{"id":1727,"date":"2025-05-01T09:36:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T13:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cvbt.org\/?p=1727"},"modified":"2025-05-01T09:59:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T13:59:49","slug":"zouaves-on-central-virginias-battlefields-140th-146th-new-york-and-155th-pennsylvania-infantry-regiments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cvbt.org\/zouaves-on-central-virginias-battlefields-140th-146th-new-york-and-155th-pennsylvania-infantry-regiments\/","title":{"rendered":"Zouaves on Central Virginia’s Battlefields: 140th & 146th New York, and 155th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Zouaves on Central Virginia’s Battlefields: 140th & 146th New York, and 155th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments<\/h1>\n<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n
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“Into the Wilderness” by artist Keith Rocco depicts the 140th and 146th New York Infantry Regiments’ Zouaves as they clashed with Confederates at Saunders Field during the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864. 
(Keith Rocco)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In last month\u2019s CVBT History Wire, we shared the story of the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry (Collis\u2019 Zouaves), focusing particularly on the parts they played in the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, as well as some background information on Zouaves in general. If you would like to read that post, you may do so here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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For this month\u2019s CVBT History Wire, we will examine three Zouave regiments and their experiences fighting in Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren’s Fifth Corps at the Battle of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. These three regiments, the 140th and 146th New York, and the 155th Pennsylvania, all served in Brig. Gen. Romeyn Ayers\u2019 First Brigade of Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin\u2019s First Division. They would be among the initial Union troops to open fire in what would become the grueling Overland Campaign.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although sometimes called the \u201cZouave Brigade,\u201d Ayers\u2019 brigade only contained these three Zouave units. The non-Zouave regiments included the 91st Pennsylvania, and the 2nd, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 17th U.S. Infantry (Regulars).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to Ayers\u2019 First Brigade, Griffin\u2019s division also included Col. Jacob Sweitzer\u2019s Second Brigade and Brig. Gen. Joseph J. Bartlett’s Third Brigade <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shown in this photograph are 146th New York Infantry musicians James Shaw (left) and Alfred H. Palmer. Of the three Zouave regiments in Ayers’ brigade, the 146th New York received their Zouave uniforms the earliest, acquiring them before the Battle of Gettysburg. Note: The yellow trim on their jackets apparently appears as if it is darker in period photographs.
(Library of Congress)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Backgrounds of the 140th and 146th New York, and 155th Pennsylvania <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infantry Regiments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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140th New York Infantry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organized in September of 1862, following President Abraham Lincoln\u2019s summer call for more volunteers, and composed of men primarily from the Monroe County, New York, area, the 140th New York was originally led by Col. Patrick H. O\u2019Rorke, a West Point graduate in the class of 1861.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially assigned to the Twelfth Corps, the \u201cRochester Racehorses,\u201d as they were sometimes called, received a transfer to the Fifth Corps in November 1862, in time to participate in the Battle of Fredericksburg. Largely held out of action, they suffered few casualties. Other than some action on the first day, the 140th missed most of the Battle of Chancellorsville, too. At Gettysburg, however, they held an important position at a key moment on Little Round Top. There, Col. O\u2019Rorke was killed, shot through the neck. The regiment suffered significant casualties defending their position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Col. George Ryan, an 1857 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, assumed command of the regiment in July 1863, leading it during the fall and winter campaigns in northern and central Virginia. It was under Ryan\u2019s guidance, and in recognition of the regiment\u2019s exemplary drill and discipline, that they received authorization for Zouave uniforms in early 1864, just in time for some of their greatest trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consisting of dark blue baggy trousers, short dark blue jackets with red embroidered highlights, white shoe gaiters and accompanying brown leather jambiers, and topped with red fezzes with tassels, the Zouave uniforms of the 140th New York presented a striking image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regiment\u2019s Porter Farley remembered that \u201cWhen I rejoined [the regiment after a leave], on [January] 16, [1864] I found a very great, though not unexpected, change. The regiment had received and put on the blue zouave uniform, which it ever afterward wore.\u201d After describing their new outfits, Farley recalled, \u201cWith some modifications I regard it as the best uniform for an active campaign. The baggy trowsers certainly possess great advantage over any other kind. They wear much longer and are far more comfortable, both to march and sleep in. Their pockets are almost equivalent to a second haversack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Before receiving their Zouave uniforms in January 1864, the 140th New York wore standard-style uniforms. Pictured here is the 140th’s Pvt. Thomas S. Barney, who died of typhoid on January 20, 1863, at a hospital near Falmouth, Virginia.
