First Union Regiment to Research

[Stoney Dee]

Having started my ancestor research into Union Regiments (this particular regiment being the 19th Maine Infantry) I am coming across some "Battle names" that I'm not familiar with, hopefully I can find more details from the web. Most of the others are the well-known battles that I know have been well documented. Perhaps others here will know if the following were "major battles", small skirmishes, or perhaps not engagements at all.
1863
January 20-24 "Mud March"
May 4 Salem Heights, (Banks Ford), VA
June 25 Haymarket, VA
October 14 Bristoe Station, VA
November 26 Mine Run, VA
1864
February 6 Demonstration on the Rapidan, VA
February 6 Morton's Ford
May 8 Laurel Hill
May 9 Po River, VA
May 12 "Bloody Angle," Assault on the Salient
May 23 North Anna, VA
May 26 Line of the Pamunkey
May 26 Totopotomy, VA
June 12 Cold Harbor, VA
June 22 Jerusalem Plank Road
July 27 Deep Bottom, north of the James
July 30 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, VA (Reserve)
August 14 Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom
August 20 Demonstration north of the James
August 25 Ream's Station, VA
October 23 Boydton Road, VA
December 8 Hatchers Run, VA
1865
February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run
March 30 Boydton Road
April 6 Battle of Sailor's Creek
April 6 High Bridge
April 7 Farmville, VA

 

[Jamieva]

Best thing I can tell you is to google them, some of them are parts of big battles such as laurel hill and po river are part of spotsylvania. Here's about the hay market one from June 1863

Haymarket During the War Historical Marker

On June 25, 1863, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart and about 5,000 of his cavalrymen approached Haymarket. (A historical marker located in Haymarket in Prince William County, Virginia.)

www.hmdb.org

 

[eBrowne]

I had never heard of "Strawberry Plains" so I just Googled it. All of your "battles" are easily searchable.

 

[Jamieva]

Having started my ancestor research into Union Regiments (this particular regiment being the 19th Maine Infantry) I am coming across some "Battle names" that I'm not familiar with, hopefully I can find more details from the web. Most of the others are the well-known battles that I know have been well documented. Perhaps others here will know if the following were "major battles", small skirmishes, or perhaps not engagements at all.
1863
January 20-24 "Mud March"
May 4 Salem Heights, (Banks Ford), VA
June 25 Haymarket, VA
October 14 Bristoe Station, VA
November 26 Mine Run, VA
1864
February 6 Demonstration on the Rapidan, VA
February 6 Morton's Ford
May 8 Laurel Hill
May 9 Po River, VA
May 12 "Bloody Angle," Assault on the Salient
May 23 North Anna, VA
May 26 Line of the Pamunkey
May 26 Totopotomy, VA
June 12 Cold Harbor, VA
June 22 Jerusalem Plank Road
July 27 Deep Bottom, north of the James
July 30 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, VA (Reserve)
August 14 Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom
August 20 Demonstration north of the James
August 25 Ream's Station, VA
October 23 Boydton Road, VA
December 8 Hatchers Run, VA
1865
February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run
March 30 Boydton Road
April 6 Battle of Sailor's Creek
April 6 High Bridge
April 7 Farmville, VA

Since the unit you are taking about is in the second corps, you may consider finding a book that covers the history of the corps it may cover a lot of these actions too.

 

[bschulte]

Having started my ancestor research into Union Regiments (this particular regiment being the 19th Maine Infantry) I am coming across some "Battle names" that I'm not familiar with, hopefully I can find more details from the web. Most of the others are the well-known battles that I know have been well documented. Perhaps others here will know if the following were "major battles", small skirmishes, or perhaps not engagements at all.

1864
June 22 Jerusalem Plank Road
July 27 [First] Deep Bottom, north of the James
July 30 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, VA (Reserve) [aka The Crater]
August 14 Strawberry Plains, [Second] Deep Bottom
August 20 Demonstration north of the James [still part of Second Deep Bottom linked above]
August 25 [Second] Ream's Station, VA
October 23 [27] Boydton [Plank] Road, VA
December 8 Hatchers Run, VA [skirmish]
1865
February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run
March 30 Boydton Road [skirmish]

Oh man, you're asking about my wheel house here! I've bolded the actions which occurred during the lengthy Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (aka The Siege of Petersburg) in 1864-65. I've added links to these below where I have pages dedicated to the bolded battles on my Siege of Petersburg site. I also have a page on the 19th Maine at Petersburg and If you scroll down to the bottom of each page, you'll see everything I've posted about each battle across my entire site with links. There are hundreds of reports of these battles in the Official Records, which I've posted on my site as well. If you have any more specific questions about any of these feel free to post them here and I'll do my best to help. All of the bolded were considered major battles except the two I marked as skirmishes. Lastly, check out this FREE version of the regimental history of the 19th Maine first published in 1909.

