The quest to determine my real last name has led me down a path that I never expected. Finally, after 35+ years of searching, I was able to determine the Italian ancestral village of Great Grandfather and the progenitor of my highly unusual surname. That journey is documented in my From Sabato to Sallurday post!
Through decades of research, I was able to find countless other stories about my direct ancestors – some dating back as far as the Mayflower in 1620. Another I shared was about my ancestors and their involvement at the infamous Wyoming Valley (PA) Massacre in 1778. Those details were in my Queen Esther post.
But this post is about a more recent ancestor, my Great Great Grandfather, Robert Harrison Cook. It just so happens that I share a birthday with Robert, albeit well over a century apart! While researching Robert’s history, I found that he was born in Sullivan County, NY, in 1837 and moved to Pittston, Pennsylvania, with his parents by 1850. He served the Union for three tours during the Civil War, so I decided to see if I could trace his steps during those years. In this post, I’ll cover his time from the start of the war through his first tour with the 8th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
*** When reading this post, note that many of the newspaper clipping dates will not completely align with the actual date of the event since there were delays in the time they went to print.
The “War of Rebellion” Breaks Out
April 12, 1861
On April 12, 1861, just six weeks after the swearing-in of the newly elected President Abraham Lincoln, the war begins as Confederate Rebels opened fire on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Leading up to this point, several states in the South had commandeered US forts and assets, including arsenals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
April 13, 1861
Just three days later, on April 15, 1861, President Lincoln, through a proclamation, called for 75,000 men to join forces for twenty days to take back the assets that were seized by the South. He called for the maximum allowed by law at that time. And while the maximum duration allowed for service 90 days, he only asked for a 20-day committment..
He closes his proclamation by acknowledging that we are in the 85th year of independence as the United States, referring to the number of years since the founding of our nation in 1776.
April 15, 1861
Shortly after, a follow-up request was sent to the Governor of each state by the Secretary of War. The request outlined the number of volunteers needed by each state – and requested the extension of the term of service to be no longer than the maximum allowed 90 days.
Scranton area men were some of the early adopters, and several groups of men from different parts of the infant borough immediately joined the call to arms. Keep in mind Scranton was not yet incorporated as a city at this point – that wouldn’t happen until 1866. In fact, the 1860 population was listed at just over 9,000 people, and the borough was still part of Luzerne County. The village was just getting ready for explosive growth due to the rising demand for steel and coal – and by 1870, the population increased to over 35,000.
Enlistment
Twenty-four years old and single, Robert Harrison Cook jumps at the first request and enlists as part of a group known as the “Scranton Union Volunteers” under Captain Henry Derby, a lawyer who served as a magistrate in Scranton.
May 30, 1914
As the Scranton men get ready to deploy to Harrisburg, things escalate quickly as Fort Sumter surrenders to the Rebel South. With the secessionists advancing troops north, the Union set fire to the US Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry on April 18, 1861, in an effort to stop it from falling into rebel hands – like so many other strategic facilities across the South.
April 18, 1861
Cook and his counterparts are still in Scranton when on April 19, 1861, a riot breaks out on Pratt St in Baltimore as soldiers from Massachusetts marched through the town on their way to battle. The “Pratt St Riot” would continue for almost a month before Martial Law is enacted in the city.
Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
April 22, 1861 – April 25, 1861
On Tuesday, April 22, 1861, Cook and the other “Scranton Union Volunteers” are mustered in at Camp Curtin – named after then-Governor, Andrew Curtin.
Harper’s Weekly
They are assigned to the 8th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (aka The Luzerne Regiment) and become Company H.
April 27, 1861
In addition to Captain Derby, the rest of the leadership of Company H consists of other Scranton area men as well. 1st Lieutenant Peyton Smith Jr; 2nd Lieutenant W.W.D. Snyder; 1st Sergeant Thomas Edmunds; 2nd Sergeant Henry Davis; 3rd Sergeant Charles Kerr; 4th Sergeant Joseph R. Schultz; 1st Corporal Israel Ruth; 2nd Corporal William Bryden; 3rd Corporal Monroe Koch; and 4th Corporal William Booth.
