civilwar-001_001 |
Previous | 1 of 10 | Next |
|
Object Description
| Rating | |
| Title | Patrick DeLacy Memoirs. |
| Creator | DeLacy, Patrick; Conyngham, C. M.; Chamberlain, Joshua Lawrence |
| Subject | Lackawanna County (Pa.)--History; United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865; |
| Description | This memoir follows the life of Patrick DeLacy who served in the 143rd Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. |
| Date.Original | 1904-01-25 |
| Rights | Original document is in the public domain and was scanned courtesy of the Lackawanna Historical Society. |
| Publisher | University of Scranton |
| Physical Dimensions | 21.6 x 27.9 cm |
| Coverage.Temporal | 1860-1869 |
| Type | Text |
| Source | Lackawanna Historical Society |
| Transcript | I was born in Carbondale, Luzerne County, now Lackawanna County, Penn. on November 25th. 1835, second son of William and Catherine (Boyle) DeLacy, who were married in Carbondale on the first day of August, 1832. When about eight years of age my parent removed to Slocum Hollow, now Scranton, where they resided for about one year, then moved to Daleville, Covington Township, where my father purchased a farm in the Beech woods. There I grew up, working on the farm in summer and attend- ing school in winter, until I was about seventeen years of age - I then went to Dunmore and worked in the store of the late Judge Collins, until the store burned down, after which I worked for seven or eight months at loading coal in the mines as a laborer. The following May my father took me back to the farm where I remained until the spring of 1852, when I went to learn the tanner and currier trade with John Meehan. In the spring of 1853 the D.L.&.W. [Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western] Railroad was started, and the line ran close to the tannery, and the late William Dale and John Meehan started a large store, and I was employed part of my time working in the store, and part of the time superintending in the tannery, having full charge of the business in the tannery. Af- terwards I worked under instructions at the currying business for one year. Was employed as a journeyman currier in Kingston and vicinity until 1858. On Jan. 9th 1858 was married to Rebecca E. daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah A. Wonder of Wymoing, fomerly [formerly] of Reading. She was born in Lancaster Pa. on April 11th, 1840. After marriage I moved to Newark N. J. where I followed my trade for one year, when I became engaged as foreman in the tannery of A.G. Hull at Bushkill, Pike Co. Penn,; remained there for a year and a half. The war had broken out, and I started to raise a company in Pike and Monroe Counties, when an order came that they would receive no more volunteers, so I disbanded the company and removed to Trucksville, Luzerne Co. Pa., where I leased a tannery of Isaac Rice, and which I conducted for a short time, when I abandoned it and turned it over to my father-in-law, Jeremiah A. Wonder, to tan out and finish the stock and sell the same, and turn the money over to my wife, she breaking up house-keepig [housekeeping] and going to live with her parents, and I entering the army as a private in Co. A. 143rd Pa. Vols. under Apt. Chas. [Charles] M. Conyngham. Company was organized in July 1862, mustered into the United State service in August, 1862. Carried a musket for two years and three months as a private, corporal and sergeant. Promoted to Sergeant-Major in fall of 1864. In the spring of 1865 commissioned as Lieutenant. Recommended to Gen Dana by Gen Bragg ^ the Brigade Commander to be appointed Captain for meriorious [meritorious] conduct at Vaughn's Road, which he did a few months later. The order to muster out came soon after, and I never was mustered as Captain, although I performed the duty of a commissioned officer during almost the entire Wilderness Campaign, and a great deal of the time was in command of Co. A. , also assisting in the duties of Sergeant-Major, Gen J. L. Chamberlain of Main [Maine] in whose Brigate I served also recommended me to the War Department for [gap] Although seriously injured, was never absent from skirmish or battle in which the regiment was engaged, and which numbered over twenty general battles and numerous skirmishes, but was in many skirmishes in which the regiment was not actively engaged. *Also on the first day of the Battle of the Wilderness, he saved a wounded comrade from the fire that had engulfed the area over which his regiment had fought. On the 6th day of May in the Wilderness I captured a rebel battle- flag on the breast-works and led the charge that re-captured the line of works from Longstreet's corps, which they had just previously taken from Hancock's