condition, and especially the children. I always offered my services to get shoes, stockings, calico, etc., having an old chum in the Washington postoffice who made up my mails. It was an easy matter for him to send them in my bags, which they were always ready and willing to pay for. In this manner I got the good will of all the people whom it was my lot to pass to and fro among, and that friendship stood me in good need many times. Such was the friendship that existed between the inmates of this Southern_plantation and your humble servant. The gentleman's name who owned this mansion was Sol. Taylor. He was then in the rebel army, with three of his sons. He left to guard his property his wife, an old lady, four daughters, aged 21, 19, 17, and 7 years, and two sons, aged 10 and 12 years. As I rode up to the gate I put the reins of my horse over a post, and walked up to the house, meeting at the door Jennie, aged 19, who came out to meet me. I greeted her with, Hallo, Jennie, good morning.' The reply she made was 'hush,' placing her finger on her lips. I inquired what was the matter,-anybody here. She replied, Yes, lots of them, and no friends of yours, and whom we have no control over; they are a lot of new fellows, come over two weeks ago.' We were standing on the front porch, which run the whole length of the house. Jennie says, Where are you going?' I said, To the Creek, and I must be going, as this is no place for me, and that I was coming back that night.' She begged me not to come back, that I would never get through, but I replied, I must.' She then instructed me that when coming back to take the road running to the river half mile west of the house, then take the first bridle path to the right, and I will have a light in the gable window. While she was giving me these instructions, Mary, the oldest daughter, opened the front door. As she did so, I looked in and saw four or five gray-coats, and they at the same time saw my blue coat. Mary says, 'Jennie, what are you keeping Mr. Patrick here so long for? and gave me a shove on the shoulder, saying, 'Mr. Patrick, fly for your life.' I could hear them running to and fro in the house. Mary held the front door after shutting it behind her, and by the time they got back through the house I was on the back of my horse; but on their going back through the house they got to their horses, and started after me, and kept on for about two miles, but I had too much the start of them. I arrived at Aquia Creek and reported to General Burnside, giving him the first information he had received in eight or ten days from Pope's army or the scattered remnants of McClel lan's battalions.

"About half past eleven P. M., I started back from General Burnside's headquarters, with two large bags of mail, and my saddle bags full of headquarters' mail matter. My progress was necessarily very slow, on account of darkness. I got to the road as directed, going towards the river, but had some difficulty in finding the bridle path. Just as I was thinking I ought to be near the house a quiet voice said, 'Is that you, Aleck?' at the same time a person stepped into the path in front of my horse. I said, 'Yes; is that you, Ely? The reply was, No, 'tis Jennie.' I jumped from the horse and asked why she had not the light in the gable window? She replied, that was what brought her here; that in conversation with Mary, Annie and her mother they thought it not best to put up the light, as it would be observed by those who should not see it; so the three girls took turns to watch for me with the above result. But it was impossible for me to go up to the house, as over a dozen graybacks were in and around the house, so I contented myself in the orchard till Jennie went to the house to bring me some warm milk and biscuits. Mary, Annie, and Ely came down with her. After eating, resting, and talking half an hour, I again took the road with Ely as guide till I should get clear of the woods. He then left me, after directing me which way to go. But in the dark I soon lost the path and let my horse go at will, knowing that he would soon find the road, and so he did, but a little too quick, as I knew by a large oak tree that grew in the middle of the road just where I was, and which was the main road between Aquia Creek and Kelly's Ford. My horse had just got well on the road, when a stern voice said, 'Halt! who goes there? Not knowing in the dark whether they were friends or foes, just as I said a friend, a voice said, "That's that Yankee son of a b-. The sound of my pistol rung out on the midnight air, and with the action plunged the spurs into the flanks of my powerful horse; with one bound he knocked over and tumbled my challenger to the earth, and with the crack of a dozen carbines, whose balls came whizzing very uncomfortable near, we went bounding down the road with the speed of the wind, I almost lying on the neck of my horse. But we were not alone. The gray devils were but a short distance from our heels, and the bullets from their repeating carbines showered around my head like hail. Stretching myself along my horse, my head on his neck and my heels against his flanks, with the mail bags pressing the rowels of my spurs deep into my horse's sides, made him wild, so that he bounded along the road at a rapid gait, with my pursuers close behind me. I led them in this race for life seven or eight miles, when we came to our pickets. I gave the password, and four or five of my pursuers followed me through the pickets into our lines and were made prisoners. I got into camp at gray daylight with nothing more serious than a few bullet holes through my mail bags and a severe flesh wound on the hip of my faithful horse. In a very short space of time it was known throughout our camp that Patrick was back from the Creek with the mail, and great was the rejoicing, especially of those who received letters."