May 30, 1914
In addition to these noteworthy men, a total of three hundred and ninety men from five companies from the Scranton area are deployed to Harrisburg. Joining Cook and the Scranton Union Volunteers are:
The Luzerne Blues (aka Luzerne Guards or “The Irish Company), a group of Irishmen from South Scranton’s Shanty Hill section, led by Captain John McCasey, who would become Company E and join Cook in the 8th Regiment;
The Montgomery Guards, led by Captain Richard Fitzgerald, who would become Company I of the 46th Regiment;
The Lackawanna Yeagers (aka Lackawanna Rifles), a group largely made up of Germans led by Capt. Jacob Robinson of the E. Robinson & Sons Brewery, who would become Company C of the 15th Regiment under Colonel Richard Oakford;
and The Keystone Guards, led by Captain John Bradley, joining Captain Robinson in the 15th Regiment as Company A under Oakford.
May 2, 1861
Another Scranton Company led by Captain Phinny is said to be in Harrisburg, but records are scarce of their assignment.
April 25, 1861
For reference, a Company would have roughly 80-100 men with 5-10 officers. The War Department outlined what the structure should look like in their call for troops.
Each Company would roll up to a Regiment and each Regiment to a Brigade, etc.
Colonel Andrew Emley would be assigned to lead the 800-1,000 men of the 8th Regiment.
May 1, 1861
The leadership of the 8th also includes some Scranton men with familiar names. Major Joseph Phillips, Surgeon B H Throop, and Hospital Steward Ira Tripp all have positions with the larger Regiment.
May 1, 1861
The borough of Throop was named after Dr. Benjamin Throop.
June 28, 1897
And Ira Tripp’s Great Grandfather, Isaac Tripp, was the first settler in Scranton, for whom Tripp’s Park is named.
The men are outfitted at camp. They are weighted down with extra clothes, a blanket, shoes, toiletries, and other items. This is in addition to their weapon and their ammunition. That’s quite the load these men had to carry along their journey. Like most other men at that time, Robert Cook was small by today’s standards. He was listed as 5’3-3/4″ and weighed just 122 pounds.
May 8, 1861
There’s talk of an imminent attack on Chambersburg, so the Union leaders move more troops to the city.
April 22, 1861
Camp Irvin, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
April 25, 1861 – May 3, 1861
On April 25, 1861, Cook and the rest of the 8th move to Chambersburg via train – receiving cheers at every town along the way. Upon arrival, they see streets lined with Union flags – a sign that this city is deeply committed to the North.
They are Initially stationed at Camp Irvin, a fairground turned into a makeshift camp. They stayed in stalls that were originally designed for cattle during exhibitions. It was described by one soldier as “an awful place.” In a letter back to his local newspaper, Charles Cyphers states:
“If you could but see our outfit, methinks you would not want to be a soldier.”
Private Charles M Cyphers
Cyphers adds that they have plenty to eat and drink, and the people of Chambersburg have welcomed all of them and continue to provide support.
Colonel Emley is not happy with the accommodations and secures a forty-acre site from a local farmer. He requests to have nine rows of sheds built for the men. Each shed will eventually accommodate up to twenty men.
While in camp, Reuben Williams of Captain McCasey’s Company E writes a letter to his Pittston home. He talks of the number of Rebels to their south and how well they’ve been treated so far. You can almost see the tears flowing from his mother’s eyes as she reads his words about facing death.
May 2, 1861
On April 29, 1861, leaders in Washington see things escalating faster than they had imagined. The South was getting organized under General Robert E. Lee, and US Army Officers were captured in San Antonio and became prisoners of war. Sensing a more severe threat, the North put out another call for 75,000 more men to join the cause – this time, for a three or five-year term. Northerners flock to sign up, easily blowing past the quota.
May 1, 1861
In camp, Cook and his troop are frequently drilled on “Hardee’s Tactics” to become prepared to address any challenges they may face. Lt. General William J. Hardee literally wrote the book on rifle and light infantry tactics, and the methods became an integral part of the North’s training.
April 23, 1861
It was reported that the 8th Regiment was one of the best-drilled units in the service.
