13th NC and the 141st Penn

18thmississippi

Corporal
Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Location
confederacy
During the battle of the wilderness, the 13th NC regiment faced the 141st Penn. During this engagement, Grief Mason, the flag bearer, was struck down by a sgt in the 141st and the 13ths flag was captured. I know a little more about this incident during the battle, mostly smaller details, but if anyone else has more information about this encounter, or about Grief Mason either one would be much appreciated.

thanks,
Cpl.
13th Nc. Co. B
 
I found this little bit so far http://www.13thnc.com/
I appreciate the website and your concern, but that's my reenactment groups website, so I have read it many, many times. The reason behind me asking is, during the 150th event next year for the battle of the Wilderness, I have the great honor of portraying Corporal Grief Mason during the scenario of the capture of the flag. This is going to be the highest honor I have ever been blessed upon me.
 
During the battle of the wilderness, the 13th NC regiment faced the 141st Penn. During this engagement, Grief Mason, the flag bearer, was struck down by a sgt in the 141st and the 13ths flag was captured. I know a little more about this incident during the battle, mostly smaller details, but if anyone else has more information about this encounter, or about Grief Mason either one would be much appreciated.

thanks,
Cpl.
13th Nc. Co. B
I appreciate the website and your concern, but that's my reenactment groups website, so I have read it many, many times. The reason behind me asking is, during the 150th event next year for the battle of the Wilderness, I have the great honor of portraying Corporal Grief Mason during the scenario of the capture of the flag. This is going to be the highest honor I have ever been blessed upon me.

Congratulations !!! I believe I've shown you this before. My 2nd great-grandfather was in company I of the 13th NC.
I've posted a photo of a 13th NC Flag. Wonder if this was the flag that was captured ?

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/blu...st-tennessee-roots-civil-war-ancestors.87912/

Here's the hero you'll portray from the series
- North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster

Grief G. Mason

Residence Davie County NC; a 21 year-old Tobacconist.

Enlisted on 4/26/1861 at Davie County, NC as a Private.

On 4/26/1861 he mustered into "F" Co. NC 13th Infantry
He was Killed on 5/5/1864 at Wilderness, VA
(Was carrying Regimental Colors)


Promotions:
* Corpl 6/1/1861
.................................................................................................

 
Account from History of the One Hundred Forty-First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 1862-1865
http://archive.org/stream/cu31924030914992/cu31924030914992_djvu.txt

In the morning the front line held by our Regiment was about twenty rods east of the stream which runs nearly parallel with the Brock road, and the enemy were occupying an intrenched line on the opposite slope, Scales' Brigade of Wilcox's Division lying directly in front of our brigade, the flag of the Thirteenth North Carolina Regiment hanging lazily from the staff which was conspicuously placed upon the crest of the enemy's works, and directly in front of our Regiment. While "fixing bayonets" preparatory to the charge, Sergeant Stephen Rought, of Company A, who had been severely wounded at Chancellorsville, and had just returned to his company from hospital, found he had lost his bayonet from its scabbard, so clubbing his musket, he remarked with a pretty strong expletive: — "I'll have that flag !" Says Captain Hurst : — " A cheer — a run — the whiz of bullets in our ears — through the powder-smoke, and through the bramble-bushes, we found ourselves over the works, and the Thirteenth North Carolina Veteran' Infantry our prisoners before breakfast, and for that matter without supper, and without sleep the previous night.

Sergeant Rought, with some others, went straight for that rebel flag, and when over the works the rebel color-sergeant refused to surrender and tried to defend it. Rought with his clubbed musket split his head open and felled him prostrate at his feet, at the same time breaking his own musket off at the stock. Before the flag had hardly touched the ground he snatched it out of the dying color-sergeant's hands, shouting ' I've got it! I've got it!' What a cheer went up from the victorious One Hundred Forty-First as he waved it, and we read on it in golden letters and figures, " 13th North Carolina Veteran Volunteers," and its long list of battles. It was a new flag. The Sergeant was ordered to report with it to the Brigade Commander, and by him to General Birney, commanding the division. Such cheers as went up along the line as he carried it waving to the rear made those old woods ring. While so doing he was again wounded.