1864
June 22 Jerusalem Plank Road
July 27 [First] Deep Bottom, north of the James
July 30 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, VA (Reserve) [aka The Crater]
August 14 Strawberry Plains, [Second] Deep Bottom
August 20 Demonstration north of the James [still part of Second Deep Bottom linked above]
August 25 [Second] Ream's Station, VA
October 23 [27] Boydton [Plank] Road, VA
December 8 Hatchers Run, VA [skirmish]
1865
February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run
March 30 Boydton Road [skirmish]

 

[bschulte]

I had never heard of "Strawberry Plains" so I just Googled it. All of your "battles" are easily searchable.

Strawberry Plains is another name for the Second Battle of Deep Bottom.

 

[Gary Morgan]

The Mud March came up a while back on the CivilWarTalk Radio podcast (no relation to this website) when they were interviewing two guys who'd studied the effect of weather and geology in the war. The Mud March was when there was a combination of rain and soil composition that created that memorable, boot sucking kind of mud that the Union then attempted to march their men through.

 

[EHParks]

Having started my ancestor research into Union Regiments (this particular regiment being the 19th Maine Infantry) I am coming across some "Battle names" that I'm not familiar with, hopefully I can find more details from the web. Most of the others are the well-known battles that I know have been well documented. Perhaps others here will know if the following were "major battles", small skirmishes, or perhaps not engagements at all.
1863
January 20-24 "Mud March"
May 4 Salem Heights, (Banks Ford), VA
June 25 Haymarket, VA
October 14 Bristoe Station, VA
November 26 Mine Run, VA
1864
February 6 Demonstration on the Rapidan, VA
February 6 Morton's Ford
May 8 Laurel Hill
May 9 Po River, VA
May 12 "Bloody Angle," Assault on the Salient
May 23 North Anna, VA
May 26 Line of the Pamunkey
May 26 Totopotomy, VA
June 12 Cold Harbor, VA
June 22 Jerusalem Plank Road
July 27 Deep Bottom, north of the James
July 30 Mine Explosion, Petersburg, VA (Reserve)
August 14 Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom
August 20 Demonstration north of the James
August 25 Ream's Station, VA
October 23 Boydton Road, VA
December 8 Hatchers Run, VA
1865
February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run
March 30 Boydton Road
April 6 Battle of Sailor's Creek
April 6 High Bridge
April 7 Farmville, VA

The Battle of Bristoe Station was fought near where I used to live as a kid. A.P. Hill was caught out of position and took a beating that made a terse post Gettysburg Lee even terser.

ABT: Bristoe Station

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

October 14 Bristoe Station, VA

Report of Lieut. Col. Henry W. Cunningham, Nineteenth Maine Infantry.

NEAR BULL RUN, VA.,
October 16, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the
operations of this regiment in the action near Bristoe Station, Va.,
on the 14th instant:

My command was placed in position by order of Colonel Heath,
commanding brigade, about 2 p. m., on the left of the Fifteenth
Massachusetts Volunteers, and on the eastern side of the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad. When the attack was made by the enemy
in our immediate front, it was most gallantly met and repulsed by
this regiment. After a severe action of nearly one hour the enemy
had fallen back in disorder, leaving large numbers of his killed and
wounded in our front.

A large number of prisoners were taken by this regiment and the
regimental flag of the Twenty-second North Carolina Infantry
(Confederate) was captured in front of our line by Private Moses C.
Hanscom,* of Company F, of this regiment. While the loss of the enemy
was heavy, that sustained by my regiment was comparatively slight,
owing to our splendid position, and the protection of the railroad
bank where we were. The whole loss of the regiment was 1 killed
and 12 wounded.

The conduct of the officers and men of the entire regiment during
this action was most excellent. I cannot specify any without injustice
to the rest. I would also report that the conscripts of my regiment
(about 250 in number), assigned to me within the past month,
and who had never been in action before, behaved with great steadiness
and gallantry, justly winning from all who observed them
equal praise with our volunteers.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. CUNNINGHAM,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Nineteenth Maine Volunteers.

Capt. W. B. C. DURYEE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 279-48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLI.
[Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 48.]

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

February 6 Demonstration on the Rapidan, VA
February 6 Morton's Ford

Report of Capt. William H. Fogler, Nineteenth Maine Infantry.

