Soldier Story: Benjamin Pearson a new family link to the Civil War

 I have been digging more and more into my family heritage, recently I found yet another link for my family to the Civil War. Ironically he served in one of my favorite units, the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry.

Benjamin Pearson my 1st Cousin 4x removed was 21 when he joined the 151st in September of 1862. 

The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered into service at Harrisburg in October 1862 before moving to Union Mills, Virginia. Many of its soldiers were schoolteachers, students, and farmers, particularly from Berks and Susquehanna Counties in Pennsylvania, earning the regiment its nickname, "The Schoolteachers' Regiment."

The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought from May 1 to May 5, 1863, just months before their role at Gettysburg. While their actions at Chancellorsville are less renowned, the regiment still played an important supporting role in the campaign.

Chancellorsville:

The 151st Pennsylvania was part of the I Corps, commanded by General John F. Reynolds, and assigned to the 3rd Division, 1st Brigade, led by Brigadier General Thomas A. Rowley.

During the battle, the I Corps, including the 151st Pennsylvania, was stationed on the Union right flank near United States Ford along the Rappahannock River. The corps was held in reserve to safeguard critical river crossings and to provide reinforcements if needed.

While the main Union forces engaged in fierce combat against General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army, the 151st Pennsylvania did not see significant action, as their primary mission was to secure the rear and protect Union lines of retreat.

Then they moved north chasing Lee into Pennsylvania.

Battle of Gettysburg:

• First Day (July 1, 1863): As part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division of the I Corps, the 151st Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in holding back advancing Confederate forces during the initial clash west of Gettysburg. Fighting alongside the renowned Iron Brigade near McPherson's Ridge, the regiment fiercely resisted the Confederate advance, buying precious time for Union forces.

Benjamin would be wounded here, having his left index finger shot off.

• Second Day (July 2, 1863): The regiment was repositioned to Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill, where it provided vital support to Union defensive lines.
• Third Day (July 3, 1863): During Pickett's Charge, the 151st Pennsylvania was instrumental in helping repel the massive Confederate assault, though at a staggering cost.

The regiment suffered devastating casualties at Gettysburg, losing over two-thirds of its men. Among the wounded was its commander, Lieutenant Colonel George F. McFarland, who lost a leg. Despite these heavy losses, the regiment’s heroic stand earned high praise from General Abner Doubleday, who described their performance as "among the most heroic in the war."

After the expiration of its nine-month enlistment, the regiment was mustered out of service on July 27, 1863. 

Benjamin would return home to Shartlesville Pennsylvania and continue working as a Carpenter until his death in 1901

Soldier Story; Charles Henry Fasnacht: Medal of Honor Recipient

 Charles Henry Fasnacht, born Karl Heinrich Fasnacht on March 27, 1842, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was an American soldier who distinguished himself during the Civil War. He enlisted in Company A of the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry and rose to the rank of sergeant.

Fasnacht participated in numerous significant battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, where he was wounded on December 13, 1862. However, his most notable act of bravery occurred on May 12, 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia.

The 99th Pennsylvania Infantry played a vital role in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, fought from May 8 to May 21, 1864. As part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, II Corps of the Army of the Potomac, the regiment was engaged in several key actions during this intense and protracted campaign.

May 8, 1864: Engagement at Laurel Hill 

On May 8, the regiment participated in the assault on Laurel Hill. Despite facing formidable Confederate defenses, they pressed forward, suffering significant casualties, including the deaths of Captain Lewis Waters and Lieutenant Henry Zeisart.

May 10, 1864: Skirmish at the Po River 

Two days later, on May 10, the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry was involved in operations near the Po River. These maneuvers aimed to flank Confederate positions and exert pressure along multiple fronts.

