Civil War History - Gettysburg ForumGettysburg! It's not just a National Park. It's a Civil War Battlefield. For some it's historic and storied past are almost an obsession! All related discussions are welcome here!
I know he was taken prisoner when his regiment, the 16th Maine, was ordered to cover the retreat of Robinson's division, day one.
But what happened to him afterward?
Eph
He held out then order a retreat which turned into every man for himself. I do not know what happen to him during the next two days at Gettysburg. Note: He was taken prisoner on day one but must have been exchanged later to make the Overland Campagn..
I found him back with the 16th Maine at the Wilderness up to Cold Harbor endgagement. I do not know if he made it pass Cold Harbor...
__________________
"States Rights are about States Wrongs" - Jesse Jackson
I did some more searching and found the following:
Birth: May 7, 1832
Death: Mar. 12, 1914
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He served during the Civil War first as a Captain in the 2nd Maine Volunteer Infantry, then as Colonel and commander of the 16th Maine Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "faithful and meritorious services during the war."
1) Col. ASA W. WILDES. (2) Col. CHARLES W. TILDEN; BVT. BRIG. GEN. BATTLES.K. & M.W.BATTLES.K. & M.W. Fredericksburg, Va (*) 76 Siege of Petersburg, Va 14 Gettysburg, Pa 27 Weldon Railroad, Va 10 Wilderness, Va 3 Hateher's Run, Va 11 Spotsylvania, Va 25 Gravelly Run, Va 2 North Anna, Va 2 Five Forks, Va 2 Bethesda Church, Va 3 Skirmish Line, Va., June 21, 1864 1 Cold Harbor, Va 3 Skirmish Line, Va., Oct. 8, 1864 1 Picket, Va., June 6, 1864 1
Present, also, at Chancellorsville; Mine Run; Totopotomoy; Appomattox.
NOTES.--Organized August 14, 1862, with Captain C. W. Tilden, of the Second Maine, as its Colonel, who com manded it during its entire service. Arriving at Washington on August 21, 1862, it was ordered immediately on active duty in Maryland. The fatigue and exposure of a campaign without the customary preparatory service cost the regiment many lives, and sent large numbers to the hospital. It was assigned to Root's (1st) Brigade, Gibbon's (2d) Division, First Corps, and marched to Fredericksburg with that command. This was its first battle; but its ranks had become so reduced by the sickness, common among
raw troops in active service, that only 427 were present in that action, of which it lost 27 killed, 170 wounded, and 34 missing; of the latter none returned. Another severe loss was sustained at Gettysburg. Of the 248 officers and men engaged in that battle, the casualties amounted to 9 killed, 59 wounded, and 164 captured. At the close of the fight, 2 officers and 15 men alone remained; Colonel Tilden was taken prisoner with his men. Many of the wounded died and nearly all the amputations proved fatal. In March, 1864, the division was transferred to the Fifth Corps; in June the regiment was transferred to Crawford's (3d) Division, and to Baxter's (2d) Brigade of the same corps. It fought in all the battles of the Fifth Corps in 1864-5, its hardest fighting occurring at Spotsylvania, where Major Leavitt fell, mortally wounded. Another severe fight took place at Hatcher's Run (Dabney's Mills) February 6, 1865, in which the regiment lost 3 killed, 60 wounded, and 11 missing.
=======================================
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31] DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. No. 227.--Report of Lieut. Col. Charles W. Tilden, Sixteenth Maine Infantry.
