Civil War Soldier Letter Daniel Faust 96th PA Vols Camp Near Sharpsburg 1/7/62

There were 705 on the cars, we went through a great many places where they fought, destroyed everything at Harpers Ferry, everything is burned down, and at Sharpsburg the houses are riddled with balls and shells, nearly all the ___? Are that of the brick houses are all ___? And the streets are full of balls and shells, I never seen such a sight and the battleground is laying full of dead horses, more content, your son Daniel. Comes with a photocopy of a CDV of Daniel Faust taken by Shriver and Kibler in Harrisburg PA plus a letter addressed to his mother (stamp cut out), two stain spots on page 1 and 2 of letter plus very light wrinkles, couple of other small and light spots, the two pages without writing have more stains. Overall a great letter despite the condition.

Residence was not listed; Enlisted on 9/16/1862 as a Private. On 9/16/1862 he mustered into "H" Co. He was transferred out on 10/18/1864 On 10/18/1864 he transferred into "G" Co. He was discharged on 6/18/1865. Made a plan to set up a community near Knob Mountain, although there were settlers in the area before that time.

Soon after the town was laid out, several buildings, including a house and a tannery. Were erected in the area. Once five or six houses were built in the town, a post office was built there.

Several names were originally considered for the community, including Knobtown, Rickettsville, and The Trap, but Orangeville was chosen after Orange County, New York. In 1853, a business making plows. Was built in the community. Orangeville was incorporated in 1900. Mahanoy City, a promising little town, has grown into prominence within a comparatively few years, and now easily assumes the third place in population and second in commercial importance in Schuylkill County.

The settlement of the village began practically in 1859, previous to which date there were a few settlers on the village site, but it did not assume the dignity of even a small village. On the sixteenth of December, 1863, the charter was granted by the court, and thus a prosperous little city was ushered into existence.

A post office was established in 1859 with John Lindemuth as the postmaster. Severn was postmistress for years in the post office on Main Street where Haughney's restaurant is now located.

The name Mahanoy City is no doubt a corruption of the Indian name Maghonioy. That creek is now called Mahanoy Creek, which is a branch of the Big River, Susquehanna, and this creek runs through the Borough of Mahanoy City. The town no doubt takes its name from the creek.

Maghonioy is a beautiful name and it is a great pity that it should ever have been corrupted into the doubtful name of Mahanoy. The Iroquois had conquered all the Indian tribes in Pennsylvania many years before there were any white settlers on the present territory of Schuylkill County. This was merely a hunting ground for the Delaware Indians, and not a permanent residence for any tribe. So we get the name, not from the real owners of the land, but from these wandering hunters. There never was any attempt, as far as known, for even a temporary abiding place by any of these tribes.

The country was not fitted for Indian towns, being too rocky and barren, while the streams were rough and carried a heavy undergrowth of laurel, which prevented fishing and any easy way of canoe travel by short stages. The origin of the first house built within the limits of the town is very obscure.

Some say it was built by an old German hunter named Reisch, who used to spend most of his time in the woods. It was an old log house when first known and situated on the east side of the old Catawissa turnpike, which is now Main Street, and directly opposite the offices of the Mansion House. Many different tenants seem to have occupied this old log house temporarily. It was used as a hostelry and as a possession house. In the latest written account of the "Peddler's Grave" we read how Jost. Folhaber, the old peddler, and his murderer, Benjamin Bailey, lodged in Reisch's log house before the tragedy. The front part of the house was torn down, and the back part moved to the lower end of the third lot on Centre Street, where it served as a kitchen for the new tavern erected by Jacob Faust for Emanuel Boyer in 1853.

Many of the early settlers of the borough and township were Welsh people attracted to the place by the flattering opportunities for mining with which business they were familiar in their native country. Emanuel Boyer was the first permanent resident of Mahanoy City.

His house stood on the third lot from what is now Main street, on the south side facing Centre. It is the lot on which Noonan's Department store is now located. Henry Stauffer, one of the early settlers, was one of the organizers of the township, and a man of influence and prominence. He settled in the township in 1808, and his son, H.

Stauffer, served many years as a justice of the peace and in other official places in the town and county. PENNSYLVANIA 96TH INFATRY (Three Years). The 96th, whose nucleus was the National Light Infantry of Pottsville, one of the original five companies, was organized at Pottsville, and most of its members were Schuylkill county men. Here it was mustered into the U.