May 12, 1864: Assault on the Salient (Bloody Angle)

The regiment's most heroic action came on May 12 during the assault on the Salient, commonly known as the Bloody Angle. In this fierce combat, the 99th Pennsylvania demonstrated extraordinary courage, capturing two Confederate battle flags, two artillery pieces, and numerous prisoners. However, their bravery came at a high cost. Lieutenant Colonel Edwin R. Biles, Captain Peter Fritz, and Captain Washington Worrall were wounded, and the regiment's strength was drastically reduced—only four officers and 60 enlisted men remained from the 325 who had started the campaign just a week earlier.

The actions of the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry at Spotsylvania exemplified their valor and determination, contributing significantly to the Union's relentless efforts during the Overland Campaign. The sacrifices they endured reflect the intense and brutal nature of the Civil War.

During the fighting at Spotsylvania, Charles Henry Fasnacht performed a remarkable act of heroism. In a hand-to-hand contest, he captured the flag of the 2nd Louisiana Tigers, a Confederate unit. Severely wounded during this confrontation, Fasnacht lay on the battlefield for several days before being captured by Confederate forces. While being transported to Richmond, Virginia, he was rescued by Union troops. Throughout his captivity, Fasnacht had hidden the captured flag under his shirt.

For his extraordinary bravery, Fasnacht was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 2, 1878. His citation reads: "Capture of flag of 2nd Louisiana Tigers (C.S.A.) in a hand-to-hand contest."

Fasnacht was promoted to first lieutenant on February 7, 1865, and continued to serve until he was honorably mustered out on July 1, 1865. He passed away on July 21, 1902, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His legacy remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Civil War.

Soldier Story: Private John "Albert" Sunday 96th Pennsylvania Infantry

 

John Albert Sunday (Known as Albert) was born on the outskirts of Hamburg Pennsylvania on May 12^th 1845 to John and Margaret Sunday.

At 18 he joined company G of the 96^th Pennsylvania Infantry and mustered in in Pottsville PA on October 23^rd 1861.

After the Battle of Gettysburg, the 96th Regiment, along with the rest of the Army of the Potomac, pursued General Lee's army southward. By October 1863, they were stationed along the Rappahannock River. During a subsequent battle near Bristoe Station, Albert was captured and swiftly sent to the notorious Andersonville Prison in Georgia.

Andersonville Prison

He and two other Union soldiers managed to escape the prison in early September...

The story was relayed in the August 10^th, 1893, National Tribune

“A very pleasant reunion recently occurred in Chicago, involving Comrades William Gannon of Hartland, Michigan; John A. Sunday of Hamburg (Pennsylvania); and Robert Commons of Chicago. On September 11, 1861 (Should be 1864), these three men escaped together from Andersonville. After traveling for nine days, or rather nights, they reached the Union lines 12 miles south of Atlanta. They attribute the success of their escape to a blunder.

When leaving the prison, they followed a little stream for several hours, only to find that it brought them back to their original starting place. This fortunate error meant the hounds, which were put in chase immediately upon the discovery of their escape, did not track them, as the roundabout circuit proved too much for the dogs. Mr. Gannon said that Comrade Commons was nearly played out during the escape, having five gangrene sores on his legs and feet.

"We could not leave him behind, or would not, so we made bandages from our shirts to protect Mr. Commons's feet, as we were all barefooted. It was difficult to get anything to eat. By eating berries and green corn, we pulled through. One colored man gave us some flour. We tried to make a fire but had to put it out because of the smoke, which might have led to our capture. General McArthur was the first Union man we met, and we were sent to Atlanta, arriving after its fall. General Sherman was reviewing the troops. We were provided with clothing and transportation to our respective commands. We parted at Indianapolis, and in the excitement of parting, we neglected to take each other's addresses."

After the war John returned home and became a dealer in Horses and cattle on the corner of 3rd and Walnut in Hamburg

John is buried at St. Johns Church in Hamburg Pennsylvania

Soldier Story: David Vetter New Ringgold PA

 

David Vetter was born in Pottsville PA on February 22^nd 1843 to John and Mary Hetzel. He started off working as a boatman on the Schuylkill Navigation and then moved to New York State where he worked as a boatman on the Erie Canal.

