NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPANIES F AND G, SECOND REGIMENT UNITED STATES VOLUNTEER SHARPSHOOTERS. (THREE YEARS.)

By SAMUEL F. MURRY, late Captain First Regiment United States Volunteer Sharpshooters and Brevet Major United States Volunteers. THE First Regiment United States Sharpshooters having been enlisted and organized, as given in the sketch of Company E, Colonel Berdan was authorized by the Secretary of War "to muster and organize into companies and regiments all the men he could raise during the next ninety days from September 28, 1861, and who on examination were found equal to the requirements of sharpshooters." Accordingly recruiting was continued. The men, as they enlisted, were permitted to go home, subject to the call from the recruiting officer. Notices were sent to each, ordering them to report at the state house, Concord, N. H., at 11 o'clock A. M., November 26, 1861, when the first detail was mustered into the United States service, with H. M. Caldwell as captain. Two days later (Thanksgiving Day), it was ordered to Washington, when it was assigned to the Second Regiment United States Sharpshooters as Company F. After several days they received their uniforms. December 12 another detachment was ordered to Concord, N. H., and mustered into service, with William D. McPherson as captain. A few days later it was ordered to Washington and assigned to the same regiment as Company G. The Second Regiment Sharpshooters, when organized, consisted of Company A, Minnesota; Company B, Michigan; Company C, Pennsylvania; Company D, Maine; Company E, Vermont; Companies F and G, New Hampshire; Company H, Vermont; under the command of Col. H. A. V. Post. As these two companies formed a part of the same regiment their history is practically the same. The winter of 1861-'62 was spent in camp of instruction, Washington, D. C., where the regiment was thoroughly drilled and disciplined, which proved so valuable when in active service afterwards. The same trouble arose as in the First Regiment, and was settled in the same way, when Colt's rifles were issued instead of Sharpe's as promised. The sudden change of climate, and at that season of the year, caused much sickness, many cases proving fatal. On the 18th of March, 1862, they were attached to the First Brigade, Third (King's) Division, and broke camp on the 20th, joining the brigade near Fairfax, Va., two days later. April 6 marched to Bristoe Station, where, without tents, the rubber blankets and brush proved a poor shelter from a severe rain storm, and the ardor of the boys went down in a corresponding degree. Here the men of the New York regiments in the brigade gave them the name of "Chippies," from the way they made the chips fly when chopping wood, which name greeted them when any of the old brigade saw the "Green-breeches." On the 16th broke camp, moving through Catlett towards Falmouth. Entered Falmouth April 19, 1862, leading the advance of King's division, the first time under fire, and saw the first dead or wounded of the enemy, who fell back across the Rappahannock, burning the bridges. A few days later Company F was detailed for provost guard, Company G remaining in camp with the regiment. The last of May, Company F was ordered to rejoin the regiment, and with the division marched about fifteen miles below Fredericksburg, expecting to join McClellan's army in front of Richmond; but Jackson forcing Banks down the Shenandoah valley, the division made a forced march towards Front Royal. June 1, 1862, the regiment lost one killed and about sixty wounded in a railroad collision between Manassas Junction and Front Royal, near White Plains. About the middle of June they returned to Falmouth, the regiment camping on the bluff outside the village, and Company F detailed as provost guard again. July 26 took part in a reconnoissance, under General Gibbon, towards Orange Court House, and had a skirmish with the enemy. August 6 (Company F rejoining the regiment) another reconnoissance was made on the Bowling Green road, and westerly towards Spottsylvania, having a brisk skirmish with Stewart's cavalry. August 10 left for Cedar Mountain, but were not engaged in that battle. August 19 fell back behind the Rappahannock, being the rear guard. August 21, 22, and 23, skirmishing near Rappahannock Station. On the 23d Corp. J. P. Dodge and W. F. Gould were wounded, the first casualties in Company F. August 25, engaged near Sulphur Springs. Took part in the battle of Gainesville, August 29, and Second Bull Run, August 30, where both companies lost heavily, and on account of their skill in skirmishing and bravery were complimented by their commanding officers. One historian says: "When the Second Regiment United States Sharpshooters left Falmouth, Va., August 10, they had between six and seven hundred men in line; when the roll was called September 2, near Alexandria, Va., one hundred and twenty-seven answered to their names; and during the campaign over 200,000 rounds of ammunition were used by them." September 1 came under fire at Chantilly. They took part in the charge at South Mountain, Md., September 14, capturing the heights, and on the 15th and 16th picking up stragglers and skirmishing. September 17, at Antietam, Md., in the historic cornfield, where the regiment lost over twenty-five per cent of those