Henry Wilson Storey's History of Cambria County, V.II, p.282

You are here: Cambria > Books > History of Cambria County, V.2

History of Cambria County, V.2

282 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

    It was mustered into the service September 15, 1864, and mustered out June 4, 1865. It was the sixth regiment sent out by the Union League. Capt. Stackhouse's company was recruited in Johnstown, while the other companies were from Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and other eastern counties. The regiment was very large, consisting of fourteen companies, with an aggregate roster of 1,572 men. Company F had 110 men. Company O, an unusual letter to be used as a company designation, was commanded by Capt. J. H. Withington, Jr., of Philadelphia.
    On the 19th the regiment took its departure from Philadelphia. While on its way to the station it was halted in front of the Union League House, then on Chestnut street, that a handsome standard of colors might be presented by the gifted orator, Daniel Dougherty, as a token of esteem from its loyal friends.
    Gen. Meade had information that Col. Sickel was recruiting a new regiment, and knowing his gallantry and efficiency, requested Gen. Grant to assign it to his army. At that time all new troops were being sent to the Army of the James. The 198th was ordered there also, and disembarked at Bermuda Hundred, Va. Col. Sickel telegraphed Gen. Meade of their location, whereupon Meade communicated with Gen. Grant, who instantly directed that it be transferred to the Army of the Potomac, then in front of Petersburg.
    Eleven days after its departure it was engaged in battle at Peebles' Farm, and so distinguished itself that Gen. Meade bestowed special honors on the regiment for meritorious services, and for its gallantry at Hatcher's Run repeated the same, all of which appears in its history---a splendid record of achievements in a seven month's campaign. The regiment had magnificent officers. For instance, on March 29, it was engaged in a fierce conflict at Lewis' Farm, and for the time being was being pressed back, when Maj. Charles I. Maceuen implored the men to stand firm. One of the expressions he used was : "Men, for God's sake, don't run." The regiment rallied and completely routed the enemy, but the brave Maceuen lost his life in the action.
    The 198th Regiment, commanded by Maj. Powell Stackhouse and Maj. John Stanton, then being in two battalions, had the honor of receiving the actual surrender of Gen. Lee's troops at Appomattox, which took place April 11, as hereinafter appears. We follow with the record of each member of the com-

Title Page

Contents

Image

282	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
It was mustered into the service September 15, 1864, and mustered out June 4, 1865. It was the sixth regiment sent out by the Union League. Capt. Stackhouse's company was recruited in Johnstown, while the other companies were from Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and other eastern counties. The regiment was very large, consisting of fourteen companies, with an aggregate roster of 1,572 men. Company F had 110 men. Company O, an unusual letter to be used as a company designation, was commanded by Capt. J. H. Withington, Jr., of Philadelphia. On the 19th the regiment took its departure from Philadelphia. While on its way to the station it was halted in front of the Union League House, then on Chestnut street, that a handsome standard of colors might be presented by the gifted orator, Daniel Dougherty, as a token of esteem from its loyal friends. Gen. Meade had information that Col. Sickel was recruiting a new regiment, and knowing his gallantry and efficiency, requested Gen. Grant to assign it to his army. At that time all new troops were being sent to the Army of the James. The 198th was ordered there also, and disembarked at Bermuda Hundred, Va. Col. Sickel telegraphed Gen. Meade of their location, whereupon Meade communicated with Gen. Grant, who instantly directed that it be transferred to the Army of the Potomac, then in front of Petersburg. Eleven days after its departure it was engaged in battle at Peebles' Farm, and so distinguished itself that Gen. Meade bestowed special honors on the regiment for meritorious services, and for its gallantry at Hatcher's Run repeated the same, all of which appears in its history---a splendid record of achievements in a seven month's campaign. The regiment had magnificent officers. For instance, on March 29, it was engaged in a fierce conflict at Lewis' Farm, and for the time being was being pressed back, when Maj. Charles I. Maceuen implored the men to stand firm. One of the expressions he used was : "Men, for God's sake, don't run." The regiment rallied and completely routed the enemy, but the brave Maceuen lost his life in the action. The 198th Regiment, commanded by Maj. Powell Stackhouse and Maj. John Stanton, then being in two battalions, had the honor of receiving the actual surrender of Gen. Lee's troops at Appomattox, which took place April 11, as hereinafter appears. We follow with the record of each member of the com-