CAMP NEAR BELLE PLAIN, VA., December 25, 1862.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the regiment under my command at the late engagement near Fredericksburg: In compliance with your order, my command, numbering 21 line officers and 406 enlisted men, was in line at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 11th instant, for the purpose of crossing the Rappahannock, as it was understood we were to cross at daybreak. We commenced our line of march, with the First Brigade, at 5.15 a.m., and proceeded some 3 miles toward the river, a short distance below Fredericksburg, when it was discovered that we would not cross, owing to the engineers being unable to complete the bridges. At this point I brought my command to a rest, and remained through the day and night. On the morning of the 12th instant, orders being received from headquarters of brigade to be under arms at 5 o'clock, I had my command in line at the appointed time, and took up our line of march, crossing the river about 12 m. After crossing and resting for a short time, we formed a line of battle in the rear of the One hundred and seventh <ar31_490> Pennsylvania and One hundred and fifth New York Volunteers, near the stone mansion occupied as a hospital, which position we maintained through the remainder of the afternoon and night, with the exception of changing slightly from time to time to avoid the fire of the enemy's batteries in position on the heights at our right. On the morning of the 13th instant, I had my command under arms at 8 o'clock, and had orders to march by the left flank about a quarter of a mile to the left. Here we were obstructed in our passage by a thick growth of bushes and a ravine. Our pioneers soon cleared the way, and we were again on the march. While waiting at the above place, 2 of my command were slightly wounded by pieces of shell thrown from the enemy's guns, they having complete range of this point. After crossing the ravine, we moved by the right flank beyond the country road and formed a line of battle. Remained here for a short time, and was then ordered to return to the road, where we remained until about 1 p.m. At this time I moved my regiment, in compliance with orders from you, to the front, in the open field, and then by the right flank to the right, unmasking the One hundred and fifth New York Regiment, and forming in line of battle on their right. This being done, we immediately opened fire upon the enemy, who were covered behind the embankment of the railroad in front of us. Finding his fire very disastrous, and seeing that our fire was doing little or no execution, the order was received from you, through Lieutenant Scoville, to fix bayonets, charge, and drive him from his breastworks. My regiment being some 15 paces in advance of those on my right and left, I waited some few moments for them to come up, but finding they did not, I gave the order to charge, which was obeyed with promptness and firmness equal to that displayed by veteran troops, driving the enemy from his breastworks and capturing some 60 prisoners, sending the same to the rear. After crossing, I advanced into the woods a short distance, and my lines being somewhat broken, ordered a new line formed for the purpose of advancing still ****her; but finding that we had no support, I Immediately gave the order to fire into the woods, as it was evident the enemy was there in ambush, from the fire received from the woods, hoping that support might be sent to us. None being received, however, my ammunition being nearly exhausted, and finding that the enemy had gained possession of the point of woods making out on our left, which 1 supposed was held by the other regiments of the brigade, I gave the order to retire, which was obeyed, and the retreat made in good order, but not without giving the rebels two volleys as a parting salute. We retired under the crest of the hill, back of the country road, where we remained until 2 o'clock of the morning of the 14th instant, at which time we moved to the left some 1˝ miles, and remained until daylight, at which time we advanced and formed the second line of battle at this point. Remaining in this position Sunday and Monday, I received your orders to get my command in line at 7 o'clock Monday evening, which was accordingly obeyed, and proceeded to cross the river, which was done without any casualty. I should be remiss did I fail to mention the bravery and heroic conduct of the Twelfth Massachusetts, Colonel Bates commanding, whom we were to relieve. It was with difficulty we gained their front, they were so determined, so earnest in doing their whole duty, and it was with reluctance Colonel Bates and command obeyed the order to retire. I should be doing injustice to mention the names of any of my command as worthy of mention in this engagement, as all, both officers and men, performed their duty like true soldiers, and with determination to conquer. <ar31_491> My loss of line officers was fully equal to the percentage of enlisted men, having 11 killed, wounded, and missing. Among the number were Captain Hutchins, Company B, and Lieutenant Herrick, Company D, who fell gallantly leading their commands forward to the work before them. My loss is as follows: Killed-- officers, 2; enlisted men, 30. Missing--officers, 2; enlisted men, 32. Wounded, 157.(*) I have the honor, colonel, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. TILDEN. Col. A. R. ROOT, Commanding First Brigade.
----- O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31] DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. No. 2.--Organization, of the Union forces at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 11-15, 1862. Brig. Gen. ABNER DOUBLEDAY. SECOND DIVISION. (1.) Brig. Gen. JOHN GIBBON.(*) (2.) Brig. Gen. NELSON TAYLOR. First Brigade. Col. ADRIAN R. ROOT.
16th Maine, Lieut. Col. Charles W. Tilden. 94th New York, Maj. John A. Kress. 104th New York, Maj. Gilbert G. Prey. 105th New York: Maj. Daniel A. Sharp. Capt. Abraham Moore. 107th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas F. McCoy. -----------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31] DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. No. 222.--Report of Brig. Gen. John Gibbon, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division.