men, and for which Congress presented me with a Medal of Honor. On the 8th of May I took George W. Engle with me and we saved the colors of the 3rd Wisconsin (See Major Stine's History A. of P.) from being captured, another incident of the Battle of the Wilderness. *According to Stine's History of the Army of the Potomac, it was the flag of the 19th Indiana Regt. that was saved On the 10th of May after the charge of the regiment in the even- ing a space between the two armies, where many of the boys lay wounded, was covered with dry leaves and slashed timber, which caught fire from the firing of the enemy's artillery. As the wind was towards the Union line, the fire made rapid progress in the direction of the wounded men. The situation was alarming; I suggested to the commanding of- ficer, Col. Chas. [Charles] M. Conyngham, that we fight fire with fire, as I had seen done when a boy on the farm. It was a hazardous undertaking, because it was directly between the two armies, and in line with the fire of the enemy. The Colonel hesitated to give permission, thinking we would not live to accomplish it; he said we would never come back alive, but gave permission and told me to call for volunteers to assist me. It was just getting dark, and I moved down in front of the regiment and called for volunteers. Two responded; Roger Cox of Scranton, Pa., now an engineer on the D.L.&.W.R.R. [Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western Railroad] and John Otto of Elyria, Col., both of Co. E. We moved out under heavy fire to the tops of the slashed tim- ber [timber] to within a hundred yards of the enemy's main line. When we came up to the burning brush the enemy could not help but see us, but we kept right on scraping up the dry leaves and brush, catching up burning brands and back-firing. We succeeded in preventing the fire from extending any nearer our wounded, who were being carried back while we were fighting the fire. We all three beleived [believed] the enemy spared us, knowing we were engaged in such a humane undertaking. Both comrades are still living at the places named. On the 23rd of May I saved the colors of the 143rd Regt. at North Anna by rallying a few men around them and repulsing the charge of the enemy on the right flank. The main part of the regiment, having retired to a ridge about 400 yards back, by order of Gen. Bragg; not knowing the order of Bragg, I had rallied about forty men around the col- ors [colors] at an old fence, running at right angles with the position the regi- [regiment] had held. By rapid fire we had checked the enemy's advance on our right flank and had caused them to halt to re-form. At that moment our own ar- tillery [artillery] opened on us with grape and cannister, also the infantry back of us, we being between the two lines, the fire was terrific which we had to face to get back to our own lines. In doing so, I rushed ahead and called out to men along the line to cease firing, which they did. Darkness was coming on and it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe. When we reached the line, I had the colors and four men; our little party was joined later by Lieut. Frank H. Montauge, who stayed with us. A few minutes later the man who carried the colors was shot, and I held them for some time, when Merrit Coughlin of Co. K. stepped up to me and requested to be allowed to hold the flag, saying, "DeLacy, I want to re- deem [redeem] myself, I will hold it until I am shot to pieces." , he, having had some trouble in Co. K. previous to that time, by which he had been re- duced [reduced] to the ranks. He held them faithfully until the battle was over We remained in the line where we were until the next morning, when we moved down to the right where we found the regiment, Major C. K. Hughes in command, who was overjoyed when we presented him with the colors This was some three months before his commission as Second Lieutenant was confirmed [unclear] by then Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania which he thought lost in the battle of the previous evening. One of the days and nights I'll never forget was at the terrible charge in front of Petersburg on the 18th of June, 1864; I had command of Co. A. in the charge and when we had nearly reached the enemy's line of works, the division to our left gave way and we were compelled to fall back a short distance and lie down. I was sent back twice to report and receive orders to the Division Commander, Gen. Griffin. After re- turning [returning] to the brigade the first time, I Was again ordered to go back with additional orders from Col. Glenn of the 149th, then in command of the 143rd Regt [gap] The position of the brigade was so perilous after the charge that they could neither