(Library of Congress) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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146th New York Infantry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composed mainly of men from Oneida County, New York, the 146th New York was first commanded by Col. Kenner Garrard. The 146th, also known as \u201cGarrard\u2019s Tigers,\u201d like the 140th New York, was a fall 1862 regiment. The two regiments actually shared a long history together as they served in the same brigade beginning in November 1862.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As was the case with the 140th, the 146th sustained minimal casualties at Fredericksburg and was only involved in the May 1, 1863, fighting at Chancellorsville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About a month after Chancellorsville, over 200 men who had previously served in the 5th New York Infantry (Duryee\u2019s Zouaves) and who had signed three-year enlistments transferred to the 146th, when the majority of the 5th New York\u2019s two-year men mustered out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On June 3, 1863, possibly as a way of recognizing the proud service of the 5th New York Zouaves, the 146th adopted a Zouave uniform style. While it was of typical Zouave cut and fashion, it departed slightly from traditional Zouave colors. Instead of dark blue or red baggy trousers, the 146th chose light blue pants, their short jackets being of the same color. Instead of red trim highlights on their jackets, the 146th chose yellow. A red fez with yellow tassel served as their head gear, which could be combined with a white turban on dress occasions. The regiment\u2019s chronicler noted, \u201cThe first dress parade succeeding the receipt of our new uniforms was a most brilliant affair. We had no end of fun in dressing ourselves preparatory to it, for there were many things about our new costumes which some of us did not understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving with the 140th New York on Gettysburg\u2019s Little Round Top, but arriving as the Confederate assaults began to slack, the 146th endured fewer casualties than their comrades in the 140th. Col. Garrard received promotion to command the brigade after Brig. Gen. Stephen Weed was killed in the July 2 fighting. With Garrard\u2019s advancement, Lt. Col. David Jenkins became commander of the regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After campaigning into the fall and winter of 1863, the 146th eventually settled down into winter quarters at Warrenton Junction. The soldiers spent their time building shelters, hoping for care boxes from home, and drilling. Pvt. Charles Brandegee, writing to his brother in February 1864, stated, \u201cThings jog in their usual course here, yesterday our Brig[ade] was reviewed by Gen\u2019l Ayers Staff and wife. As our Brig is composed of 3 Zouave Regiments it presented quite an appearance. \u2018A terror to all rebels.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 146th New York’s Zouave uniforms differed from most others in the Army of the Potomac in that both the jacket and trousers were of light blue color. 
(Don Troiani)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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155th Pennsylvania Infantry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 155th Pennsylvania, like the 140th New York, received their Zouave uniforms in January 1864.