present for duty. Remained in camp near Sharpsburg, Md., taking the much needed rest, while the thinned ranks were being recruited, until October 30, when they recrossed into Virginia near Harper's Ferry, marching by easy stages, arriving near Falmouth about the 23d of November. In the meantime General McClellan had been relieved, and General Burnside placed in command. Took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862, with the Left Grand Division under General Franklin, also on the 14th and 15th on the extreme left, being deployed from the river, south. Recrossed the river on the night of the 15th. January 14, 1863, by command of General Burnside, the First and Second regiments of sharpshooters were in a brigade under command of Colonel Berdan, and camped near Stoneman's switch, above Falmouth, Va. Broke camp January 20 for the celebrated "Mud March." After starting, the Second Regiment received orders to report to Smith's division, Sixth Corps. On account of the rain and mud the artillery and pontoon trains could not move. Everything was "stuck in the mud." January 23 ordered to report to General Franklin's headquarters. February 2 ordered back to where we were camped before the last movement of the army. Both regiments of sharpshooters were together again. The remainder of the winter and spring of 1863 was spent in drill, target practice, picket duty, and amusements such as the boys in camp could easily study up. April 9, 1863, was a gala day in the sharpshooter regiments, there being prizes offered for shooting and other sports. There was a large attendance from the troops camped around. April 28 broke camp, and as a part of the Third Army Corps moved down the river below Fredericksburg, and on the 30th marched back again, crossing the Rappahannock at United States Ford. Were engaged at Chancellorsville May 1 to 4; on the 2d took part in the capture of the Twenty-third Georgia near the Furnace, and for their efficiency during the campaign were complimented by special notice. Recrossed the river May 6, and returned to their old camp. June 11, 1863, ordered to pack up, and the long, tedious march of the Gettysburg campaign commenced. June 16 passed over the battlefield of 1861-'62 at Bull Run. June 25 crossed the Potomac into Maryland at Edward's Ferry, marching up the tow path of the canal to the mouth of the Monocacy river. The march through Maryland was a continuous ovation, and the appearance of the country gave evidence of the superiority of the free over the slave states. July 2 to 4 were engaged at Gettysburg, and Colonel Oates, Fifteenth Alabama, in a letter to Colonel Stoughton, of the Second Sharpshooters, written since the war, referring to the charge and repulse of Longstreet's corps July 2, says: "You and your command deserve a monument for turning the tide in favor of the Union cause"; and so by Union and Confederate they were highly commended for their service. July 17 recrossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, and on the 23d took part in the battle of Wapping Heights. From July 31 to September 15 encamped along the line of the Rappahannock river. Crossed on the 15th, and moved to the vicinity of Culpeper. From September 17 to October 10 lay along the Rapidan river. October 11, 1863, the enemy making a demonstration on the right, the army turned towards Washington, the Second Sharpshooters bringing up the rear and left flank. October 13, near Auburn, Va., they made a charge on the enemy and routed them, driving them quite a distance. On the 15th arrived near Fairfax, Va. On the 19th commenced a forward movement towards the Rappahannock. November 7, led the advance, taking part in the charge across the river at Kelly's Ford. On the 8th, at Brandy Station, drove the enemy about four miles. Went into camp on the 10th near the station. November 26 crossed the Rapidan, and on the 27th were engaged at Locust Grove. In the evening, as the regiment lay in line, a shell struck a tree about two feet through, and exploding, cut it off, and falling along the line it injured two of Company F, and several others. November 28 to 30 were engaged at Mine Run, and returned to camp December 3. The last of December, two thirds of Companies F and G, having re-enlisted and mustered as veterans, received a veteran furlough, came home, and remained until March 9, 1864. In reorganizing the army in March, 1864, the sharpshooters were assigned to the Second Corps, and were permitted to wear the badge of the Third Corps in which they had served so creditably. May 3, 1864, broke camp, and crossed the Rapidan on the following morning, and the night of the 4th bivouacked on the old Chancellorsville battlefield. May 6 and 7 were engaged in the Wilderness. On the 6th, fought in line of battle and lost heavily; at Todd's Tavern, May 9; Po River, May 10; near Spottsylvania, May 11 to 16; and took part in the famous charge of the Second Corps at Spottsylvania Court House on the 12th; North Anna River, May 23 to 26; Totopotomoy Creek, May 30, and charged across the creek on the 31st, capturing the enemy's works and many prisoners; at Cold Harbor, June 3 to 12. From the 5th of May to the 12th of June the sharpshooters were engaged twenty-seven days. June 14 crossed James river near Wilcox Landing and moved towards Petersburg; were engaged in front of Petersburg, June 