A congratulatory order was issued the next day by General Birney very complimentary to the Regiment, in which he gave
us the honor of taking the first flag captured by the Army of the Potomac under the immediate command of General Grant. This flag was on exhibition at the great Sanitary Commission Fair held in Philadelphia that summer, and Rought who was in hospital there wounded, was regarded as quite a hero. It is now in the trophy room of the War Department, Washington, with this record attached : — " Captured by Sergeant Stephen Rought, Company A, 141st Reg't., Pa. Vols., May 6th, 1864. Battles of the Wilderness,' Va."
 
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I have a tremdous amout of information about the 141st PVI. You can email me at [email protected] and you can certainly view my websites.
Lafybooks.com
141PVI.us
SilasGoreCamp.org

We, our reenacting group, are planning on recreating the 13th flag capturing scenario at the Battle of the Wilderness this coming May. Please contact me.
Kurt
 
I have a tremdous amout of information about the 141st PVI. You can email me at [email protected] and you can certainly view my websites.
Lafybooks.com
141PVI.us
SilasGoreCamp.org

We, our reenacting group, are planning on recreating the 13th flag capturing scenario at the Battle of the Wilderness this coming May. Please contact me.
Kurt

****************************************************************************************

Report of Lieut. Col. Casper W. Tyler, One
hundred and forty-first Pennsylvania Infantry.

HDQRS. 141ST REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 27, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with circular from headquarters Second Brigade,
Third Division, Second Corps, dated August, 1864, requiring a report
of operations during the campaign of this command, I have the honor to
make the following:

This command left camp near Brandy Station, Va., under command of
Lieut. Col. G. H. Watkins, on the morning of May 4, 1864,
being at this time in the First Brigade, Third Division, Second Army
Corps. It marched rapidly to the Rapidan, crossing at Germanna Ford
about 6 a. m. Continued the march, and at 3 p. m. camped upon the old
Chancellorsville battle-ground. Remained here until the morning of the
5th, resuming the march at 4.30 a. m. marched to a place called Todd's
Tavern, where we halted. Remained here some hours, when we moved
toward the Gordonsville and Fredericksburg
plank road. Arriving near the Gordonsville road we moved by the left
flank into the woods, engaging the enemy. We drove the enemy about
one-half mile, w hen darkness put an end to the engagement. During the
night the line was reformed, the Twentieth Indiana on our right, and the
Eight-sixth New York on our left.

At daylight on the morning of the 6th we received orders to advance and
keep intact our connection with the right. We moved rapidly forward,
soon engaging the enemy. We drove him before us, carrying two lines
of rifle-pits. The One hundred and forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers,
in carrying the second line of pits, captured the colors of the Thirteenth
North California Volunteers,
together with almost the entire regiment.
The prisoners were sent to the rear under guard taken from the Fortieth
New York, that regiment being in our rear as support. We received due
credit oft he capture of the colors, but not for the prisoners. At this
juncture of affairs our ammunition gave out, and our men were much
exhausted. During the entire morning's operations there had been neither
a general nor staff officer along this portion of the line. It seemed to
have been left without a commander, and each regiment acted
independently of the others. Soon the regiment on our right, the
Twentieth Indiana, moved to the right and rear. Obediently tot he only
orders we had received during the day we followed, moved to the plank
road, and, being supplied with ammunition, moved up the plank road,
formed line on the right of the road, and engaged the enemy, Gen.
Webb's brigade being on the right. The enemy being in overwhelming
numbers soon drove us from the field. We then fell back behind some
breast-works thrown up intersecting the plank road. Here our regiment
reformed, the Twentieth Indiana still on our right. By this time the
whole line, both right and left, had fallen back, and taken possession of
the rifle-pits. Soon the enemy moved upon the works, which he
succeeded in carrying on our left. The line gradually gave way, and
when all upon our left had vacated the works, the One hundred and
forty-first went also. Tallying behind the second line of works, we soon
returned to the front line, the enemy having failed to hold it. During the
remainder of the first epoch nothing of importance occurred in this
command. The One hundred and forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers
took into the fight 16 commissioned officers and 278 enlisted men. Lost
during the first epoch 6 enlisted men killed, 2 commissioned officers
and 70 enlisted men wounded, and 4 men missing.