(Don Troiani)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Raised from men in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, and formed in September 1862 under the command of Col. Edward Allen, the 155th Pennsylvania was fortunate to just miss out on the Battle of Antietam. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the 155th served in Col. Peter H. Allabach\u2019s brigade, which was part of the division commanded by Brig. Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys, and saw significant combat while attacking Marye\u2019s Heights. Sgt. George P. McClelland wrote his sister about his experience at Fredericksburg: \u201cOur 1st Lieutenant was wounded on one side of me and several of the [wounded] boys on the other were crying for their comrades to take them off the field. It was a wonder I escaped. I stood on my feet and took as deliberate aim as I could. They shot a piece of my gun away. . . .\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still in Allabach\u2019s brigade during the Chancellorsville Campaign, the 155th spent time guarding fords, digging field entrenchments, supporting artillery near the Chancellor house, and serving as rearguard troops. These duties limited their direct exposure and thus their casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon after Chancellorsville, the 155th transferred to Brig. Gen. Stephen Weed\u2019s brigade (Brig. Gen. George Sykes\u2019 division), which included the 140th and 146th New York, and the 91st Pennsylvania. During the Battle of Gettysburg, they fought with their brigade-mates on Little Round Top on July 2, 1863. Still fighting with smoothbore muskets at that point, the 155th inflicted significant casualties upon the assaulting Confederates without sustaining many themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Led during the Battle of Gettysburg by Lt. Col. John H. Cain, due to Col. Allen\u2019s ongoing sickness, Cain became the regiment\u2019s commander when Allen resigned due to disability following Gettysburg. Leadership change came to the brigade as well when Weed was killed in the Little Round Top fighting and its command went to the former colonel of the 146th New York, Kenner Garrard, who led the three Zouave regiments until February when command went to Col. George Ryan, the former (and future) commander of the 140th New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the 155th\u2019s Lt. J. A. H. Foster, their camp was buzzing in January 1864 about new uniforms: \u201cThere is nothing of any importance going on about camp with the exceptions of the boys talking about the new uniform they are appealing to get. It is a \u2018Zouave Uniform\u2019 dark blue pants and round about [jacket]. The pants are wide and to be worn with leggings. The cap is a red Fez . . . with blue tassel. The sash is red with blue trimming, (that is the edges is bound with red.) It will look very well I think. Some of the men are anxious to get them while others are much opposed to them. For my part I don\u2019t care whether they get them or not. It is very little difference to me [just] so my clothes are comfortable.\u201d The uniforms of the 155th Pennsylvania were similar to the 140th New York\u2019s expect the 155th jackets had yellow trim instead of red trim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the March 1864 army reorganization, the 155th Pennsylvania and the two New York Zouave regiments, along with the 91st Pennsylvania, were transferred to Romeyn Ayers\u2019 brigade, joining force with Ayers\u2019 regulars.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Battle of the Wilderness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This photograph shows the north side of Saunders Field at the Wilderness looking west and from the perspective of the 140th and 146th New York Infantry regiments. They moved toward the tree line in the far background. The Orange Plank Road is just off the left of the photo,
running east and west.
(Tim Talbott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By the spring of 1864, the three Zouave regiments of Ayres’ brigade were all well drilled and had gained valuable experience in combat situations, and were seasoned to camp life. However, they would soon face their greatest combat trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On May 1, 1864, Ayers\u2019 brigade broke their winter camps near Rappahannock Station, crossed the river, and moved the short distance to Brandy Station, where they stayed until May 3, when they pushed south at about 11:00 pm. Early the next morning, with Sheridan\u2019s cavalry leading the way, they crossed the Rapidan River at Germanna Ford at about 6:00 am and encamped along the north side of the Orange Turnpike, not too far from the Lacy House, Ellwood, which was across the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Gen. Griffin receiving orders on May 5 from Gen. Warren to move west along the Orange Turnpike, Ayers\u2019 brigade led the march at about noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 140th New York, their left flank resting on the north side of the road, advanced along with the five units of Ayers\u2019 U.S. Regulars to their right. Forming the second line was the 146th New York, which was directly behind the 140th. To the right of the 146th was the 91st Pennsylvania, and then the 155th Pennsylvania. Expecting to fight immediately, the regiments dropped their knapsacks and placed guards over them. Skirmish fire began up the road, and Confederate artillery threw some iron eastward at the gathering Federals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pushing ahead through the tangled Wilderness toward their skirmishers proved challenging for Ayers\u2019 men. Soon, however, the 140th emerged into a cleared area known as Saunders Field. In front of them, roughly halfway across the field, a small dip in the terrain created a shallow ravine that ran roughly perpendicular to the road, then the ground rose toward the west end of the field. Standing on the rise were Confederates in Brig. Gen. George Steuart\u2019s mixed brigade of North Carolina and Virginia regiments from Maj. Gen Edward Johnson\u2019s division, Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell\u2019s Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Col. George Ryan, hat in hand, led the 140th New York at the Battle of the Wilderness.