go forward or back, but had to lie down and try to hold the position as directed, and I had to pass from the front to the rear line on the ridge behind us, over a quarter of a mile, under a terrific fire each time, for four times until the darkness became so dense that we were unable to have the wounded moved from the field, and then the brigade was drawn back. . Col. Chamberlain, the commander of the brigade had fallen, as we supposed, mortally wounded; Grant made him Brigadier-General on the field for that charge. After this, the brigade erected Fort Hell, and fought the Welden Road fights, August 18,19,21 the Vaught Road action in November and soon after this the first Battle of Hatchers Fund [Run] was fought. At the second battle of Hatchers or Gravely Run in Feb. 1865, the regiment had a very hot fight in a dense woods; the division on our left broke and fell back, permitting the 143rd to be flanked. I had charge, as an officer, of about fifty men, and covered [unclear] the regiment, as it fell back, with my men deployed as a skirmish line. I checked and held the enemy's line of battle for several hours, or until night, when I drew my line off and went back and joined my regiment, which was in line back at the run, just about to stack arms. WhenI marched my men up in front of the colors to break ranks, the report having gone through the regiment previously, that I had been killed, Col. Dana was much excited, and walked up to me, and putting his arms around me, embraced me like a child in the presence of the regiment. He slapped me on the shoulder, saying at the same time, " My dear boy, you are entitled to two stars, they told mme [me] you were killed - shot from behind a tree."; but I answered "DeLacy never took a tree, and I do not beleive [believe] it." Capt. Gaylor, with other officers at the same time came up, and grasped my hand, and Gaylor exclaimed "Old boy, it made me feel bac when I heard you were killed", and then added "Old Gaylor go through one fight without being hit, but we fight again to-morrow, DeLacy", and a tear ran down his face. We did fight again on the next day, and Capt. Gaylor was killed; then the tears ran down my cheeks; it was my time to sorrow for my dear friend and comrade. After the war closed, I settled in Scranton, Pa., and worked at my trade. In 1867 was appointed Deputy U.S. Marshall under Gen. Thomas A. Rowley, also re-appointed by Marshall Murdock. In fall 1871 elected to the legislature, re-elected in 1872. In fall of 1874 was candidate for State Senator, but owing to a division in the party was defeated. Was later engaged in the leather business for several years, and was appointed County Auditor of Luzern [Luzerne] for the County ^ by this Court. Was appointed Chief-of-police, by Robert H. McKune, mayor of the City of Scranton in 1877. Resigned in 1885 to accept position as Asst. Post-Master under D. W. Connolly. Was elected Alderman in the spring of 1892, re-elected in the spring of 1899 and again in 1902. Have been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic since 1870, and have been Commander of the Col. Monies Post, five terms. Quarter- Master for many years. President of the Veteran Soldiers Association of Scranton, for over twenty years. Have been elected for thirty-eight consecutive years President of the Association of the 143rd Regt. Pa. Vols., [Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers] one of the three hundred of Col. Fox's ^ Lightning [unclear] regiments. In 1892 was elected president of the First Corps Association, Army of the Potomac. In 1893 elected first vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac at Boston. In 1897 was elected Senior Vice- Commander of the Medal of Honor Legion of the United States, at the con- held in Scranton. The endorsement contained in the letter hereto attached, of which I possess the original, coming as it does from my old commander, one of the most gallant and distinguished officers of the Army of the Potomac, is most highly appreciated by me and all comrades. With very kind regards, Truly yours, P DeLacy 1 Injured at Gettysburg 2 Injured at Spotsylvania, for which injury he received a disability pension 1877. Resigned in 1885 to accept position as Asst. Post-Master under D. W. Connolly. Was elected Alderman in the spring of 1892, re-elected in the spring of 1899 and again in 1902. Have been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic since 1870, and have been Commander of the Col. Monies Post, five terms. Quarter- Master for many years. President of the Veteran Soldiers Association of Scranton, for over twenty years. Have been elected for thirty-eight consecutive years President of the Association of the 143rd Regt. Pa. Vols., [Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers] one