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

1862 FROM THE CHICKAHOMINY TO THE JAMES. 93
temporary confusion, it rallied, and in a short time forced the enemy from his
line. Its conduct on this occasion was such as to elicit the commendation
of the Generals commanding. It suffered a severe loss in the death of Major
Yeager, who was killed in the early part of the action, while gallantly leading
his men. The regiment lost ninety-six men in killed, wounded, and missing.
It bivouacked upon the battle-ground and supported a battery in position
on the York River Railroad. On the 27th it moved to the right, where a deadly
conflict was raging, and was thrown forward to the assistance of Porter's
troops. It crossed the Chickahominy and came under fire of the enemy at
Gaines' Mill. Forming in line of battle the command covered the withdrawal
of the troops, and at midnight silently re-crossed the Chickahominy. Here
began the memorable "change of basse," in which it was the arduous duty of
Sumner's Corps to cover the rear of the retreating army. The post of honor
and of danger-the rear of the rear-guard-was assigned to the Third Brigade.
At Peach Orchard, on the 29th, it participated in a fierce engagement, in which
a number of casualties occurred, but none were killed. Immediately after the
close of the action, General Sumner rode up and complimented the regiment
for its bravery, saying, "you have done nobly, but I knew you would do so."
Moving to Savage Station, Sumner made another stand to check the enemy.
The regiment occupied a position in a wood parallel to the railroad, and was
fortunately favored by the high ranged shot and shell of the rebel artillery.
After a short but desperate encounter, the enemy withdrew, and at midnight.
the line of retreat was silently resumed.
The march now began to test the endurance of the troops, and the situation
became one fraught with peril. One small brigade, standing fearlessly alone
in midnight darkness, was holding in check, almost at the point of the bayonet, one-half the rebel army, while friends from whom no succor could be expected were swiftly moving to the rear. Silently the command plunged into
the deep shadows of White Oak Swamp. At daylight the regiment reached
White Oak Creek, beyond which was its corps in bivouac. Crossing the creek
it immediately began destroying the bridge. The advance of the enemy soon
made its appearance, and commenced skirmishing, but was prevented from
crossing the stream. Several of his batteries having been placed in position,
opened fire, and were very annoying. Although not actively engaged, the'
regiment had several killed and wounded.
Withdrawing at midnight, the Fifty-third arrived at Malvern Hill on the
morning of July 1st, and was almost constantly under fire although it did not
participate in the engagement. The duty assigned to it, in the retreat from the
Chickahominy to the James, was of such an important nature as to merit and
receive the thanks of the Commanding General as well as of the intermediate
commanders, and Colonel Brooke was highly complimented for the skillful and
soldierly qualities displayed in conducting his command successfully through
so many perils. Arriving at Harrison7s Landing, the regiment remained until
the 16th of August. Here the Sixty-fourth New York was temporarily attached to the Fifty-third for the purposes of drill, discipline, and camp duty, all
under command of Major Octavius S. Bull, who had been promoted to fill the
vacancy occasioned' by the death of Major Yeager, Colonel Brooke being in
command of the brigade and Lieutenant Colonel 3iSMichael absent on account
of sickness.
Moving via Yorktown to Newport News, it embarked for Alexandria, where