Amazingly, he survived unscathed.
(Don Troiani)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Steuart\u2019s men let loose a long-range volley as the 140th showed itself entering Saunders Field. In addition to several men being hit, Col. Ryan\u2019s horse took a bullet that made the animal unmanageable, so Ryan dismounted. The colonel ordered the men to lie down and fix their bayonets. Quickly, Ryan ordered the men to stand and charge. Lt. Porter Farley recalled, \u201cColonel Ryan was with us, he and I running so near together that we exchanged words as we went across the field. Veering toward the road, the 140th ended up straddling the thoroughfare by the time they reached their foe in the wood line at the west end of Saunders Field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking casualties while crossing the field, Ryan continued to lead the men, waving his hat, as he had left his sword with his wounded horse. \u201cHe was full of energy, and though we were in a forest he showed himself at every point of our thin line during those few desperate minutes,\u201d Lt. Fraley remembered of Ryan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outpacing their U.S. Regular comrades on their right, who had to stumble through the tangled woods rather than across an open field, the 140th, now back in the woods themselves after pushing their enemies, quickly became vulnerable on their right flank. Hit hard by the Confederates from that end, \u201cThe regiment melted away like snow. Men disappeared as if the earth had swallowed them,\u201d noted Farley. He added, \u201cEvery officer about me was shot down.\u201d Confusion reigned amidst the smoke, flying projectiles, noise, and thick woods. With so few officers still standing, the enlisted men looked for leadership that was now terribly missing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The shallow ravine on the north side of Saunders Field is visible in this photograph. The slight depression is mentioned by numerous soldiers.
(Tim Talbott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The casualties suffered by the 140th New York Infantry are engraved on the regiment’s monument in Saunders Field.
(Tim Talbott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In an attempt to assist the 140th, a section of Battery D, 1st New York Light Artillery under the command of Lt. W. H. Shelton rolled west on the turnpike into position, and although its men and horses took numerous hits, it unlimbered and threw canister toward the Confederate line. Unfortunately for the 140th, the artillerymen caused injury to friends and foes alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within a few minutes, the second line, consisting of the 146th New York and the 155th Pennsylvania, along with the 91st Pennsylvania sandwiched between the two Zouave units, came up in an attempt to support the right of the 140th New York. With fixed bayonets, they rushed forward. About the time that the 146th New York crossed the shallow ravine, they were hit with a couple of volleys from the Confederates. \u201cMany threw their arms wildly in the air as they fell backward, the death-rattle in their throats. Others, wounded more or less severely, reeled in their tracks and collapsed upon the field or staggered to the rear in search of aid,\u201d noted their regimental history. One of the wounded was the 146th\u2019s color-bearer, George F. Williams, hit by three bullets. Another member of the color guard grabbed the flag, who soon fell killed. Corp. Conrad Neuschler, the only remaining uninjured man of the color guard, took up the flag and was heading for the rear when he stumbled and fell and was then wounded. Sgt. J. Albert Jennison, seeing Neuschler fall, grabbed the flag and, \u201cdodging the bullets they fired at him by bounding from side to side like a rabbit,\u201d Jennison kept the flag safe, making it safely to the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Col. David Jenkins of the 146th New York Infantry was one of the men missing from the regiment. Not captured, Jenkins was presumed killed during the fighting and likely buried in an unmarked grave on the battlefield.
