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| Active Service Report of Co. D. 2nd USSS-1862 http://www.berdansharpshooters.com/usssbb/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=498 |
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| Author: | Bill Skillman [ Mon Jan 26, 2026 12:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Active Service Report of Co. D. 2nd USSS-1862 |
Fellow Sharpshooters Last Fall my wife and I took a "Color Tour Cruise", visiting the coastal towns of Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Our first port of call was the community of Rockland, Maine. The minute me feet touched shore my "Sharpshooter Senses" started tingling. When I returned home I discovered fourteen volunteers from Rockland served with Company D, 2nd USSS; including James Mero Matthews, whose journals have been reprinted by the Richardson's Round Table (2000). James Duarte, a fellow USSS reenactor/researcher had sent me the complete files of Co. D. years ago, but after my visit to Rockland, I had a new incentive to delve into them. The following is a hand written account of the service of Company D from 1861 to 1862; by Rockland native son, Captain Jacob McClure. The Maine Sharpshooters This fine company has been much reduced in numbers by long continuous service. Captain McClure, the gallant commander, was promoted Sept. was not mustered in his commission and still retains command of the Company. The following Report is furnished by Captain McClure. Active service report of Co. D. 2nd USSS Since we left Camp of Instruction at Washington DC March 19, 1862. Left Camp of Instruction March 19, 1862 for Camp Williams near Alexandra Va. 16 miles from former camp. Arrive there March 2 and join brigade of General Auger in King Div. Left Camp Williams April 5 ‘62 arrived at Bristow Sta evening of April 6 where we camped until April 15, on which day we march toward Falmouth Va. via Warrenton Junc, arriving at later place same night. Left the morning of April 17 for Falmouth Va, marching a distance of 30 miles within 15 hours and with little opposition from rebel cavalry and infantry, we entered Falmouth Va. After entering the town the enemy had fired the bridges connecting with Fredericksburg. Our company was detailed to extinguish the flames within range of the rebels SS on the opposite side of the river. We soon dispersed them by a few well directed shots and partially save the bridge. We encamped at Falmouth until May 25,‘62 at which time we left there, camping for the night about 8 miles south of Fredericksburg Va., near Fairview Countermarching on the morning of 29 May we started to the relief of General Banks in the Valley. We arrived at Catlett Sta. May 31, 162. There took cars for Front Royal Va. via Manassas. Junc, when near White Plains Va. about 3 o’clock morning the train in our rear, by some mismanagement, came into collision with ours, nearly demolishing several cars killing one man and wounding 22 others, some severely (all of our company). We left the scene of our disaster evening of June 1 ‘62, arriving at Rectortown, remaining there in the cars until evening of June 2. We went back by rail to Haymarket Va. near Thoroughfare Gap, there we remained in camp until June 6, at which time when we left for Warrenton Va. arriving there same night. Remaining there until June 8, from there we march to Elk Run Va., where we arrived eve of June 8. We remained there until June 13 when we left for Falmouth, arriving there June 15. There we remained in camp until August 5 ‘62. This day we left on a reconnaissance proceeding some 30 miles into the enemys country south of Fredericksburg. We returned August 8 having accomplished our object destroying an important bridge on the Bowling (Green) next portion of the account is covered by the next page) (next page) …. of forging, horses and mules and cattle. We left Falmouth August 10 arriving at Culpepper Va., eve of August 11, making a distance of 46 miles in about 31 hours. Remained in Culpepper in camp until August 16, then marched toward the Rapidan River then encamped near Cedar Mountain until August 19. A retreat was then ordered and we marched to the Rappahannock River at Rappahannock Sta., arriving there morning of the 20th. Our regt acted as rear guard and had hardly crossed the river when the rebel cavalry made their appearance. We’d lost but one man up to this time (Private AW Hutchins) who was unwell and was overtaken by the advanced guard of the rebels. He was afterwards exchange but died at the Fort Delaware. The enemy made several desperate attempts to cross here we were in line of battle and under a terrific fire of shell in canister for three days, with occasional firing during the