I desire to call special attention to the services of Brigadier-General <ar31_481> Taylor, Col. A. R. Root, Ninety-fourth New York, and to the gallantry and steadiness under fire of the following-named regiments: Twelfth Massachusetts, Colonel Bates; Ninety-seventh New York, Colonel Wheelock; Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania, Major Griffith, and Sixteenth Maine, Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden. The last-named regiment, although for the first time under fire, gave an example of gallantry and steadiness worthy the imitation of some of the older regiments. Hall's battery was under the severest fire, and was served with its usual efficiency and gallantry.
The loss in the division was 1,249 killed, wounded, and missing.(*) My staff, Captain Wood, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Haskell, Sixth Wisconsin, aide-de-camp; Moale, Nineteenth U.S. Infantry, aide-de-camp, and Hildreth, Second U.S. Sharpshooters, acting aide-de-camp, and Captain Lee, Twenty-first
New York, acting inspector-general, were constantly on the field, conveying orders and giving directions amid the heaviest fire. The last-named officer was of great service in rallying some of the disordered troops.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division.
Capt. CHARLES KINGSBURY, Assistant Adjutant-General, First Corps. -------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31] DECEMBER 11-15, 1862.--Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. No. 226.--Report of Col. Adrian R. Root, Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade. [excerpt]
I am happy in being able to bear testimony to the gallant manner in which the regimental commanders took their men into action, and I deem it a duty no less than a pleasure to make especial mention of the Sixteenth Maine Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Tilden commanding. This regiment is a new one, and here fought its first battle, and I felt some apprehension lest the terrible fire from the enemy's concealed rifle-pits would be too severe a trial for its men. But the gallant manner in which this regiment charged the enemy's position excited my surprise and admiration, and reflected the highest honor upon its officers and soldiers. ADRIAN R. ROOT,
Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.
Capt. J.P. WOOD, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, First Army Corps.
------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS,
SECOND DIVISION.(*) Brig. Gen. JOHN C. ROBINSON. First Brigade. Col. SAMUEL H. LEONARD.
16th Maine, Col. C. W. Tilden. 13th Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. H. W. Batchelder. 94th New York,(+) Col. A. R. Root. 104th New York, Lieut. Col. Henry G. Tuthill. 107th Pennsylvania, Col. T. F. McCoy. -------------------------------------------
AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.
No. 161.--Report of Col. Thomas F. McCoy, One hundred and seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations August 18-September 12. Excerpt--
The following field officers were captured and taken to Petersburg by the enemy: Col. G. G. Prey, One hundred and fourth New York Volunteers; Col. C. W. Tilden, Sixteenth Maine Volunteers; Lieut. Col. J. R. Strang, One hundred and fourth New York Volunteers, reported to be wounded; Lieut. Col. William A. Leech, Ninetieth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Maj. Jacob M. Davis, same regiment. Others were taken but made their escape before they could be taken to the enemy's rear. Thirty-three line officers were taken and 721 enlisted men.
I would not omit to mention that Colonel Tilden, of the Sixteenth Maine, a most worthy and esteemed officer, being deeply impressed with a vivid recollection of a former imprisonment in Richmond, after having been taken to Petersburg and on his way under guard from that city to the Libby Prison, made a most daring and successful escape, and rejoined his regiment the third night after his capture. Considering the perils through which he passed in making his escape, it cannot be otherwise regarded than remarkably providential. He was accompanied by Lieut. E. F. Davis, of the same regiment. I would also state that the brigade staff has suffered severely by the following members of it having been captured: Capt. Byron Porter, assistant adjutant-general, <ar87_505> Capt. E. J. Trail, acting brigade inspector, and Lieut. L F. Rosea, commanding pioneer corps. Lieut. A. Leavitt, acting aide-de-camp, was captured, but made his escape, and bringing into our lines a number of prisoners. It was with difficulty that Colonel Lyle, commanding brigade, made his escape, having to abandon his horse in the attempt. With all these losses, however, the remnant of the brigade was rallied, and with the aid of other troops advanced again into the woods, and late in the evening reoccupied the line of the afternoon. All these operations of the afternoon took place during a rain-storm, and the men were wet to the skin and greatly exhausted.