(Find A Grave)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Led by Col. David Jenkins, the 146th New York plunged forward, moving across Saunders Field, taking casualties at the shallow ravine and then moving into the Wilderness at the double quick on the west end of Saunders Field. Some amount of hand-to-hand fighting occurred among the defenders and the surviving attackers. Like the 140th New York before them, the 146th had outpaced its right flank units. The Confederate brigades of James Walker (Virginians) and Leroy Stafford (Louisianians), \u201csignaled their approach by one of their demoniac battle-yells and at the same time poured a volley\u201d into the right flank of the regiment. According to the regimental historian, \u201cThe result was a complete rout, and escape to the rear became the only alternative to being killed or captured.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the force of Confederate fire from the attack on their right was not enough, Ayres\u2019 brigade also endured Gen. John M. Jones\u2019 Virginia brigade on their left flank. The game was up. \u201cWe were in a bag, and the string was tied,\u201d noted Capt. W. H. S. Sweet of the 146th. Lt. Farley of the 140th remembered: \u201cWe were nearly cut off, but taking our only chance for escape started back across the open field.\u201d Fleeing with Sgt. John McDermont by his side, Farley claimed, \u201cit seemed as if bullets flew about faster than ever, and I was never more surprised in my life than when we reached unhurt the shelter of the wood on the [east] side [of Saunders Field].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being on the end of the line receiving the primary flanking maneuver by the Confederates, which was in the thick woods, the 155th Pennsylvania had little opportunity for a stand-up fight. The regimental history of the 155th paints a picture with words: \u201cAs if to hide from view the victims of man\u2019s wrath, everywhere a gentle steady rain of twigs and leaves was falling to the earth, pruned by the same hail that penetrated the flesh and splintered the bones of the devoted men of the few regiments that vainly fought to destroy or at least check this terrific onslaught.\u201d The dense woods also kept the standard of the 155th \u201ctightly furled around the staff,\u201d as there was \u201cNo room among the thorns and briars of that enslaving jungle to unfurl the flag.\u201d Despite demands to surrender, Sgt. Thomas C. Lawson beat feet to the rear, running through a thicket of briars, as did Color-Sergeant Thomas Marlen, saving the colors. Some of the Keystone State Zouaves carried wounded comrades back to their original lines. Still others, the wounded, the shocked, and the confused, became prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A member of the 146th last saw Col. Jenkins in the woods on the west side of Saunders Field, \u201cleaning for a moment on his sword wiping perspiration and blood from his face with his handkerchief. He had reached within a few feet of the enemy\u2019s works, cheering his men by his presence and inspiring them by his wonderful courage.\u201d It was the last time anyone recalled seeing Jenkins. He was probably killed and then buried in an unmarked grave on the battlefield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The survivors of the Zouave regiments in Ayers’ brigade likely held positions similar to this one on the south side of Saunders Field (looking west) during May 6, 1864. The Orange Turnpike is just off the right side of this photograph, running east and west.
(Library of Congress)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Amazingly, somehow, the 140th\u2019s Col. Ryan survived the bedlam. Capt. Farley recalled meeting Ryan, Maj. Milo Starks and Capt. Patrick McMullen back on the east side of Saunders Field. \u201cIt was a wild meeting,\u201d claimed Farley. \u201cOvercome by our conflicting emotions of wrath, excitement and mortification, we all talked at once. \u2018My God,\u2019 said Ryan, \u2018I\u2019m the first colonel I ever knew who couldn\u2019t tell where his regiment was.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, all three of the Zouave regiments had suffered. According to the Official Records, the 140th lost 23 killed, 118 wounded, and 114 captured or missing, making a total of 255 casualties, which was almost half of the regiment. The 146th endured 20 killed, 67 wounded, and 225 captured or missing, totaling 312 losses, approximately half the regiment. Along with Col. Jenkins, Maj. Henry Curran was also killed. Less hard hit was the 155th Pennsylvania with 7 killed, 42 wounded, and 6 captured or missing, amounting to 55 losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the day before, May 6 was relatively quiet for the Zouaves of Ayers\u2019 brigade. They moved to the south side to the Orange Turnpike, and while some served as forward skirmishers, others supported a battle line without getting engaged. After engineers completed an earthwork line, the brigade occupied it until dark and then received orders to reposition several times during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ayers’ Zouave regiments participated in the May 8, 1864, attacks at the Spindle Farm at Spotsylvania.