May 1, 1861
Camp Slifer, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
May 3, 1861 – June 7, 1861
On May 3, Cook and the men move into their new quarters at Camp Slifer, located east of the “Baltimore Pike”, a few hundred yards from downtown Chambersburg.
May 4, 1861
The new Camp is named after Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Slifer was also an assistant to Andrew Curtin and helped to mobile the troops for war.
The location of Camp Slifer was described as being as flat as a prairie with a cool spring running through it that would be used for drinking and cooking.
A late-season snowstorm dropped five inches of snow across the camp on Saturday, May 3, followed by pouring rains – which left the new camp a muddy mess.
May 7, 1861
Today, it’s the area around King St and Fifth Ave where Falling Spring Creek runs past the Chambersburg Little League.
The townspeople welcomed the soldiers and helped to supply them during their stay. The ladies in town got busy sewing all types of clothing and blankets and providing some baked goods for the hungry men.
May 7, 1861
May 10, 1861
The locals know the financial strain that is being put on the families of the soldiers, so they collect money to share with the soldiers’ families – quickly raising $6,000 for the cause. The equivalent of about $250,000 today!
May 7, 1861
Security around the camp is tight. Troops capture a spy, “N.P. Patterson,” and turn him over to authorities in Harrisburg for processing.
April 30, 1861
May 7, 1861
While the officers have their wives with them at camp and can venture into town as often as they’d like, the soldiers are not as fortunate. They can go into town – but no more than two per Company at a time. If they get too drunk, they are assigned to guard duty for between thirty-six and ninety-six hours. For the most part, the men are well-behaved.
While at Camp Slifer, they become part of General Thomas Williams’ 3rd Brigade (2,200 men) under General George Cadwalader’s 1st Division (10,000 men).
Spirits are high as they await their orders. A reporter is embedded with the Regiment and is prepared to document their story. He comments:
“It is a glorious sight to see men of all parties acting so harmoniously together in defense of a common cause when that cause is the cause of our country.”
Philadelphia Inquirer Correspondant, Franklin
May 7, 1861
As they continued their preparation for battle, the men were anxious to get started. They want to “clear out” Harper’s Ferry. It was stated that these men weren’t “Sunday Soldiers” – a derogatory term equivalent to a coward. Instead, they are described as “fine-looking and able-bodied…miners from the coal regions.”
May 7, 1861
It was common for the regiments to march through town – giving the townspeople a glimpse of the professionalism and precision of their troops. The 8th marched on May 9, much to the delight of the people.
May 11, 1861
The town was so pleased with their performance that on May 11, the 8th Regiment was honored by receiving a flag that was made by the woman of Chambersburg. During the address by Captain Wise of the Brookville Rifles, a bald eagle soared over the group as if on cue – prompting cheers from the crowd.
The flag below is from the 8th Pennsylvania, but it is from the 37th Regiment, a unit formed after Cook and his men mustered out after their 90-day commitment.
Word travels back that Reverand Thomas P. Hunt of Wyoming, PA, has been appointed as the Chaplain of the 8th.
May 11, 1861
With the news of more men enlisting for three years, the men of the 7th and 8th offered to switch to a three-year term in order to serve their country. The offer wasn’t accepted. Little do they know, it will take all of that and then some to win this war.
May 13, 1861
It’s May 14th, and the men are still being drilled at Camp Slifer. They are subject to physical exams by a doctor to ensure they are healthy enough for battle. Today, it’s reported that sixty-five men out of about twenty-two hundred in the Brigade have been sent home – twenty-six of which were from the 8th Regiment.
May 15, 1861
Clearly, the men are eager to battle, and patience wears thin. A soldier is allegedly stabbed “unintentionally” with a bayonet. Reports were that he got too aggressive in the bread line. There are reports of bar fights as well. You can tell, the men are restless.
May 15, 1861
A young seminarian from Kingston wrote a letter back home while at Camp Slifer. He described their meals on Sunday, May 19. For breakfast, they had “bread, one slice, coffee, and a piece of beef.” For dinner, they received “some beef, bean soup, and a piece of bread.” For supper, they have “coffee, bread, and meat.” Not much variety. He did go on to say that they had “a cask of lager beer every day”, so, in the words of Carl Spackler, “they’ve got that going for them… which is nice!”