night. While during the time we were here, we made detailed as a company, and commanded by Lieutenant McClure, to go to the river and ascertain where the enemy were crossing to our side. While performing this important duty, and just as we discovered them, a company of 60 strong of rebel Calvary charged on us. Our little company of 28 men (deployed as skirmishers) repulsed scattering them in every direction; killing 2, wounding several, and taking their captain and 2 privates prisoners, none of our men were injured. While here, we were supporting batteries at times and in this line of duty, our regiment lost about 6 killed several wounded. On the 23rd of Aug, our regiment was on picket and under a severe artillery fire, which lasted about 2 hours. Several in the Regt were wounded and one man in our Co (Private Washington Tucker) received a wound here which resulted in his death shortly afterwards. About noon of the 23rd, we started for Warrenton, arriving there on 24 August, where we went into camp, where we stayed until Aug 26, when the Regt was detached to General Patrick’s brigade and march to Sulphur Springs, where we were deployed as skirmishers, in ordered to drive the enemy skirmishers to the other side of the river, brisk skirmishing ensued which lasted some six hours and resulted in our driving the enemy to the other side of the river. This was the fairest test we have ever had between rebel sharp shooters, and ours. The loss of our regiment was three. We fell back then moved to Fairfax and encamped for the night and on September 2, ‘62, we fell back to Falls Church, where we encamped until Sep 7; when we marched into Maryland and encamped. Sep 9th, eight miles from Washington DC, on the Harpers Ferry Road, from there we marched by the way of Brookville and Lisbon to Frederick MD, where we arrived Sep. 12. Sep 14 we marched to South Mountain where we and came upon the enemy in force. We engaged them about 3 PM; our Regt, being deployed as skirmishers and leading the attack. Night found the enemy completely routed after a brisk fight. On the morning of the 15th, we pursued them, encamping about 2 miles from Keedysville and the enemy lines. September 16, our regiment was deployed and forwarded to feel the enemies line, slight skirmishing ensued in which one man of our company (Private Wellington Tucker) was wounded and died the same night. After our object was accomplished we fell back a short distance and lay our arms all night. On the morning of the 17th we advanced in close column line of battle, the regiment forming the extreme right of Doubleday’s Div. We fought continually for four hours, during which our regiment lost 75 killed. In our company; Corporal SW Scofield was wounded in both legs, Private William E Conant wounded (since died) Private James Matthews, wounded. Private Samuel, Clark, George Roberts and Hilliard F Coffin, killed. September 19, we went into camp near Sharpsburg MD where we remained until October 20 ‘62, at which time we marched to Bakersville where we remained until October 20 ‘62, when we marched to Berlin where we arrived October 28 ‘62. On the 30th we crossed the Potomac and encamped near Lovettsvill Va., we remain there until November 1, 62 when we marched to Purcelsville Va., remaining there until November 3 when continuing the march we arrived at Warrenton November 6’ 62 where we remained until November 11, ‘62, at which time we left, arriving at marching for Brooks Station between Falmouth Va. and Aquia Creek. Nov 19,’62 where we remained in camp until Dec 10, ‘62, at which time we marched towards Fredericksburg, crossing the river 3 miles below. On the morning of December 12. The night of the 12th camped right under the enemies guns, and on the morning of the 13th we were ordered for deploy as skirmishers on the extreme left of Franklin‘s Corps, our left resting on the riverbank. During the day we advanced 1 and 1/2 miles driving in the enemy from the fortifications, capturing several men, one com(missione)d officer. Stood picket through the night of 13th. 14th we laid in line of battle all day. At night on Picket. 15th on picket all day, skirmishing quite lively. Recrossed the river night of December 15th. Our Loss in battle was nothing one man, a straggler, (private Edwin Thompson of our Co) was left behind and captured by the enemy. We have been in camp at three different places within 6 miles of Falmouth and are now March 20 ‘63 and camp near Stoneman Station Va. about 2 miles from Falmouth Va. From this date until April 28, 1863, we were in winter quarters doing the usual camp duties Jacob McClure Capt. Co. D. 2nd USSS Bill Skillman Berdan Sharpshooters Survivors Association |
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