23-30, 1861, for a three years' term, and on Nov. 8, proceeded to Washington; Slocum's brigade, to which it was assigned, became the 2nd brigade, 1st division, 6th corps.

Winter quarters were made at Four mile run on the Loudoun & Hampshire railroad, where the regiment remained until March 10, 1862, when it joined in the Manassas campaign and subsequently in the campaign on the Peninsula. Engaged at West Point in May, it was present during the Seven Days' battles; was then ordered to Alexandria and from there to Bull Run.

After that battle the regiment was next engaged at Crampton's gap, where it suffered severely; was active at Antietam; fought at Fredericksburg in December, shared in the discomforts of the "Mud March" and went into winter quarters near White Oak Church until Feb. 1, when all but two companies were posted at Windmill point on fatigue duty. On March 1, the 86th rejoined the brigade, and took part in the Chancellorsville campaign, being engaged at Salem Church.

It fought bravely at Gettysburg; joined in the pursuit which followed, was active at Rappahannock Station in November, took part in the Mine Run campaign, and made its winter quarters near Rappahannock Station. Through the eventful month of May, 1864, the regiment was almost constantly engaged from the battle of the Wilderness to Cold Harbor.

It moved with the Army of the Potomac to Petersburg, but on July 10, was sent to the relief of Washington and continued with the Army of the Shenandoah. 22, the original members not reenlisted were ordered home and the remaining battalion was consolidated with the 95th Pa.

It was mustered out with the 95th at Washington on July 17, 1865. Source: The Union Army, vol.

1 Antietam after battle report: Report of Col. Cake, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battles of Crampton's Pass and Antietam. I have the honor to submit the following report of the engagements of the 14th and 17th instant so far as participated in by this regiment: After marching through Jefferson on Sunday morning, I was ordered out upon the road to Burkittsville, the regiment having been indicated as the advance guard. When within 2 miles of the latter village, the cavalry advance came in and reported a skirmish with a superior force of the enemy's cavalry. Companies A and F were deployed at once as skirmishers, and moved forward, the balance of the regiment steadily moving on within easy supporting distance. The enemy retired to the South Mountain through Burkittsville, our two companies of skirmishers penetrating to within 1,000 yards of the base, the balance of the regiment halting at the entrance of the village a little after 1 o'clock p. As the skirmishers entered the village they drew the fire of the artillery posted on the heights, which was kept up during the day, the shot being divided between the skirmishers and the main body of the Ninety-sixth, drawn up in line of the Knoxville road, the enemy revealing the position of at least five of their pieces. At about 4 o'clock I was ordered to draw in the skirmishers and rejoin the brigade with the regiment. Having posted a picket down the Knoxville road, this required some time, and the brigade had commenced to move, as had also the other two brigades of the division.

Receiving an order from Maj. Slocum to move on in the rear of the New Jersey brigade, I did so, forming where they formed and moving on the field to their right. At about 5.30 o'clock the Ninety-sixth had marched to the line of skirmishers, and I was ordered by Col. Bartlett, commanding the brigade, to take my position on the extreme right. The base of the mountain was now about 1,000 yards distant.

At that point the road parallel to the mountain. On one or the other side of this road a substantial stone fence furnished good cover for the enemy's infantry, to say nothing of the woods on the side of the mountain. Brisk musketry firing was in progress on our left, but the good cover in possession of the enemy and the distance at which we stood rendered it quite certain that we could gain nothing at a stand-off right, while the artillery posted in the mountain was punishing us severely. It was evident that nothing but a rush forward would win.

The order to charge came at last, and with a shout the entire line started. The fields through which the Ninety-sixth charged presented many obstacles, and in order not to meet the enemy with broken lines. I twice halted momentarily, with a stone fence for a cover, for a great portion of my regiment to form. The last of the series of fields through which we had to charge was meadow and standing corn. As we emerged from the corn the enemy met us with a murderous fire.

We were within 20 paces of the road, at the base of the mountain, the stronghold of the enemy. It was here we met our great loss. Shocked, but not repulsed, the men bounded forward, determined to end it with the bayonet. The road was gained in a twinkling, the enemy leaving for the mountain. Those of the enemy who were not hours, and who seemed too much surprised to get away, begged lustily for mercy.