He closes his letter with:
“I will stand by the stars and stripes as long as there is a piece left big enough to tie up a sore finger with.”
Kingston Seminarian
Bread was obviously an essential part of their meals. It was reported, however, that the bread that was baked locally was sour. Officers sent a request to Philadelphia for 2,500 loaves per day. Even back then, people loved their Philly rolls!
News travels that someone from the regiment deserted and was likely headed back to Kingston. A bulletin is put out for Jacob Remmel. If found, he will be brought back to camp, have his head shaved, and be “drummed out” of camp. Thankfully for Remmel, the men are not yet in battle. A deserter during battle will be executed.
May 18, 1861
Drumming out of camp was what they called the public humiliation of having the deserter march through the camp to the song, Rogue’s March.
Two pence I got for selling me cloak,
Two pence for selling me blanket.
If ever I ‘list for a soldier again,
Devil shall be me sergeant.
Poor old soldier, poor old soldier,
If ever I ‘list for a soldier again,
Devil shall be me sergeant.
Now, about a month into their enlistment, reconnaissance reports back to Camp Slifer on May 22 that seven hundred Rebels are across the Potomac River from Williamsport, MD, about twenty-six miles south of Chambersburg – and they are expected to make a move north toward Pennsylvania.
May 22, 1861
Several skirmishes take place in Williamsport – but the 8th is still in Chambersburg. Union forces stop a ferry from being seized along the Potomac near Clear Spring, MD – shooting two Virginians in the process.
May 24, 1861
At the same time, it’s reported that several deserters leave the Confederate forces on a daily basis. To be fair, it’s not clear if this statement is true or if it’s propaganda being put out by the newspapers to get the South’s men to question their loyalty.
Still in training at Camp Slifer, the men march through town on May 23, 1861, and the locals applaud their precision.
May 29, 1861
The Murder of Frank Jones
June 1, 1861
Still in Chambersburg, on the evening of June 1, 1861, several men from the Brigade were in the Wolfstown section of Chambersburg – west of Main St. It was reported that the men tried to enter Frank Jones’ “groggery”. The men said they wanted to do a search for any of their comrades in an effort to return them to camp.
Jones, a black man, would not let the men enter the building. A scuffle ensued, and Jones fired a shotgun that struck two of the men in the legs. Injured were Bernard Robinson, 24th Regiment, Co A, and John Pratt, 6th Regiment, Co C.
June 5, 1861
Immediately afterward, Jones threw his gun and took off through the fields. The soldiers chased after him and commanded others to join in. The mob caught up to him as he entered the home of District Attorney Eyster. While the DA was not home, his wife held the mob at bay with a pistol. Jones tried to hide by entering the chimney. After promising to only bring Jones to jail, Mrs. Eyster turned him over to the mob.
The men pulled Jones down from inside the chimney and drug him outside. As they were escorting him back to camp, Lieutenant Monroe Bryan of the 7th Regiment, Pittsburgh Company, approached and demanded that he be released. Just then, he fired a shot at Jones that struck him in the stomach. Before he could escape, the brazen Lieutenant fired four additional shots into Jones while another man was brutally clubbing him.
As Jones fell to the ground, several others took turns savagely stabbing him with bayonets and swords even after all signs of life were extinguished.
During the melee, another soldier, William Meyers of the 2nd Regiment, Co G, was accidentally shot in the groin by the 2nd Sergeant of the Alleghany Rifles.
News of the murder spread throughout the country. However, in newspapers throughout the South, it was reported that Jones shot and killed two soldiers. Virtually every instance I found in the southern newspapers erroneously claimed that Jones killed two soldiers.
June 4, 1861
Lt. Bryan and other men were allegedly brought to trial to face charges for the murder, but all men were acquitted because, despite all of the witnesses, not a single one could positively identify who exactly pulled the trigger.
Even though Chambersburg was friendly towards “negroes”, this is yet another reminder of how different the times were. RIP, Mr. Jones.
General Patterson’s Arrival
June 2, 1861
On June 2, General Robert Patterson arrives at Camp Slifer.
