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

794 SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 1862
reinforced, took shelter in a sunken roadbed, which formed a natural rifle-pit,
and delivered a galling fire upon Sedgwick's column, which was, at the same
time, subjected to a hot fire from the foe still concealed in the corn-field. The
fire of musketry and artillery from either side, now at short range, was appalling. Here General Sedgwick was wounded and borne from the field, the command devolving on General Howard. The division had entered the belt of
woods west of the turnpike, and near the Dunker Church, and was steadily
pushing the enemy back upon his earth-works, when it was discovered that the
troops holding the left of the line had been driven in. It had now a heavy
infantry and artillery fire upon its front, and also a galling enfilading fire upon
its flank. General Sumner, who was most conspicuous, riding upon every
part of the field, ordered General Howard to change front and lead his command against the troops upon his left. In executing the movement, a part of
the troops fell into some confusion. But the Seventy-first stood firm, and, with
the Nineteenth Massachusetts, charged full upon the foe, nowi advancingin
triumph, and with unearthly yells. Wistar, who headed the charge, fell severely wounded, and for three hours the tide of battle ebbed and flowed over
him before he could be removed. (Adjutant Smith, who had been acting
as a field officer upon the left of the line, with Deveraux, who led the Nineteenth, pushed on unmindful of disaster, but had scarcely reached the enemy
when he also fell. iThe command now devolved on Captain Lewis, who succeeded, after repelling several attacks, in bringing the regiment into position
at the Dunker Church, where, at the close of the battle, it rested. The loss
was over one'-third of the entire number engaged, and on the morning of the
18th only four officers were present for duty. Lieutenants John Convery and
William Wilson were among the killed.
Soon after this battle Colonel Wistar was promoted to Brigadier General.
Lieutenant Colonel Markoe, who had been promoted from Captain of company
A to Major, and to Lieutenant Colonel, had resigned on account of wounds.
and had been re-commissioned, now returned and assumed command of the
regiment. Before entering upon the Fredericksburg campaign, under Burrside, General Couch was assigned to the command of the Second Corps, General Howard of the Second Division, and Colonel Owen of the Second Brigade,
General Sumner commanding the right grand division, composed of the Second
and Ninth Corps.
On the morning of the 11th of December the division was ordered to cross
the Rappahannock, from a point opposite the town of Fredericksburg. After
considerable opposition a bridge was laid, and the crossing effected. A fre of
infantry and artillery was poured upon the troops, while clearing the tovn of
the enemy, which was kept up until late at night. On the morning of the 12th
it advanced to the right and rear of the town, under the fire of his artillery
well posted upon the heights beyond, and, though suffering considerable loss,
gained no apparent advantage. On the morning of the 13th the advance was
sounded, and Hancock and French, closely followed by Howard, went forward,
exposed at every step to a front and enfilading fire upon either flank. A strong
line of infantry, under cover of the stone wall a short distance belowthe crest,
reserved its fire until the assaulting columns came within easy range, when it
opened with fearful effect and they were forced to retire. Repeated attempts
were made, but all alike proved futile. In this day's work the regiment lost