May 9, 10 and 11. The operations of these days consisted chiefly in
marching and countermarching with the brigade, with some unimportant
skirmishing. The night of the 11th moved to Laurel Hill, at the foot of
which the brigade was formed in two lines, the One hundred and
forty-first in the second line, with orders to move upon the enemy's
works. Soon after starting the lines became mingled together; regimental
organizations more or less broken up, the whole moving forward,
surprising and capturing the enemy's works, taking a large number of
prisoners. The One hundred and forty-first remained in the captured
works during the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th. One the
evening of the 17th the enemy advanced a skirmish line close to our
works, which was easily repulsed, the One hundred and forty-first
taking 3 prisoners, which were sent to division headquarters under
guard. On the morning of the 18th changed position in the line of
works, moving to the
left. Remained here until early on the morning of the 19th, when the
line was abandoned, the One hundred and forty-first moving with the
brigade and going into camp. Toward night of the 19th formed line of
battle near army headquarters, the Fortieth New York on our right;
advanced across the Fredericksburg and Richmond pike, through woods
and across an open field, relieving the First Maine Heavy Artillery
Regt. Threw up temporary breast-works and remained behind them
until morning, when we advanced, connecting with the Fortieth New
York on our right. After the line had advanced about three-quarters of
a mile, halted, remained about two hours, and then returned to camp.
The skirmish line, composed in part of a detail from the One hundred
and forty-first, succeeded in capturing some 500 of the enemy who had
straggled from their command. This concludes the operations of this
regiment during the second epoch. The duty imposed upon the regiment
was extremely severe and almost constant. Many of us passed four and
five successive days and nights without and hours' refreshing sleep or
rest. Most of the time we were exposed to the enemy's fire, and no day
passed without casualties occurring. The conduct of both officers and
men during this trying period was more than simply duty; it was
heroism. I regret that I am unable to particularize our movements with
more accuracy during these terrible days. But I only have such facts to
give as memory has presented, little imagining at the time that I should
ever be called upon to chronicle our operations. During the second
epoch the One hundred and forty-first lost no action 3 enlisted men
killed, 2 officers and 34 enlisted men wounded, and 8 men missing. The
missing men of this epoch were either killed, wounded, or taken
prisoners, or captured on the morning of the 12th of may, doubtless
having ventured too far within the enemy's lines.

May 21, marched all day, having broken camp late in the evening of the
20th, campaign at night some 2 miles from Milford Station.

May 22, moved out of camp and commenced building breast-works,
when Lieut.-Col. Watkins was ordered to make a reconnaissance
with his regiment toward Hanover Junction, which was successfully and
satisfactorily accomplished, the regiment returning to the brigade at dark
without loss.

May 23, marched early to near the North Anna River. The One hundred
and forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers was one of three regiments
ordered to take a redoubt held by the enemy on the north bank of the
river. Formed line under a severe fire, both from artillery and infantry,
and advanced across an open, level field. The First U. S. Sharpshooters
deployed upon our right, the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers
obliqued to the left behind a small hill, under cover of which they
advanced. The One hundred and forty-first advanced double-quick
across this open field, and took shelter behind the bank of a small creek
running through about the center of the lot. About 20 roads ahead the
conformation of the ground offered ample protection. To reach this
natural cover we had to run the gauntlet of the enemy's sharpshooters
and artillery in the redoubt and rifle-pits, extending both right and left
of it. The regiment, hesitating only a second, at the command "Forward!"
rushed across the field, connecting on the right with the First
U. S. Sharpshooters and on the left with the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania
Volunteers. The impossibility of so small a force taking the redoubt was
evident. We were ordered to hold this position. Toward night, other
dispositions having been made, the line was ordered forward. Moving
forward, line deployed, the colors of the One hundred and forty-first
Regt. were the first planted upon the redoubt. We took 2 prisoners,
who were sent to the rear under guard. After holding in part the redoubt
and placing sharpshooters to cover the bridge, we moved to the left and
built breast-works.