FOURTH INFANTRY (REORGANIZED).

The Fourth Infantry was reorganized under orders of July 26th, 1864, Colonel Jairus W. Hall, late Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, taking command of its camp at Adrian. Eight new companies having been completed, they were mustered in as a regiment October 14th, having on the rolls the names of 726 officers and men, in addition to those of the old organization. On the 22d the command left Adrian, in command of Colonel Hall, arriving in Nashville, Tenn., on the 25th, and at Decatur, Ala., on the 28th, in time to participate in the defense of that town, which had been attacked by the rebel army under General Hood. The casualties of the regiment at Decatur were one killed and four wounded.

This regiment was stationed at Whitesboro, Ala., November 1, 1864, and on the 19th and 20th was engaged with the enemy at New Market, and soon after it was sent to Murfreesboro, and during the month of December, and until January 15, 1865, was in the fortifications at that point, engaged on picket duty, guarding supply trains, and skirmishing occasionally with the enemy. At that date it moved by rail to Huntsville, Ala.; arriving there on the 18th was assigned to the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. The regiment remained at Huntsville until the 23d of March, when it took up a line of march by rail, through East Tennessee, reaching Knoxville on the 25th. Next day proceeded to Strawberry Plains, and the 27th marched to New Market, and to Painter's Springs on the 29th, and then to Russellville on the day following, and on the morning of the 31st reached Bull's Gap, and was there until April 4th, when it passed through Greenville during that day, and Rayton on the 5th, reaching Jonesboro on the 7th, and there remained until the 20th, when it returned to Nashville on the 27th. Encamping at that point until June 16th, it went by rail to Johnsonville, where, with its corps, it took steam transports and proceeded, via the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, to New Orleans, arriving there on the 24th. At that point the detachment of the old Fourth Infantry joined the regiment. The regiment encamped at New Orleans until July 6th, when it embarked on board steam transports for Indianola, Texas, and arrived there on the 10th, and marched for Green Lake, reaching there on the following day, after a very fatiguing march, the men having suffered much from the effects of heat and scarcity of water, some having died from sun stroke, and others being severely injured. It remained in camp at that place for two months, and during that time the command lost many men by disease, occasioned by the extremely hot weather and bad water, and a great number were in ill health. On the 11th of September it commenced its march for San Antonio, distant one hundred and seventy miles,

and after a hard march of fourteen days, reached the Salada Creek, about eight miles from San Antonio, on the 24th; there it encamped for two months, and was then ordered into the city on provost duty. The regiment remained in Texas, doing duty at various points, until May 26th, 1866, when it was mustered out of service at Houston, and proceeded to Galveston, and thence by steamer, via New Orleans, to Cairo, where it took rail for Michigan, arriving on the 10th of June at Detroit, where it was paid off and disbanded.

This regiment participated in engagements at Decatur, Ala., October 25, 29, 30, 1864. New Market, Ala., November 19, 20, 1864. Murfreesboro, Tenn., November 30, to December 20, 1864.

The enrollment of the regiment was 1,300, and its losses 148, being one man killed in action, six died of wounds and 141 of disease. This is a very large loss in view of the shortness of the term of service; but the service of the regiment in Texas, which subjected it to long and severe marches in a hot climate, while its encampment at Green Lake was a most unhealthy point, causing much of the loss.