After the war broke out, this is where he joined the 120^th New York Infantry company H in at Kingston New York in August of 1862 under the command of Colonel George Henry Sharpe

 

Henry Sharpe

The 120th New York Infantry, also known as the Ulster Regiment or Washington Guards, was recruited from Greene and Ulster counties. The regiment assembled at Kingston and was mustered into U.S. service on August 22, 1862, for a three-year term. In July, August, and October of 1864, its ranks were bolstered by veterans and recruits from the 71st and 72nd New York regiments.

 

The regiment, 900 strong, left the state on August 24, 1862, and proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it encamped near the Chain Bridge. In early September, it was attached to the renowned Excelsior Brigade (Sickles' 2nd Division, 3rd Corps) and saw its first combat at Fredericksburg.

 

According to Col. Fox, in his account of the three hundred fighting regiments, the 120th was actively engaged at Chancellorsville, then part of Berry's Division, demonstrating commendable steadiness and efficiency. The regiment suffered 4 killed, 49 wounded, and 13 missing in that battle.

In June David received leave to return home to marry his sweetheart (and second cousin), Mary Hetzel.

At Gettysburg, now in Humphrey's Division, it was caught in the disaster of the second day's battle but managed to retreat in good order to the second line, fighting as it went. The casualties at Gettysburg totaled 30 killed, 154 wounded, and 19 missing, with 8 officers killed and 9 wounded.

 120th Monument at Gettysburg

After the 3rd Corps was merged into the 2nd, the 120th was placed in Brewster's Brigade of Mott's Division and continued to fight under the 2nd Corps flags, retaining their old 3rd Corps badge. When Mott's Division was discontinued, the Excelsior Brigade became part of Birney's (3rd) Division, later becoming the 4th Brigade. General Mott eventually commanded this division, with Col. McAllister leading the brigade.

 

The regiment faced significant losses in several battles: 5 killed, 48 wounded, and 8 missing at the Wilderness; 8 killed, 30 wounded, and 21 missing at the Boydton Road; and 6 killed, 32 wounded, and 46 missing at Hatcher's Run. During the Virginia campaigns of 1863, following Gettysburg, the regiment lost 140 men killed, wounded, and missing. It also suffered heavily in the trenches before Petersburg, with 51 casualties.

 

In the final campaign, culminating in Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the regiment's losses totaled 52 killed, wounded, and missing. The 120th displayed remarkable bravery and discipline, notably rallying three times around its colors on the second day of Gettysburg.

 

The regiment participated in 17 significant battles, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spotsylvania Where David was wounded in the side.

Then the 120^th moved on to fight at North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, and White Oak Road. It was also present at Fredericksburg, Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Po River, Deep Bottom, Sailor's Creek, Farmville, and Appomattox.

 

The 120th was mustered out near Washington, D.C., under Lt. Col. Lockwood on June 3, 1865. Throughout its service, the regiment enrolled 1,626 men, with 51 dying in Confederate prisons, 11 officers and 140 men killed or mortally wounded, and 3 officers and 179 men dying of disease and other causes.

After the war David returned to Pennsylvania where he became the night telegraph operator at New Ringgold Station. in 1878 the Justice of the Peace for the area. In 1891 we became the station agent at New Ringgold, he also served as the US  Express Agent.

He fathered 8 children

David was laid to rest at Friedens Church Cemetery in New Ringgold, Schuylkill County where he served as Deacon for many years

He belonged to Doubleday Post 189 GAR and Washington Camp 100 POS of A

 

Soldier Stories: The Hatch Brothers of Port Clinton PA

 

Oliver, Arthur, and George Hatch were three of the four sons of David and Salome “Sarah” Hatch, with the eldest being Nelson. They grew up in the tranquil town of Port Clinton, nestled in the Schuylkill Gap. Their father, David, passed away in 1842 at the age of 52, and their mother, Sarah, followed him in 1860.