John Dougherty, one of my best officers, fall, but without waiting to see who were down or who were up, I hastily formed my line, Maj. Meginnis, of the Eighteenth New York, promising to form on my left and follow, and dashed on up the hill, keeping the line formed as well as possible, to guard against a probable stand of the enemy at the crest of the hill. I let the men advance nearly as fast as the as they could and wanted to. It was a most exhausting charge. By the time we had ascended half way the cannon had ceased firing on our left, and the enemy seldom replied to our fire with their muskets.

We made captures at every step. After passing the crest of the mountain a lieutenant of the Fifteenth North Carolina delivered himself up, I sent during the charge, 42 prisoners to the rear, including the captain of Company G, Sixteenth Georgia, wounded, and other officers and men most of them unhurt.

Sergeant Anderson, of Company K, shot the color-bearer of the Sixteenth Georgia, but did not stop to secure the colors, which were secured by some of our forces afterward. After advancing beyond the crest of the hill, I formed my line for the purpose of resting the men, who were much exhausted by the march of the day and the furious dash up the mountain. It is with much gratification that I can report my companies all present in line, fully and fairly represented. Seaver, of the Sixteenth, as also the officers commanding portions of the Eighteenth and Thirty-second New York, joined their lines to the Ninety-sixth, and reported to me for orders.

Having thrown our skirmishers to the right and front. I rested until the reception of orders to return to the foot of the mountain and go into camp, which order was promptly obeyed, the brigade going into camp on the western side of the pass. During the charge, and just at the moment when a splendid victory was opened, Maj. Martin was mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the head, and died while being carried off the field. He was an accomplished and brave soldier; an unassuming and perfect gentleman, beloved by all the regiment, and regretted beyond expression.

One of the first to volunteer in the this war, he has at least laid down his life while gallantly and bravely fighting for his country--the only son of his mother, and she a widow. A minute before, First Lieut. John Dougherty, commanding Company F, was shot through the breast, at my side, while bravely leading his company to the final struggle at the road. Sergeant Casey, seizing his sword as he fell, valiantly raised it over his head and dashed forward at the head of his company, which never faltered. There was no better or braver soldier than Lieut.

The loss of these two officers falls heavily upon the regiment. During the charge I had 2 color-bearers killed and 3 wounded. Casualties: 20 killed, 71 wounded; total, 91.

The conduct of the regiment was excellent, my orders under fire being obeyed promptly and with great cheerfulness. Lessing, Company C, deserves especial mention for brave conduct. The prospect of a fight in the wood and among the rocks on the side of the mountain stimulated him to great exertions to gain that point, and he cheered on his fine company most bravely. Hay, Company A, also preserved his excellent reputation as a fighting officer, holding his company well in hand, always cool and in line.

His services were invaluable in the fight, as they always are on the march, on picket, or in command of skirmishers. Budd, Company K, also fought gallantly, leading his men bravely in the fight, capturing prisoners with his own hands. Haas, Company G, also fought with coolness and courage, leading his men into the fire with promptness.

Filbert, Boyle, and Royer, of B, D, and H, also did their duty. I must also make special mention of Lieut. Boyer, acting regimental adjutant, who bravely encouraged the men throughout the lines up to the time the road was gained. Upon the fall of Maj.

Boyer was charged with his removal, hoping that prompt attention might save his valuable life. Byrnes, commanding Company I, and Lieut. Oberrender, commanding Company E, was most praiseworthy. At the head of their companies their courageous example was most conspicuous. Upon the fall of Lieut.

John Dougherty, Sergeant Casey assumed command of Company F, and conducted it through the balance of the day with the coolness of a veteran officer. Russell, Company C, and Lieut. Huber, Company B, rendered marked services on the field.

Russell, Company C, dispatched to bring Company B forward to the regimental line on the side of the mountain, displayed promptness, courage, and zeal in the discharge of his duty. John Harlan deserves especial mention for the great coolness he displayed in the fight.

In forming the lines to renew the charge after the enemy had been routed at the foot of the hill his services were invaluable. It is truly gratifying to be able to make this truthful statement. Companies A, F, I, C, K, and G were the first in the road, Companies C, A, and K first and simultaneously. In taking the road we lost 2 color-bearers killed and 3 wounded.

The names of those killed with the colors in their hands are Solomon M. Minzi, Company C, color-bearer, and Charles B.