[excerpt]
In closing this imperfect report of the operations of the brigade, I would express my extreme regret at the loss of so many brave veteran officers and men. They are a great loss to this gallant corps and army, and to the good cause of our country. This is especially so at the present crisis of the contest. In their capture, however we may deplore it, it is gratifying to be assured that no dishonor or blame can attach to them. They battled bravely and successfully with the foe in their front. That the enemy was allowed to approach their rear from a distant part of the line cannot, and I am glad to know is not, chargeable to them. They have truly for a time lost their liberty and the privilege of continuing to battle for the righteous cause of the Government, but they have not sullied their fair fame, won and maintained on many battle-fields; they still retain a soldier's patriotism, integrity, and honor.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. F. McCOY,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. GEORGE MONTEITH,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Fifth Army Corps.
[Indorsement.]
HDQRS. NINETIETH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
September 24, 1864.
I fully concur in the above report of Colonel McCoy of the operations of the brigade on the above dates.
Very respectfully,
P. LYLE,
Colonel Ninetieth Regt. Pennsylvania Vols., late Comdg. Brigade.
--------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.
No. 163.--Report of Col. Charles W. Tilden, Sixteenth Maine Infantry, of operations August 18-19.
HDQRS. SIXTEENTH REGIMENT MAINE VOLUNTEERS,
Camp near Reams; Station, Va., September ---, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders from First Brigade headquarters of this date, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the operations near the Weldon railroad, commencing the 18th ultimo:
In obedience to orders received on the night of the 17th instant [ultimo], my regiment, numbering 8 line officers and 231 guns, moved in column with the First Brigade on the morning of the 18th ultimo, and arrived at the Weldon railroad at 12 m.; halted and rested for one hour, to the right and rear of the Yellow House. At 1 o'clock received orders to advance and form line at the edge of the woods extending to the right of the railroad. Advanced into the woods and connected with the right of the Second Division. While forming my regiment, and before the remainder of the brigade on my right had formed, the enemy opened a sharp fire on my left and the right of the Second Division, causing the troops on my left to retire somewhat, thus leaving my left flank exposed. We, however, held the enemy for some minutes, when I discovered that he was close on my flank and rear, causing my men to retire to save capture. Those of my command who succeeded in making their escape were rallied and formed on the left of the One hundred and fourth New York Volunteers, which position we held the remainder of the day. In this assault I lost my sergeant-major, killed, 28 men wounded; Adjutant Small, 3 line officers, and 33 men taken prisoners. During the night we threw up earth-works in our front, extending to the railroad. This position was held by us until 2 p.m. the 19th ultimo, when we moved to the right 150 yards and the works vacated by us, occupied by a portion of General Hayes' brigade, extending from my left to the railroad. At 3 p.m. the enemy attacked our line and was repulsed three times, when we were attacked in our rear, he having come around the right of our line. This attack in the rear, together with the fire from our own artillery, created a panic among the men, but not until the troops on my right and left had fallen back did I allow my men to retire, feeling confident if we were not troubled in the rear that we could take care of the force in our front. On retiring I found that we were completely surrounded and no other alternative than to surrender, not yielding, however, until several efforts were made to elude the enemy. At this time my loss was wholly in prisoners, being captured myself, together with 3 line officers and 83 men. Lieutenant Davis and myself succeeded in making our escape from the enemy on the 20th instant. My State colors were captured, <ar87_509> but my national colors were destroyed, thus preventing their falling into his hands. My regiment being behind works, and the enemy being obliged to emerge from the thick woods in our front, resulted very much in our favor in this day's attack, and must have caused severe loss to the enemy.
But a small portion of my command were engaged on the 21st ultimo, the fighting being principally by artillery at that portion of the line occupied by my regiment.
I herewith hand you numerical list of casualties for the 18th and 19th ultimo.
CHAS. W. TILDEN,
Colonel, Commanding Sixteenth Maine Regiment.
Lieut. JOHN A. GRIFFIN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 3d Div., 5th Army Corps.