The Eighth and Tenth were bestowed with the honor of ushering him into camp. Patterson was a legendary leader at the time of his arrival – having served in the War of 1812 almost fifty years ago. Now sixty-nine years old, he is again called back into battle.
June 12, 1861
Camp Emley, Greencastle, Pennsylvania
June 7, 1861 – June 13, 1861
On the morning of June 7, 1861, sunshine helps to dry up the fields and roads. This allows the 8th Regiment, along with other regiments of General Williams’ 3rd Brigade, to march eleven miles from Camp Slifer south to Greencastle along old Hagerstown Rd and arrive there late in the day.
June 11, 1861
The regiments are spread out throughout the town, with the 8th stationed at Camp Emley 1/2 mile above Greencastle.
It’s reported that approximately 10,000 troops are now stationed throughout Greencastle and are in “excellent health and fine spirits.”
June 12, 1861
The men are still stationed there on June 13, 1861. Charles Cyphers reports through another letter to the newspaper that there is plenty of movement, and several other troops have passed through on their way to Harper’s Ferry. He anticipates that they will be leaving Greencastle soon as General Cadwalader and his men arrive from Baltimore.
June 20, 1861
The plan is for them to cross the Potomac at Williamsport, MD.
June 6, 1861
Hagerstown & Williamsport, Maryland
June 15, 1861 – June 19, 1861
By Saturday, June 15, the 8th Regiment is on its way to Williamsport, fifteen miles south of Greencastle. They travel with General Williams and his staff, along with seven other regiments – over 800 men in total.
June 16, 1861
From the personal account of Captain Samuel Craig, he states that the march is a tough one. Each man carries a musket, cartridge box with its ammunition, knapsack stuffed with a wool blanket and a rubber blanket, extra clothing, overcoat, pins, needles, a small “looking glass”, bible, tobacco, letters, pictures, haversack (small, single-strap backpack), rations, canteen, and other essentials.
By nightfall, the regiments break up, with the 8th and three other regiments staying overnight near the campus of the College of St. James six miles south of Hagerstown.
August 27, 1962
The other four regiments stay along Antietam Creek near Funkstown.
June 24, 1681
The next morning, on Sunday, the men continue the short trek to Williamsport and arrive on June 16, 1861.
There’s speculation that the men will run into resistance at Martinsburg – about another sixteen miles below Williamsport. By now, Major General Cadwalader and his Union forces in Williamsport are estimated to be close to 10,000 men.
June 20, 1861
On June 19, one of the three brigades in Williamsport crossed the Potomac to try to push back any Rebel forces. The river is estimated to be 800 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Under cover from the Providence Rhode Island Artillery Unit’s cannons, the men advance while singing “Dixie.”
June 19, 1861
It was learned that the Rebels lured the Union acrepss the river and toward Martinsburg. The Rebel troops were said to be at least double that of the Union. Running into resistance, the men pulled back and returned across the Potomac back into Maryland to rejoin Cook and the others.
June 20, 1861
The capture of Lt. Colonel Bowman and Edward Chase
June 19, 1861
On the same day as the retreat, two men of the 8th Regiment are captured! Lt. Colonel Samuel Bowman, and Colonel Emley’s private secretary, Edward H. Chase, crossed the river on horseback and rode towards a “toll house” just over a mile away. They remained in full view of the other Union troops who stayed back – until.
In a letter he sent back home, Chase said he and Bowman were merely watering their horses in the river when they decided to cross over to Virginia so they could look back at the Maryland side. He claims that they were captured by eight men on horseback, all aiming rifles at them – and they were swiftly moved away from the river.
Col. Emley does all he can to hold the 8th back from hunting down Bowman and Chase. It’s reported that Bowman was “manly, brave, and generous” and the “pride of the regiment.” The men of the 8th could “drain the last drop of blood to release him from bondage or have revenge on his dastard captors.”
June 22, 1861
Bowman and Chase would later write that they were treated with the utmost respect as prisoners. Bowman’s letter was addressed to Colonel Emley and was opened in the presence of General Williams’ staff.