May 24, 25, and 26 were unimportant days. During the time we crossed
the North Anna, built two or three lines of works, marched and
counter-marched several times, shelled lively, and on the night of the
26th recrossed and bivouacked upon the north bank of the North Anna
River, about 1 mile from the railroad bridge. During this epoch the loss
of the One hundred and forty-first Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers
was 2 enlisted men killed, 2 wounded, and 2 missing. During the fourth
epoch the One hundred and forty-first Regt. was commanded by
Col. H. J. Madill, he having joined the regiment on the morning of
the 30th. The regiment was frequently under fire, though at no time
engaged with the enemy, except in some unimportant skirmishes. Our
loss was 1 enlisted man killed, 4 wounded, and 1 missing.*

I have the honor to remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. TYLER,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.

Capt. MARBLE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Second Brigade.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 476-67 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 36. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 67.]

**************************************************************************************
Personnel from the 13th NC Infantry
who were taken as POW's 5 /5/ 64 Wilderness, VA


1 M J Aldrid Rockingham County NC Priv 12/03/63
2 William Brown Rockingham County NC Priv 12/16/63
3 John Y Crouch Iredell County NC Priv 03/07/64
4 John B Haddock Caswell County NC Priv 04/10/64
5 Basely Harralson Caswell County NC Priv 04/10/64
6 Daniel C Holt Alamance County NC Priv 03/06/64
7 John M Martin Rockingham County NC Priv 22 08/05/61
8 William Wood Caswell County NC Priv 11/25/63
 
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Congratulations !!! I believe I've shown you this before. My 2nd great-grandfather was in company I of the 13th NC.
I've posted a photo of a 13th NC Flag. Wonder if this was the flag that was captured ?

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/blu...st-tennessee-roots-civil-war-ancestors.87912/

Here's the hero you'll portray from the series
- North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster

Grief G. Mason

Residence Davie County NC; a 21 year-old Tobacconist.

Enlisted on 4/26/1861 at Davie County, NC as a Private.

On 4/26/1861 he mustered into "F" Co. NC 13th Infantry
He was Killed on 5/5/1864 at Wilderness, VA
(Was carrying Regimental Colors)

Promotions:
* Corpl 6/1/1861
.................................................................................................
east tennessee,
it is a great honor to be talking to you. the flag you posted is the one that was surrendered at Appomattox the one captured is a 2nd national design and can be seen at the museum in raliegh nc they have both flags there on display. if i may, my unit and i would love for you to join us on the battlefield in may at the reenactment we would love to meet you and have you share some of your knowledge with us.
 
I have a tremdous amout of information about the 141st PVI. You can email me at [email protected] and you can certainly view my websites.
Lafybooks.com
141PVI.us
SilasGoreCamp.org

We, our reenacting group, are planning on recreating the 13th flag capturing scenario at the Battle of the Wilderness this coming May. Please contact me.
Kurt
so this is the famous kurt that my major has been emailing pleasure to meet you on the website and i will send you a email shortly.
 
east tennessee,
it is a great honor to be talking to you. the flag you posted is the one that was surrendered at Appomattox the one captured is a 2nd national design and can be seen at the museum in raliegh nc they have both flags there on display. if i may, my unit and i would love for you to join us on the battlefield in may at the reenactment we would love to meet you and have you share some of your knowledge with us.

Thanks for your kind words ! I appreciate you and your unit and what you do ! God Bless !!!
 