(Tim Talbott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On May 7, the Army of the Potomac advanced south from the Wilderness toward Spotsylvania Court House via Brock Road. In advance of the Fifth Corps, Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan\u2019s cavalry battled Confederate horsemen, slowly pushing them back, attempting to clear the way for Warren\u2019s infantry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The morning of May 8 witnessed the Fifth Corps dislodge the Confederate cavalry at Todd\u2019s Tavern. Pushing on south, with John C. Robinson\u2019s division in the lead and Griffin\u2019s division following, Warren encountered Confederate infantry under Maj. Gen. Richard H. Anderson arrayed on the Spindle farm, furiously digging in. The Fifth Corps commander, thinking he was facing dismounted cavalry, believed the time was ripe to attack before the Confederates fully entrenched with artillery support. Robinson\u2019s three brigades along with Brig. Gen. Joseph Barlett\u2019s from Griffin\u2019s division attacked with devastating results. Griffin’s other brigades went in next, including Ayers\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 140th New York\u2019s Capt. Porter Farley recalled, \u201cAll I can say is that in two or three minutes Colonel Ryan called on the regiment to follow him, and he dashed ahead on horseback.\u201d Following their leader, and still in a column of fours, \u201cin just the same order we had been [marching] in upon the road,\u201d they \u201crushed on in that mad, blind style till our colonel was shot off his horse, our major [Milo Starks] killed and our men entangled among other commands. . . .\u201d In too much confusion, \u201cwe fell back badly handled . . . with a loss of two officers and six men killed and two officers and about forty-five men wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Col. Ryan, shot through the body, apparently told Lt. John Buckley, who had his leg broken by a bullet and fell near Ryan, that he (Ryan) thought he was mortally wounded. One soldier, Pvt. Morris Ritter, was killed attempting to get Col. Ryan off the field. A few hours after the fight, Corp. Edwin Tripp went on the battlefield and carried Buckley into Union lines. Maj. Starks was killed instantly with a bullet to the head. Another officer, Lt. Erastus Davis, received a wound to the neck but remained with his company until back within their lines.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Col. George Ryan of the 140th New York was mortally wounded on
May 8, 1864, at Spotsylvania.   
(Find A Grave)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 155th Pennsylvania suffered, too. Col. Alfred L. Pearson noted in his report that in \u201ccharging the enemy\u2019s position [we] found them in too large force to push forward our column, and halted in a favorable position, and received orders to hold it, which we did.\u201d Col. Pearson also reported that on May 8, his regiment lost 6 killed, 38 wounded, and 3 missing. Among those killed was Capt. E. E. Clapp, who had earlier received a 20-day furlough. Instead of heading home, Clapp chose to pocket it due to the recent constant fighting. He felt he needed to be with his company. Pvt. Samuel Hill, wounded in the head by a minie ball, fell unconscious. Refusing a recuperative furlough, Hill returned to his company within a week, which was still at Spotsylvania.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next three days saw Ayers\u2019 brigade \u201cin rifle-pits and on picket duty, exposed to the enemy\u2019s shell fire and sharpshooters.\u201d On May 12, in conjunction with the Second, Sixth, and Ninth Corps attacks on the Muleshoe Salient, Ayers\u2019 brigade and other Fifth Corps units (excepting the two New York Zouave regiments) attacked again at Laurel Hill to hold the Confederate troops there in place. That night, Ayers maneuvered to the left in support of the Second Corps. On the morning of May 13, they marched about a mile back to the right and entrenched. That night, the Fifth Corps received orders to march from their position on the far right around the Army of the Potomac to the far left. The movement took all night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Capt. E. E. Clap of the 155th Pennsylvania was killed on May 8, 1864, at Spotsylvania. 