July 6, 1861
Williamsport, Maryland
June 20, 1861 – July 4, 1861
It’s reported that the Union created the first company of Virginia Union Volunteers – a group of about 50 Rebels that have laid down their guns for the South and traded sides. All of the men were said to be from across the river in Berkeley County, Virginia.
June 20, 1861
The Rebels said they only had corn to feed their horses as the rest of the area had been decimated of food.
July 1, 1861
On June 22nd, the 8th Regiment is still camped about a mile east of the river along with the Seventh, Tenth, and Winfield Scott’s Legion. Other Regiments are spread out around the region.
June 24, 1861
Across the Potomac, the Rebels can be seen moving in all directions. A Rebel Scout sits under a tree about a mile back from the banks of the river. He can be seen smoking a cigar as he keeps watch over the Union troops.
It’s estimated that there are now approximately 16,000 Federal troops stationed in Williamsport. While there, the men run out of bread and are instead sent raw flour. They have to make due and become bakers – most of whom know nothing about the craft.
Published in Luzerne Union
July 10, 1861
It was also reported that while in Williamsport, three Scranton-area men were detained for desertion. The names reported don’t show up in any muster rolls, but there are three men from the 15th Regiment that closely match the names. Muster rolls list: George Wachtler (Co. C), Conrad Sauter (Co. D), and Nebanuck (Ned) Vollman (Co. D). All will allegedly be executed for deserting during wartime.
I could not find any evidence that the men were executed. In fact, the three men listed are all reported as having been mustered out after serving three months.
It was common for newspapers to “embellish” the facts in order to support the war.
July 1, 1861
Battle at Hoke’s Run
July 2, 1861
General Patterson leads the majority of the men toward Martinsburg. The Brigades will cross the Potomac at three different points – Williamsport, Falling Water, and Shepardstown. He instructs the men of the 8th Regiment, along with Captain Abner Doubleday’s Heavy Artillery Battery, to stay in Williamsport to protect the river crossing and provisions.
In case Doubleday sounds familiar, he is the same man who invented the game of baseball in 1839. He also served at Fort Sumter and was credited for aiming the cannon that fired the first shot in defense of the Fort.
On July 2, in Falling Waters, just five miles south of Williamsport, Patterson’s troops from Colonel Starkweather’s 1st Wisconsin Regiment and the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment battle it out with Rebels that are led by Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The skirmish becomes known as The Battle at Hoke’s Run. Two men from Wisconsin die, and several others are injured.
Battle of Hoke’s Run
Falling Waters
July 4, 1861
After the rest of the military had made their way to Martinsburg, most of the companies of the 8th, including Cook’s, along with Doubleday’s Battery, waded across the now-rushing Potomac. It was learned that the Rebels blew up Dam 4 downstream. The exit from the river was reported as being very difficult, and the horses, who pulled Doubleday’s heavy artillery, needed assistance from the men to scale the banks of the fast-moving Potomac.
They are headed toward Falling Waters en route to Martinsburg. The men are anxious as there’s talk that another skirmish is possible at Falling Waters.
They arrive at Falling Waters without incident and are asked to hold their position to protect the river crossing.
The men are still worried about the enemy attacking since they are such a rich target with the addition of provisions they picked up in Williamsport. Instead, deserters continue to flood into their camp. The defeated men say that there are around 12,000 men, 16 pieces of artillery, and 800 cavalry just below Martinsburg at Bunker Hill. The North feels confident that their 15,000 troops will take it over soon.
Martinsburg, Virginia
July 5, 1861 – July 15, 1861
The 8th is ordered to Martinsburg, just ten miles south of their current position. They continue their march to meet up with the rest of the 3rd Brigade at Martinsburg. The trek takes another day, and they arrive on July 5, 1861.
July 5, 1861
While here, the men are subject to more drills, roll calls, false alarms, fake alarms, and other non-combat-related activities.
July 6, 1861
The day after their arrival, on July 6, it was reported that a couple of Union men were captured by Rebels two miles south of Martinsburg. The 8th joined other regiments and marched toward the alleged location. They took some small-arms fire, but there were no injuries before they returned to camp. It was later believed to be a false report.