Can anyone help me with accounts of the 141st Penn. Inf. at 1st and 2nd Deep Bottom. These occurred July 27-29, 1864 and Aug. 14-20, 1864

Bryce

HDQRS. 141ST REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
September 28, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with circular from brigade headquarters dated
September --, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report:
On the 26th, July, A. D. 1864, I was second in command, Col. H.
J. Madill being then in command of the regiment. We broke camp about
1 p. m. and marched rapidly to the James River, crossing about daylight
on the morning of the 27th; massed with the brigade in rear of some
woods in two lines, the One hundred and forty-first being on the right
of the second line. Col. Madill was ordered, soon after halting, to
take this regiment on picket some 1,000 yards to the right of the woods,
to a house and out-buildings. Arriving at the house, the enemy were
seen advancing a skirmish line, supported by a line of battle, some
1,200 yards away. I was ordered to deploy a portion of the regiment and
advance skirmishers toward the enemy. I directed four companies to be
deployed and advanced them about 100 yards into an intervening
corn-field, where we began to exchange shots with the enemy.
Brig.-Gen. De Trobriand being apprised of the enemy's advance,
directed us to maintain our position. I posted several men as
sharpshooters in some of the out-buildings to watch and annoy the
enemy should he attempt an advance through the corn-field, behind
which he was now posted. As soon as the firing commenced on our
left, the enemy moved in that direction by the flank, exchanging shots
with us as he took his departure. We remained here until about 2 p. m.,
when we were ordered to rejoin the brigade. We then moved about one
mile toward the left, where we remained during the night as a support
to the picket-line. About noon of the next day (July 28) Col. Madill
was ordered to the command of the Second Brigade, and the One hundred
and forty-first Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers transferred, by order
of Brig.-Gen. Mott, commanding Third Division, Second Army
Corps. After joining the Second Brigade nothing worthy of mention
occurred. With the brigade recrossed the James River after dark of the
same day, and arrived near Petersburg at daylight on the morning of the
29th of July, A. D. 1864, where the brigade was massed. Remained
here during the day, and after dark relieved a portion of the Eighteenth
Corps in the first line of works. Remained in these works during the
30th, and after dark returned to camp formerly occupied by the Second
Brigade, in the rear of the Deserted House.

I would respectfully submit the above report of the operations of the
One hundred and forty-first Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers, during
five days ending July 30, A. D. 1864.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. TYLER,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. 141st Regt. Pennsylvania Vols.

Capt. J. B. TEN EYCK,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 2d Army Corps.


Source: Official Records
CHAP. LII.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 408-80
[Series I. Vol. 40. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 80.]

***********************************************************************************


Reports of Lieut. Col. Casper W. Tyler, One
hundred and forty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August
15-16 and October 1-5 and 27.

HDQRS. 141ST REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 24, 1864.

In compliance with circular from headquarters Second Brigade, Third
Division, Second Corps, dated August -, A. D. 1864, I have the honor
to make the following report:

My command broke camp about 11 a. m. on Monday, August 15, A.
D. 1864, and moved with the brigade some three miles to a road leading
to the Charles City and Richmond road, where, by command of Col.
Craig, commanding brigade, I formed my battalion into close column
by division upon First Division, right in front, in rear of the right wing
of the line of battle, and in echelon to the Ninety-third Regiment
Pennsylvania [New York?] Volunteers. Moved in rear of the center of
the line. I maintained this relative position until I received orders to
prolong the line of battle, connecting with the Eighty-fourth Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers on my left. After deploying and moving my
command into line, I advanced, supporting the skirmish line, until the
line reached what I was informed to be the Charles City and Richmond
road. Here my command rested, the right overlapping the Richmond and
Charles City road. After remaining here some two hours, I received
orders to withdraw the skirmish line, the One hundred and forty-first
Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers supporting. After allowing the
brigade about half an hour precedence, I withdrew
the First U. S. Sharpshooters from the skirmish line and with them and
the One hundred and forty-first Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers
rejoined the brigade. During the day I had but one man wounded,
though most of the time exposed to a brisk skirmish fire. There were no
other movements worthy of mention during the day.

