History of the 103d Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 1861-1865; By Luther S. Dickey

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1910. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... portion of them did. There is abundant evidence to substantiate this paragraph from Gen. Wessells' report: The 85th (Penna.) and 96th (New York) having fallen back, were again formed on the left of the road in rear of the camp in the fallen timber and delivered their fire with great effect, but being again flanked and overwhelmed, were compelled again to retire. The right wing of the 101st (Penna.). after retiring deployed to the left, and passing the left wing, opened its fire, and for some time maintained its position, but at length was compelled to fall back. (O. R. Ser. I, Vol. XI, part I, p. 927). It is not the purpose of this article to give a detailed account of the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines. However, to fully answer the aspersions cast upon Casey's division it will be necessary to call attention to the conduct of the troops comprising the other divisions participating in the battle. It should be remembered that in the commanding general's dispatch censuring Casey's division, unstinted praise was given to all the other troops engaged in the battle. With but very few exceptions, the newspaper accounts sent from the Army of the Potomac, while exaggerating all the camp gossip detrimental to Casey's troops, were silent as to any questionable conduct of the troops belonging to the other divisions. This is practically true of most of the histories and sketches written of the battle. The excerpts from the official reports and documents submitted here are not garbled and cover all the essential features of the battle. The writer does not intend to reflect upon the conduct of the troops of other divisions engaged in the battle; the official reports can te!! the story: j From report of Gen. McClellan: On the 28th Gen. Keyes was ordered to advance Casey'...