July 9, 1861
A member of the 3rd Regiment PA Volunteers receives a accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. The result was an amputation.
At the same time, several privates from the Pennsylvania regiments took over the operations of the abandoned “Virginia Republican” newspaper. They created a new newspaper called “The American Union.”
Never one to let a tragedy go to waste, the new newspaper highlights the toughness of the Union soldiers.
July 9, 1861
The townspeople of Martinsburg are said to be happy to see the men of the North. Even though the area was destroyed during earlier fighting, the people said they would join the Union in the fight for the country.
Harper’s Weekly
While in Martinsburg, several men of the 8th get sick. Col Emley is reportedly in bad shape. The change in water and exposure to the sun is said to be the cause.
July 16, 1861
On July 15th, the men are called to march again. There’s sadness throughout the troops – but not for the reason you would think. The men believe they are being called home – ending their 3-month commitment. Instead, excitement grows as they head further south toward Bunker Hill. They now believe they will get some fighting action before their tour is finished.
Bunker Hill, Virginia
July 15, 1861 – July 17, 1861
The trip takes them eleven miles further south on the road to Winchester, VA, to Bunker Hill. Again, the travel is easy, with no confrontations along the way.
July 17, 1861
Rumors were swirling that the Rebel forces defeated General Patterson and the North at Bunker Hill – but once again, the propaganda was incorrect. Instead, just below Bunker Hill, 600 Rebel troops attacked the first troops to arrive from Martinsburg – the 21st Regiment. The South was quickly pushed back after receiving canon fire from Doubleday’s Rhode Island Artillery. The 2nd US Calvary pursued the Rebels and captured a captain and private that were taken as prisoners and sent back to Martinsburg.
July 16, 1861
Patterson was supposed to take the men further south to Winchester, but the plan changes. Intelligence says that Winchester is protected by troops that are formed in a V. If the men unknowingly encounter the enemy, they would be exposed to deadly cross-fire before they entered the city.
July 19, 1861
Instead, they head east to secure the railroad that runs from Harper’s Ferry to Winchester. This will allow them to reopen the canal and railroad bridge at Harper’s Ferry – allowing him to quickly access supplies and reinforcements.
Charles Town, Virginia
July 18, 1861 – July 20, 1861
Their next stop is thirteen miles away in Charles Town on July 18th.
July 20, 1861
Keyes Ford, Virginia
July 20, 1861
After two nights in Charles Town, it was then on to Keyes Ford on July 20 to guard the river crossing by Millville, just south of Harper’s Ferry along the Shenandoah River. They have very little time left on their 90-day commitment. Some are still stationed at the courthouse in Charles Town, while others are on guard of the river about 4 miles east.
Harper’s Ferry
July 21, 1861 – July 22, 1861
On July 21, 1861, most of the short-term regiments marched towards Harper’s Ferry to turn in their equipment and prepare to muster out. The 8th joined them but continued on up the Potomac for another five miles to the mouth of the Shenandoah.
July 24, 1861
After a couple of skirmishes, the 8th was ordered awake at 1am and told to march back to Harper’s Ferry.
The next morning, July 22, the men woke up and boarded freight trains in shifts and headed back towards Baltimore and then on to Harrisburg. As they passed through Baltimore, Edward Bayne of Philadelphia, a member of the 23rd PA Regiment, was shot and killed by James Manly, a Baltimore native and a member of the 19th PA Regiment. Manly, known to be a “notorious” character, would later be acquitted.
There are reports that the men are all disgruntled and not happy with having to pay their own way home. But again, with this being a Maryland newspaper, it could have been propaganda since Maryland had loyalty to both North and South.
July 24, 1861
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
July 23, 1861
They arrived home to a hero’s welcome – flag and banners waving with family, friends, and patriots all cheering them on as the train pulled into the station. Ladies were out in their yards offering up lunch, cakes, and pies to any of the soldiers. Invitations to visit for lunch or dinner were freely passed around to the brave men who returned “home.”
July 25, 1861
July 30, 1861
The men have to wait in Harrisburg until they are paid. After two days, they finally load a train on July 25, 1861, and made their way back to Scranton. In just three short months, the men of the 8th Regiment are back home in Scranton, having fulfilled their initial commitment.