(Image from Under the Maltese Cross: Antietam to Appomattox, Campaigns of the 155th Pennsylvania Regiment<\/em>, published 1910.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arriving in their new position, and with little to no rest from the previous night’s march, two regiments, the 140th New York Zouaves and the 91st Pennsylvania, were ordered to drive the 9th Virginia Cavalry off of Myer\u2019s Hill, a commanding piece of high ground in the direction of Spotsylvania Court House. Led by Lt. Col. Elwell Otis of the 140th, the roughly 300 men attacked the Confederate horsemen there, driving them back. Some of the southerners briefly took shelter in the Myers house and outbuildings before retreating. Confederate dismounted cavalry reinforcements arrived and counterattacked, now sending Otis\u2019s men looking for cover around the Myers house. With increased Federal artillery fire from below the hill and the timely arrival of Col. Emory Upton\u2019s Sixth Corps brigade, the rebel cavalrymen withdrew to the Massaponax Church Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ayers\u2019 two regiments were relieved by Upton\u2019s brigade and returned to their Fifth Corps comrades at the Beverly farm, while Upton\u2019s men began to entrench the position. Unwilling to give up the key position so easily, Gen. Lee instructed Lt. Gen. Jubal Early to recapture Myers Hill. A Confederate attack in the late afternoon by two brigades from Maj. Gen. William Mahone\u2019s division drove off Upton\u2019s men and almost captured Gen. Meade, who had come to see the position.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in safe confines, Meade ordered two Sixth Corps divisions and Ayers\u2019 brigade to recapture Myers Hill. Ayers\u2019 brigade arrived first. The Confederates, seeing the approaching Federal columns, realizing they were outnumbered and seeing the now changed disposition of the two armies\u2019 lines, abandoned the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three Zouave regiments in Ayers\u2019 brigade did not participate in any other attacks at Spotsylvania. Their assignments were mainly performing picket duty and manning the earthwork lines. Over their last six days at Spotsylvania, they continued to endure casualties, but they now came in ones and twos instead of dozens at a time. On the afternoon of May 20, they set their sights south again and headed first for Guiney Station, and then other battlefields beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brig. Gen. Romeyn B. Ayers, who had previous experience commanding a division, received the opportunity again by leading a Fifth Corps division during the Petersburg Campaign.
(Library of Congress)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Color Sergeant James Marlen, 155th Pennsylvania, saved the regiment’s colors at the Battle of the Wilderness.
(Image from Under the Maltese Cross: Antietam to Appomattox, Campaigns of the 155th Pennsylvania Regiment<\/em>, published 1910)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 140th and 146th New York, and 155th Pennsylvania continued to serve in the Fifth Corps through the remainder of the Overland Campaign, the long Petersburg Campaign, and the Appomattox Campaign. They fought at North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor, Petersburg\u2019s First Offensive, Weldon Railroad (Globe Tavern), Peebles\u2019 Farm, Hatcher\u2019s Run, White Oak Road, Five Forks, and Appomattox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earliest of the three Zouave regiments to muster out was the 155th Pennsylvania on June 2, 1865. The 140th New York completed their service obligation the following day. The 146th New York remained in service until July 16, 1865.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some Sources and Suggested Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brian A. Bennett, ed. An Unvarnished Tale: The Public and Private Civil War Writings of Porter Farley, 140th N.Y.V.I.<\/em> Triphammer Publishing, 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brian A. Bennett. Sons of Old Monroe: A Regimental History of Patrick O’Rorke’s 140th New York Volunteer Infantry<\/em>. Morningside Books, 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary Genevie Green Brainard. Campaigns of the 146th Regiment New York State Volunteers<\/em>. Schroeder Publications, 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charles F. McKenna. Under the Maltese Cross: Antietam to Appomattox, Campaigns of the 155th Pennsylvania Regiment<\/em>. The 155th Regimental Association, 1910.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Parting Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The graves of the 140th New York Infantry’s colonels, Patrick H. O’Rorke and George Ryan, are located together in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
at Rochester, New York.
(Gayle Ollson Hale, Find A Grave)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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