The wounded are Thomas Oliver, Company C, color-bearer; Sergeant Johnson, Company H, and William Ortner, Company H. I regret being compelled to report that our surgeons invariably leave upon the bursting of the first shell near the regiment. This has always heretofore deprived us of their services on the field, though I believe it is custom to report for duty at the hospitals after engagements.

This regiment would be quite as well off if its surgeons were left at hospitals, Dr. Nugent having been promoted to the One hundred and twenty-sixth. Very respectfully, lieutenant, your obedient servant, H. On the 17th the regiment moved from camp at daylight and crossed the Antietam at 11 o'clock.

With the balance of the brigade, it was sent to the front to support batteries. While lying in position, a round shot struck in Company G, killing Private Frank Treon and wounding Private McCoy Sergent. I have, happily, no other casualties to record.

Source: Official Records: Series I. 27 Chancellorsville, VA after battle report: No. I have the honor to make the following report of the part which this regiment took in the recent engagement of May 3: About 6.30 o'clock in the morning, I was ordered by Brig.

Bartlett to take possession of the railroad, which I accordingly did, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and, after holding it for one hour, I was ordered to retire, which I did without loss in doing so. Our loss in taking the railroad and holding it was 1 officer wounded, 5 enlisted men killed, and 17 enlisted men wounded. The part which the regiment took in the engagement of Salem Church in the afternoon was as follows: At 5 o'clock I was ordered to push though the woods on the left of the One hundred and twenty-first New York Volunteers. As we entered the woods we came on our skirmishers, who fell back to our rear.

I soon discovered the enemy's line within 100 yards, and opened a heavy fire on it, and kept pressing on until near the edge of the woods, when the line of the right broke and fell back, causing our whole line to retire in disorder. The men were entirely though out and without spirit, having been nearly sixteen hours under arms, the grater portion under a burning sun. The officers and men behaved well, with some few exceptions.

Phillips afforded me valuable assistance, and behaved with great gallantry. Reed (Company E) was cowardly and disgraceful, and I therefore recommend that he be dishonorably discharged the service of the United States. The following is a list of casualties: Officers and men. 15 50 11 76 Total.................................

Source: Official Records Series I. Randall, commanding Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations September 19-27. SIR: In obedience to orders from headquarters Second Brigade of the 26th instant, I have the honor to report the movement of this command at the late engagements at the Opequon and Fisher's Hill: Conjointly with the Ninety-sixth Regt.

Pennsylvania Volunteers, we were, on the movement out to the Opequon, detailed as guard for the corps wagon train, and consequently took no active part in the operations at that place and in front of Winchester. On the morning of the 21st of September we rejoined the brigade near Strasburg, and at noon proceeded doubt to the front, throwing out skirmishers and coming upon the enemy posted upon rising ground. We halted and remained in line of battle until midnight, when we took up the line of march and moved out to the right. Halted in the woods and constructed breast-works, the two right companies being detailed for picket; continuous skirmishing until the afternoon, when we moved forward and took part in the charge upon the enemy's position on Fisher's Hill, driving them in confusion.

Our own loss, two men wounded. We captured seven prisoners concealed in the bushes. Followed upon the enemy's rear closely, marching all night, and at daylight halted at Woodstock, whence, after rations had been issued, we resumed the march, being again detailed as corps wagon guard jointly with the One hundred and twenty-first New York Volunteers.

Halted beyond Edenburg and encamped for the night with the brigade. Of the 24th again moved forward, and after a very long and rapid march came upon the enemy's rear guard a little distance beyond New Market. We were immediately deployed as skirmisher to connect with the Third Division; advanced out on the left of and through the town, skirmishing with the enemy, who kept falling back until dark, when we established the line for the night about-miles in advance of the town.

During the night the enemy fell back, and early the next morning we were relieved by the Fourth New Jersey Volunteers, and, rejoining the brigade, we resumed the march (with battalion Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers temporarily attached to the command) and proceeded to Harrisonburg, where we encamped for the night, and are now remaining. For all Civil War and paper items. It depends on to which country.

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We are a proud member of the Manuscript Society, the Confederate Stamp Alliance, and life member of the American Philatelic Society. The item "Civil War Soldier Letter Daniel Faust 96th PA Vols Camp Near Sharpsburg 1/7/62" is in sale since Monday, September 05, 2016.

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civil war: soldier letter
civil war soldier letter: sharpsburg
daniel faust: 95th PA Infantry
96th PA infantry: Mahanoy City PA
battle letter: Harpers Ferry