Aug 2, 1861
There was some alledged reporting in the Scranton Republic that Colonel Emley was no longer respected by his men. The Pittston Gazette reports otherwise – stating that the men speak of their leader in the highest regard.
August 8, 1861
As soon as the men arrived back in Scranton, there were calls for all to re-enlist.
August 22, 1861
Robert Cook didn’t come home 100% healthy. He contracted Typhoid Fever while in Harrisburg on his way home. He never fully recovered before re-enlisting a year later when he joined the 132nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Colonel Emley, leader of the 8th Regiment, initially recovered from his illness, but he got sick again while resting at his favorite vacation spot, Squan Beach, today it’s known as Manasquan. He returned home to Wilkes-Barre and would later succumb to his illness in 1868.
Lt Col. Samuel Bowman, captured by the Rebels, was released via a prisoner exchange in August 1862 after over a year in prison. His family was prominent throughout Wilkes-Barre. The man he was captured with, Edward Chase, was also released but without an exchange. He, too, was a prominent citizen in Wilkes-Barre.
Captain Henry Derby, leader of Cook’s Company H of the Scranton Union Volunteers. re-enlisted in September 1861 to become part of the 77th Infantry. He would resign the following April and would die at the age of 37 from a disease he contracted during his second tour.
Captain John McCasey was also a veteran of the Mexican-American war (1846-1848) and became a very successful prospector out west before he died in Phoenix, AZ, in 1895.
July 6, 1861
While the 8the Pennsylvania Regiment didn’t see much fighting action, and there is no monument to honor their legacy, their time served undoubtedly assisted the North in winning the war.
So, the next time you pass through any of these towns, or better yet, plan a trip to these battlefields, think of those that served and say a prayer for their souls. May those brave men who fought for freedom rest in peace.
Here’s a list of others that served in the 90-day 8th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company H.
| Last Name | First Name | Rank | Date of Muster Into Service | Remarks |
| Derby | Henry W. | Captain | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Smith Jr. | Beaton | 1st Lt. | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Snyder | William D. | 2d Lt. | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Edmonds | Thomas | 1st Sergeant | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Derris | Henry | 2d Sergeant | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Knerr | Charles | 3rd Sergeant | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Shultz | Joseph R. | 4th Sergeant | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Ruth | Israel | 1st Corporal | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bryden | William | 2d Corporal | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Koch | Monroe | 3rd Corporal | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Booth | William | 4th Corporal | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Adams | Charles G. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bradford | Miles N. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Benjamin | Lyman T. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bloom | Thomas B. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bloff | William F. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bouten | Samuel A. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Bound | Abram L. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Brown | James O. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Buckland | Warren | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Cherry | Theodore | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Conklin | George W. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Cobb | Samuel | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Coon | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Crawford | Hugh R. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Decker | Martin | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Diehl | Hugh M. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Drake | Andrew J. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Ennis | Henry | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Etting | Frederick M. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Fleming | Alexander L. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Gabrio | Peter S. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Gregory | Nathan C. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Galloway | Jacob W. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Habe | Dinsmore | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Haines | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Haley | Stephen H. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Hastings 1st | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Hastings 2d | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Hardy | Robert | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Henson | Henry B. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Houser | Harry | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Hopkins | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Jamison | William | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Kind | Hudson D. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Kirlin | Hiram P. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Long | Anthony | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Miller | William | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Mullihan | Thomas | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Palmer | John M. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Peters | George W. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Palmer | George C. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Rhodes | Simon | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Rex | Henry | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Robbing | Nicholas | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Richards | Joshua | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Shiffer | Joseph S. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Silkman | Mead S. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Shafer | Charles | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Shively | Peter | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Smith | Peter J. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Stark | William | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Stephens | Roland N. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Swartz | John G. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Staples | William A. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Thomas | William H. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Wigton | David | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Wittingham | John | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Wilson | Edwin B. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Ward | Charles E. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Williams | William H. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Woolley | James | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
| Yapel | Fletcher D. | Private | April 23, 1861 | Mustered out of service July 29, 1861 |
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