16 to 20, and in the first fight for the Weldon Railroad, June 21 to 23, and on the 23d, Company F was under the command of the second corporal. July 27 crossed the James river and took part in the fight at Deep Bottom, also August 14 to 18. July 30, at the Mine Explosion, were deployed on the right of the "crater." September 10, 1864, charged with two other regiments the entrenched picket line, capturing the works and holding the line; also engaged September 22 and October 10 in front of Petersburg; October 7, at Boydton Plank Road; December 8, took part in a raid on the Weldon Railroad, near the North Carolina line; and returned to camp December 12. February 5, 1865, at Hatcher's Run the sharpshooters charged the rebel entrenched picket line, pursuing the enemy quite a distance, were also engaged the two following days. This was the last engagement the Second Regiment United States Sharpshooters took part in, and it was as brilliant as any in which they were ever engaged, although they had received orders to disband. During the siege of Petersburg, almost daily a detail was made from the regiment for picket or vidette duty. January 30, 1865, the Second Regiment United States Sharpshooters as a regiment ceased to exist, Companies F and G being transferred to the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, and the other companies to their state regiments. The record of the sharpshooters has no superior. Being composed of companies from different States, it caused a commendable rivalry among them not to permit themselves to be outdone. If there was any reconnoissance to be made, picket line established, or the enemy's battery to be reached by a rifle ball, the "Green-coats" were called upon to do it. They were engaged in more battles and skirmishes than the average regiment, and caused more damage to the enemy than any other branch of the service, and often received the commendation and notice of their superior officers. Companies F and G, Second Regiment United States Volunteer Sharpshooters were attached to First Brigade, Third (King's) Division, First Army Corps, March 18, 1862; First Brigade, Third (King's) Division, Department of the Rappahannock, April 4, 1862; Third Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps, Army of Virginia, June 28, 1862; First Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps, Army of Virginia, August 28, 1862; First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, September 17, 1862; Third Division, Third Army Corps, January, 1863; Second Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps, February 19, 1863; Third Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps, March 13, 1863; Second Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps, June 11, 1863; First Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps, March 24, 1864. ENGAGEMENTS. Falmouth, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr. 19, 1862 Orange Court House Road, Va. . . . . . . . July 26, 1862 Bowling Green, Va. . . . . . . . . . . .Aug. 6, 1862 Rappahannock Station, Va., . . . . . . .Aug. 21-23, 1862 Sulphur Springs, Va. . . . . . . . . . .Aug. 26, 1862 Gainesville, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 28, 1862 Bull Run, Va. . . . . . . . . . . .Aug. 29, 30, 1862 Chantilly, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . .Sept. 1, 1862 South Mountain, Md. . . . . . . . . . .Sept. 14, 1862 Boonsborough, Md. . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 15, 1862 Antietam, Md. . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 16, 17, 1862 Fredericksburg, Va. . . . . . . . . . Dec. 13-15, 1862 Chancellorsville, Va. . . . . . . . . . May 1-4, 1863 Gettysburg, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . July 2-4, 1863 Wapping Heights, Va. . . . . . . . . . .July 23, 1863 Auburn, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oct. 13, 1863 Kelly's Ford, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 7, 1863 Brandy Station, Va. . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 8, 1863 Locust Grove, Va. . . . . . . . . . . .Nov. 27, 1863 Mine Run, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 28-30, 1863 Wilderness, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . May 5-7, 1864 Todd's Tavern, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . May 9, 1864 Po River, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . May 10, 1864 Spottsylvania, Va. . . . . . . . . . .May 11-16, 1864 North Anna River, Va. . . . . . . . . .May 23-26, 1864 Totopotomoy Creek, Va. . . . . . . . . May 30, 31, 1864 Cold Harbor, Va. . . . . . . . . . . June 3-12, 1864 Petersburg, Va. . . . . . . . . . . June 16-20, 1864 Weldon Railroad, Va. . . . . . . . . .June 21-23, 1864 Deep Bottom, Va., . . . . . .July 27 and Aug. 14-18, 1864 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, Va., . . . . . .July 30, 1864 Siege of Petersburg, Va., . . Sept. 10-22, and Oct. 10, 1864 Poplar Springs Church, Va. . . . . . . . . Oct. 7, 1864 Boydton Plank Road, Va. . . . . . . . . .Oct. 27, 1864 Weldon Railroad, Va. . . . . . . . . . Dec. 8-10, 1864 Hatcher's Run, Va. . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 5-7, 1865

Source: New Hampshire Soldiers & Sailors War of the Rebellion, Ayling

New Hampshire 2nd Sharpshooters (Union)

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