of the three hundred of Col. Fox's ^ Lightning [unclear] regiments. In 1892 was elected president of the First Corps Association, Army of the Potomac. In 1893 elected first vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac at Boston. In 1897 was elected Senior Vice- Commander of the Medal of Honor Legion of the United States, at the con- held in Scranton. The endorsement contained in the letter hereto attached, of which I possess the original, coming as it does from my old commander, one of the most gallant and distinguished officers of the Army of the Potomac, is most highly appreciated by me and all comrades. With very kind regards, Truly yours, P DeLacy 1 Injured at Gettysburg 2 Injured at Spotsylvania, for which injury he received a disability pension Chief Clerk War Dept Portland, Maine, January 25, 1904 To the Honorable, The Secretary of War: Washington, D.C. Sir:- I have the honor to recommend Patrick De Lacy, of Scranton, Penna. lately Second Lieutenant, Company D, Pensylvania Volunteers, for the bre- vet [brevet] of Captain U. S. Volunteers, to date from May 12th. 1865, for faithful and gallant services during the war for the Union. I am aware that this recommendation is very much out of season and quite unusual,- so long a time having elapsed since the service refer- red [referred] to was rendered,- and I beg permission to state some reasons for the application at this time. During a portion of the campaign of 1864 the 143rd Pennsylvania was a part of my command,- 1st. Brigade, 1st Division, Fifth Corps. Upon my being severely wounded and absent from my command, this brigade was brok- en [broken] up and its regiments scattered,- the 143rd thereafter being out of my care and jurisdiction. Had the regiment remained in my command, I should certainly have recommended Lieut. DeLacy for the brevet of Cap- tain [Captain] when I made up my list for brevet appointments as commander of the 1st. Division, 5th. Corps in the summer of 1865,- all which recom- mendations [recommendations], I may say, being favorably acted on by the Executive Depart ment [Department] of the Government. His subsequent brigade commanders have since expressed their regret that proper recognition was not given during the war and at its close, of Mr DeLacy's long, faithful and exceptionally meritorous [meritorious] service. It may be proper for me to recite briefly his grades in the service. He was sergeant, commanding his Company during most of the campaign of 1864,- the commissioned officers of his Company being absent for just cause,- and in this capacity I had occasion to observe his remarkable efficiency, particulalrly [particularly] in the memorable assault on Rives' Salient, before Petersburg, Va. on June 18th. 1864. He was soon afterwards pro- moted [promoted] Sergeant Major, and in May 1865 promoted to be Second Lieutenant. The commanding officer of his regiment soon after made application for his promotion as Captain; but before the commission was received and he could be mustered on it, his regiment was mustered out of service, June 12th. 1865. He is commonly know [known] as Captain, however, on account of his actual command for so long a time. He has also received the highest testimony to his personal gallantry in the award to him of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since his retirement from the military service Captain DeLacy has been a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Scranton, Pa., and has the warm regard of all who know him. He has been constantly reelected President of the 143rd Regimental Association during the last 38 years. I cannot but sympathize deeply with him in his desire that his rank on the final rolls be commensurate with the grade of command he actually held in the memorable last campaign of the Army of the Potomac. I do not know what the rules of the service will now permit as to brevet appointments. It occurs to me that an analogy for what is now asked may be found in civil life in the "Degree out of Course" granted by our Colleges under peculiar circumstances,- notably by reason of [gap] for service under the Country's flag. This is no precedent for military appointments, I am well aware; but it may be my apology for this recommendation. I trust, nevertheless, that it may not be found impracticable to con- fer [confer] this token of recognition on Captain DeLacy even at this late hour. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Joshua L. Chamberlain Bvt. Major General, U.S. Vols. P.S. I enclose a copy of Colonel Conyngham's testimonial on behalf of Captain DeLacy. J.L.C. |
| Language | English (eng) |
Description
| Title | civilwar-001_001 |
Tags
Comments
Post a Comment for civilwar-001_001