Early on the morning of the 16th my regiment was in line, the
Eighty-fourth Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers on my right, with the
One hundred and fifth Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers on my left.
My orders were simply to keep intact my connection on the left. This
position I maintained during the advance upon the enemy's works. The
enemy's works being carried I moved by the left flank, following the
One hundred and fifth Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers, crossing and
forming line at right angles and within the enemy's works, going into
position on the left by file into line, the One hundred and fifth
Pennsylvania Volunteers still upon my left. My command was here
confronted by a thicket, through which we advanced, emerging into an
open field. The line, being somewhat broken in consequence of the
difficulty in getting through the woods, here rallied and moved across
the open field in magnificent style, although subjected to severe
musketry fire both from the woods in front and from the woods upon
the right flank, into a deep ravine densely wooded. The left bank of this
ravine in front of the right of my regiment was so steep and thickly
overgrown with bushes as to be almost impassable, while to preserve a
line was impossible. I moved up the ravine in obedience to directions
from Col. Craig to urge forward the right. I found the Eighty-fourth
and Ninety-third Regiments rapidly falling back, the enemy pressing
them both from the front and flank. To advance farther on the right or
even to have maintained the position occupied at this time I considered
impracticable, if not impossible. I hastened to communicate with
Col. Craig and learned that he had been mortally wounded and
carried from the field. In the meantime the One hundred and fifth and
One hundred and forty-first Regiments had advanced into an open field
beyond the ravine, driving a large number of prisoners into the lines,
where they were taken and sent to the rear under guard. The number of
prisoners thus taken, I have no doubt, would number between 80 and
100. In this open field the enemy's fire was very severe and seemed to
come from almost every direction. The two regiments on my right had
already been forced back and were rapidly recrossing the line of
rifle-pits in which supporting lines had already formed or were forming.
There being but two small regiments across the ravine the contest could
have the but one result had it been longer continued. I immediately
withdrew my regiment and the One hundred and fifth. The works being
full I moved into a ravine some four or six rods in their rear and
awaited orders. I reported in person to Gen. Birney and by his order
took up a position on a little road running parallel with the line of
rifle-pits and a little in their rear, which position I held with the One
hundred and fifth and One hundred and forty-first Regiments until
relieved, when I joined the brigade. There were no other movements of
importance during the day. During the action of to-day my command
lost 1 commissioned officer missing, 7 enlisted men wounded, and 6
missing, making in all 14. Those reported missing are, without doubt,
either killed or wounded and prisoners.

Of the conduct of my officers and men during the two days' operations
I can only speak in terms of praise. When every one does well it would
almost seem unjust to particularize. However, I must
acknowledge the services rendered by Capt.'s Atkinson and Peck and
Adjutant Brainard. By their example and presence they assisted me
materially in performing the various duties allotted me.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. TYLER,
Lieut. Col., Cmdg. 141st Regt. Pennsylvania Vols.
 
Can anyone help me with accounts of the 141st Penn. Inf. at 1st and 2nd Deep Bottom. These occurred July 27-29, 1864 and Aug. 14-20, 1864

Bryce
In my 3x great grandfather's(Pvt. Joel L. Molyneux, 141st PVR company K) diary, he has a few diary entries from that battle. I will have to get back with those specific entries, but I do recall one memorable entry about the body of General John R. Chambliss (CSA) being carried across union lines(right by Grandpa Joel), buried, then reclaimed by confederates under a truce flag. This information is used as a source on General Chambliss' wikipedia page.
 
My g-g grandfather John Guerrant and his brother Hugh were there that morning, serving in Company K. Hugh was wounded. It was a very difficult morning for the 13th.

Following up on your post, I'd be interested in recommendations for the best book describing this part of the battle. I've seen Gordon Rhea's book.
 
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