History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, by Samuel P. Bates.

1863 BATTLE OF. CHANCELLORSVILLE. 349
scouts broken up. The march lasted three days, during two of which the
rain and snow fell without cessation, causing much suffering.
While in this camp, a school of instruction for officers was established, and
placed in charge of Major Boding, and another for non-commissioned)officers,
under Lieutenant Henry Jacques, of company G. The elementary principles
of military science and army regulations were studied and discussed, and intricate manceavers illustrated. In February its active strength was sensibly
increased by the return to its ranks of a full and well disciplined company,
under Captain Adams. This company had been detached to guard commissary stores in Washington, soon after entering the service, and notwithstanding the repeated applications from the successive commanders of the regiment,
approved by the superior officers, to have it ordered to the field, and the desire of Captain Adams himself: to have it relieved and placed on active duty,
every application had been returned with the endorsement "not granted.' Its
long retention is its best certificate of good soldierly conduct. In March, 1863,
Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin C. Tilghman was commissioned Colonel, and Captain John B. Adams, Lieutenant Colonel. Upon the resignation of Lieutenant
Colonel Adams, soon after, Major Bodine was promoted to fill the vacancy.
The battle of Chancellorsville commenced on the 29th of April. Preparations had been for a considerable time in progress. The regiment broke camp
and moved with the Third Corps, about fifteen miles down the Rappahannock
to divert the attention of the enemy, while the principal part of the army
was crossing about twelve miles above the town. On the 1st of May it returned, and crossing at United States ford rejoined the main body, in position
near Chancellorsville. On the morning of the 2d of May, the Twenty-sixth
was ordered to advance up the road in front of General Hooker's head-quarters, to drive back the enemy's skirmishers who occupied the wood, and
ascertain whether the road was held in force. This order was successfully executed, but involved a brisk skirmish and some loss; several prisoners were
taken, and the enemy were found in line of battle with artillery well posted
on the road. The result was reported to General Hooker in person, who expressed his satisfaction,
At about four o'clock, P. M. the division marched to cover the retreat of
the Eleventh Corps, and at dusk formed line a of battle in the woods. Colonel
Tilghman, finding his right entirely uncovered, reconnoitered the ground, and
found, about six hundred yards distant, an intrenched line, held by Griffin's
Division, with several batteries. The scouts reported the woods in front clear
of the enemy, but that about three-fourths of a mile beyond they could hear
troops marching, apparently in force, towards our left. This intelligence was
promptly reported to an officer of General Berry's staff. Diring the night
several attacks were made on the left of the division and repulsed, none of
them reaching the position held by the Twenty-sixth.
At day-break a heavy artillery fire was opened on the left, followed by musketry, which rolled steadily nearer. The skirmishers in front were attacked,
and the Seventy-second New York, soon after giving way, left the flank
uncovered. Colonel Tilghman endeavored to change front, but being under a
heavy fire and in a thick wood, it was imperfectly done, and in making the attempt, was himself severely wounded. The fire, though irregular, was well
sustained for some minutes, when, judging from the increasing numbers and
direction of the enemy, that the division had been broken and its position lost,