Numerical list of casualties in Sixteenth Maine Volunteers in late operations on Weldon railroad on the 18th and 19th days of August, 1864:1 enlisted man killed, 28 enlisted men wounded, and 6 commissioned officers and 116 enlisted men missing; total, 6 commissioned officers and 145 enlisted men.
----------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVI/1 [S# 95]
MARCH 29-APRIL 9, 1865.--The Appomattox (Virginia) Campaign.
No. 1.--Organization of the Union Forces commanded by Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.
Second Brigade.
Brig. Gen. HENRY BAXTER.
---------------------------------------------------
16th Maine, Col. Charles W. Tilden.
39th Massachusetts:
Lieut. Col. Henry M. Tremlett.(++)
Capt. Joseph J. Cooper.
97th New York, Lieut. Col. Rouse S. Egelston. (||)
11th Pennsylvania, Maj. John B. Overmyer.
107th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas F. McCoy.
----------------------------------------------------
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LI/1 [S# 107]
JANUARY 1-APRIL 3, 1865.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.
Report of Brig. Gen. Henry Baxter, U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Army Corps, of operations February 5-7.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS,
February 16, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of part taken by this brigade in late movement near Hatcher's Run:
[excerpt]
It became necessary to deploy remainder of line as skirmishers to right and left, receiving a severe fire on either flank. Remained in this position until near 6 o'clock, the men suffering severely from the cold storm which continued the entire day. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Jack, of Third Brigade, had reported to me, and was held in reserve until an advance was ordered, when it moved forward with skirmishers, officers and men acquitting themselves with credit. Near 6 o'clock p.m. an attack by the division was made on the enemy's works in our front. Skirmishers advanced about 100 yards supported by Third Brigade, and here encountered so severe a fire from enemy's works was forced to retire, as was also Third Brigade. Again occupied same position as during the day. Was relieved from skirmish line about 9 p.m., a portion of the line by troops of a brigade of Sixth Corps, which had been moved up, and portion by Third Brigade. Formed line and threw up works about 400 yards from enemy's works, connecting on right with Third Brigade and on left with brigade of Sixth Corps. One a.m. 8th moved to north side Hatcher's Run, near Vaughan road, massed, and bivouacked. Colonel Tilden, Sixteenth Maine, received a painful wound on the 6th, rendering him unable to remain with his command, but although still suffering returned to his regiment on the morning of the 7th and remained with it, sustaining his well-earned reputation.
Lieutenant-Colonel Haines, Eleventh Pennsylvania, commanding Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania, was seriously and dangerously wounded while gallantly leading his regiment on the 6th, proving himself a true soldier. Lieutenant-Colonel Spofford, Ninety-seventh New York, was wounded while directing and encouraging his men on the skirmish line on the 7th, which took him from the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Tremlett, Thirty-ninth Massachusetts, and Major Overmeyer, Eleventh Pennsylvania, did all that could be asked of the best soldier. Captain Cowdrey, assistant adjutant-general, was severely wounded on the 6th, depriving me of services which were performed with coolness and judgment. Captain Plummer, Sixteenth Maine, brigade inspector, and Lieutenant Leavitt, Sixteenth Maine, aide-de-camp, are entitled to favorable mention for energetic and prompt action and soldierly bearing before the enemy. Reference is made to regimental commanders' reports, which are herewith forwarded, for mention of officers and men of their commands. I forward tabular statement of casualties.(*)
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. BAXTER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Maj. E. C. BAIRD,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
================================================== =
Hope this helps.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
First Wolf, you amaze me on these OR reports you are able to find and post.
This Col. Tilden lived through a remarkable period of the civil war in the east. He survived some of the bloodiest battles of the civil war and Grant's Overland Campaign was a meat grinder. He survived all this leading a regiment which means he was in the thick of all the engagements. He could not hang back but had to face those mini balls and canister shots head on. He must have had some special mojo with him, simply amazing.
Just a thought...
__________________
"States Rights are about States Wrongs" - Jesse Jackson
CivilWarTalk.com -
A free and friendly Civil War community. 
What happened to Colonel Charles W. Tilden of the 16th Maine? 
Linear Mode