HDQRS. NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS,
Near Stevensburg, Va., February 8, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to make the following report of the
operations of this regiment during the 6th of 7th instant:

We left our present camp at 7 a. m. February 6, 1864, the third
regiment of the brigade in the line of march. Were moved to a point
near Morton's Ford, on the north bank of the Rapidan; arrived there
about 11 a. m. Remained in line with the rest of the brigade during the
passage of the Third Division across the river, and until dark, when we
received orders to cross the river at the bridge, which was
accomplished. We were placed in position on the left of the Fifteenth
Massachusetts Regt., about half a mile from the river, and some 10
rods to the right of the road, which runs perpendicularly to the river
from the bridge. At once received
orders to place skirmishers 100 yards in our front, which was done,
Companies D, Lieut. Pierce, and F, Capt. Starbird, commanding,
being selected for that duty. About 9 a. m. received orders to detail
two companies for same duty, who were to be deployed on the right of
the Eighty-second New York's detail of skirmishers, and to extend from
their line to the river at a point about 80 rods above the bridge.
Companies B, Capt. Parsons, and G, Capt. Whitehouse, were
detailed for this purpose, and reported to a staff officer of brigade, who
conducted them to their position.

About 10.30 p. m. I received orders from Col. Baxter,
commanding brigade, to deploy the remaining six companies as
skirmishers on the left of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, which
had previously been deployed. Our line was to extend from the large
house just in front of the left of the line of the Fifteenth Massachusetts
to the house on the hill, to the left of the main road before mentioned,
our line running across the open field. This order was executed as soon
as practicable.

At 1 a. m. of the 7th instant, received orders to fall back, form the
regiment, and return to the north bank of the river. I did so with four
companies, the other two having been taken by Col. Baxter for the
following duties: Company C, Capt. Nash, to remain on the original
skirmish line, with instructions to fall back if pressed hard before two
hours, and to return at any rate at the expiration of that time to the north
bank of the river and rejoin the regiment. Company A, Capt.
Spaulding, was directed to form a line near the bridge, on the left of the
road, to support the skirmishers, and to remain until the skirmish line
fell back. At 2 a. m. we were in our first position on the north bank
of the river. The companies that were left on the other side rejoined the
regiment about 3 a. m. We occupied this line until 7 p. m., when we
received orders to return to camp, where we arrived at 10 p. m.

Our whole loss was 2 men wounded; none killed or missing. Both men
wounded were hit while crossing the bridge by stray bullets.

The conduct of both officers and men of the entire regiment was
excellent throughout.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. FOGLER,
Capt., Cmdg. Nineteenth Maine Regt.

Capt. J. E. CURTISS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 123-60 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV.
[Series I. Vol. 33. Serial No. 60.]

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[East Tennessee Roots]

February 6 Dabney's Mills, or Hatcher's Run

Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph W. Spaulding,
Nineteenth Maine Infantry, of operations February 5-11.

HDQRS. NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS,
February 12, 1865.
CAPT.; I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of this regiment in the late movement:

This regiment left its camp in front of Fort Emery at 6 a.m. the 5th
instant. Marched shortly after with the division out about two miles and
a half on the Vaughan road, and filed to the right into a by-road. Before
reaching the Armstrong house, and while on the march, Gen. Smyth
ordered me to move the regiment in line of battle off to the left; this
was done, deploying two companies as skirmishers in front. When the
skirmish line reached Hatcher's Run the enemy's vedettes were posted
on the opposite bank, but immediately fell back to their skirmish line,
which lay in a rifle-pit running nearly parallel to and about ten rods
from the opposite bank. The skirmishers crossed the run and were held
under cover until the regiment crossed which could only be done by one
man crossing at a time on a fallen tree. The skirmishers then showed
themselves and engaged the enemy's skirmishers. In less than fifteen
minutes after the firing began the enemy ran from their rifle-pit, which
was immediately occupied by our skirmish line. This line, increased by
two more companies, now made connection on its right with the line on
this side of the run, and about one hour after, the skirmishers of the
Third Division advancing, made connection with our left. At 4.30 p.m.
the enemy advanced upon this line (which was immediately strengthened
by two more companies), but were checked, and in about one hour driven back.

At 12 m. the 6th instant this regiment, having been relieved by troops
from Fifth Army Corps, rejoined the brigade, and threw up
breast-works in the afternoon. Lay in this position until the evening of
the 10th instant, when the regiment was deployed and engaged until 12
at night in digging pits for the picket-line and remained as pickets until
5 p.m. of the 11th instant, when it was relieved and moved into its present camp.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SPAULDING,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.

Capt. WILL GILDER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., First Brigade.


Source: Official Records
CHAP. LVIII.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 215-95
[Series I. Vol. 46. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 95.]

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[rpkennedy]

The Battle of Bristoe Station was fought near where I used to live as a kid. A.P. Hill was caught out of position and took a beating that made a terse post Gettysburg Lee even terser.

ABT: Bristoe Station

Bristoe Station was probably A.P. Hill's worst hour of the war. Lee rightfully dressed him down for wasting the lives of his men.

Ryan