Henry Wilson Storey's History of Cambria County, V.II, p.307

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History of Cambria County, V.2

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY. 307

troops were in the woods in front. I replied, "None but rebels," and that my command was in the front. While talking to me, his horse was shot by some of the enemy's sharpshooters. I remarked to him that his horse was shot. He replied, "I see," turned and went away.
    In a short time I received and order to advance into the woods. I gave the order, "Forward," my regiment advancing in splendid style, and driving some South Carolina and Georgia troops back into the woods. I halted at the edge of the woods, and ordered Capt. McKeage, of Company G, to deploy his company as skirmishers. This being done, I again advanced a short distance in the woods, and halted again to examine the enemy's position. I found him in force in my front and on my right.
    On looking around I discovered my self without support either in my rear or right, and being the only mounted officer present, I gave my horse to Lieut. Joseph Higgins (Co.B.) and instructed him to ride back to the general, inform him of my situation, and ask him to send me support immediately, or i would be unable to hold my position, and that the enemy would certainly flank me and cut me off, my command being at this time in advance of the whole corps.
    I now ordered Capt. McKeage to advance cautiously with his skirmishers, and, at the same time, the regiment to advance to the crest of a small hill. My skirmishers soon became engaged with the enemy, who were advancing on my front in force.
    They continued to advance, when I ordered my skirmishers to rally, and gave the command to commence firing. A most destructive fire caused the enemy to halt. I held him here for some time, until I discovered two regiments of them moving around my right, while a brigade charged on my front. On looking around and finding no support in sight, I was complled to retire. Had I remained in my position two minutes longer I would have lost my whole command. I fell back to the rear of the first batteries, when an artillery officer rode up to me, saying that his battery was on the left front and entirely unsupported, and asking me if I would support him. I replied in the affirmative, and marched my command to the battery and took my position.
    Gen. Franklin now rode up, and inquiring what regiment this was, I replied the 125th Pennsylvania, when he said my position was right and he was glad I was there, and ordered me to remain there, which I did. I remained here until the 124th Pennsylvania coming up, under the command of its major, Gen.Franklin ordered me to form it in my rear and take command of both regiments.
    My adjutant, R. M. Johnson, who acted as major in the absence of Maj. Lawrence, who has been in the Georgetown hospital for some time, fell , mortally wounded. His conduct

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	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.	307
troops were in the woods in front. I replied, "None but rebels," and that my command was in the front. While talking to me, his horse was shot by some of the enemy's sharpshooters. I remarked to him that his horse was shot. He replied, "I see," turned and went away. In a short time I received and order to advance into the woods. I gave the order, "Forward," my regiment advancing in splendid style, and driving some South Carolina and Georgia troops back into the woods. I halted at the edge of the woods, and ordered Capt. McKeage, of Company G, to deploy his company as skirmishers. This being done, I again advanced a short distance in the woods, and halted again to examine the enemy's position. I found him in force in my front and on my right. On looking around I discovered my self without support either in my rear or right, and being the only mounted officer present, I gave my horse to Lieut. Joseph Higgins (Co.B.) and instructed him to ride back to the general, inform him of my situation, and ask him to send me support immediately, or i would be unable to hold my position, and that the enemy would certainly flank me and cut me off, my command being at this time in advance of the whole corps. I now ordered Capt. McKeage to advance cautiously with his skirmishers, and, at the same time, the regiment to advance to the crest of a small hill. My skirmishers soon became engaged with the enemy, who were advancing on my front in force. They continued to advance, when I ordered my skirmishers to rally, and gave the command to commence firing. A most destructive fire caused the enemy to halt. I held him here for some time, until I discovered two regiments of them moving around my right, while a brigade charged on my front. On looking around and finding no support in sight, I was complled to retire. Had I remained in my position two minutes longer I would have lost my whole command. I fell back to the rear of the first batteries, when an artillery officer rode up to me, saying that his battery was on the left front and entirely unsupported, and asking me if I would support him. I replied in the affirmative, and marched my command to the battery and took my position. Gen. Franklin now rode up, and inquiring what regiment this was, I replied the 125th Pennsylvania, when he said my position was right and he was glad I was there, and ordered me to remain there, which I did. I remained here until the 124th Pennsylvania coming up, under the command of its major, Gen.Franklin ordered me to form it in my rear and take command of both regiments. My adjutant, R. M. Johnson, who acted as major in the absence of Maj. Lawrence, who has been in the Georgetown hospital for some time, fell , mortally wounded. His conduct