In 1861, as the Civil War broke out, Oliver (27) and Arthur (23) answered the call to arms and joined Company B of the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry under Colonel James Nagle. They saw their first action at the Battle of Falling Waters near Williamsport, Maryland, which was little more than a heavy skirmish.

When their three-month enlistment ended, they re-enlisted and mustered into the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Their older brother George (31) joined them there as well. The regiment headed south to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where they were assigned to protect Fort Hatteras and Fort Clarke.

In March 1862, they joined General Burnside in the attack on New Bern, where they helped keep the armies supplied with ammunition during the battle. In August 1862, Oliver, now a 2nd Lieutenant, was wounded in the leg during the Second Battle of Bull Run, leading to the amputation of his leg. Tragically, the War Department mistakenly listed him as dead, causing distress to his wife, Mary, until he surprisingly returned home to Port Clinton.

Arthur and George continued with the 48th, participating in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the winter of 1863, they charged Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Arthur fell ill and died of heart complications in Newport News, Virginia, in February 1863.

George, the last remaining Hatch brother, fought with the 48th through Petersburg and assisted in building the famous mine at the Battle of the Crater. He was mustered out with the regiment on July 17, 1865, and returned home. Back in Port Clinton, he worked as a mechanic for the railroad until 1882, when a tragic accident occurred. While working on a train, a passing passenger train struck a crowbar on the tracks, which hit George, leading to his death that same day.

The Civil War was a time of profound tragedy, especially for families with multiple sons fighting side by side. Brothers who grew up together, shared childhood memories, and supported each other through life’s challenges found themselves facing the horrors of battle together. The bond that once brought them joy now became a source of immense sorrow as they witnessed each other’s suffering and, in many cases, death. 

The Hatch brothers’ story is a poignant example of this tragedy. Oliver, Arthur, and George Hatch, who enlisted together with hopes of defending their country, faced the brutal realities of war. Oliver lost a leg, Arthur succumbed to illness, and George endured the loss of his siblings before finally returning home, only to meet a tragic end himself. 

The emotional toll on these brothers, and countless others like them, underscores the devastating impact of the Civil War on families, leaving behind scars that would last a lifetime.

The little known battle of Cockle Creek

  Lately I have been reading alot of stories of the "unknown" battles of the Civil war. One of them happened at Chincoteque Island Virginia in 1861.

On the evening of September 28 1861, eight small boats were seen rowing toward Chincoteague Inlet Virginia from the mainland. An alarm bell rang at the W.H. Watson and Company warehouse, and 94 armed men from Chincoteague responded, taking up positions by their warehouses and docks. The boats, however, weren't attacking Chincoteague; they were marking the channel with lanterns for two sloops and a large schooner to enter the inlet.

 By dawn, the three ships anchored near Cockle Creek, replacing the British flag on the schooner, Venus, with the Confederate banner. On the afternoon of the 25th, an oyster sloop commanded by Edward Whaley Jr., crewed by William Lynch, John Jester, Henry Savage, and Robert Snead, set off to Hampton Roads to again warn the Navy. Escorted by guard boats to the flagship, the steam frigate USS Minnesota, they presented their case to Captain Goldsborough and then dined in Minnesota's great cabin. Four sailors from Minnesota, armed with rifles and cutlasses, accompanied them back to Chincoteague, pledging immediate aid.

On September 30, Navy Lieutenant Commander Alexander Murray arrived at Chincoteague with 90 men aboard the propeller-driven, iron-hull steamer, USS Louisiana.

Meanwhile, the Venus was quickly transformed into a privateer with ten guns: besides cannons, 1,000 New England rifles, shot, and three tons of powder were put aboard. This 135-foot (41-meter) schooner, with her broad beam and shallow draft, would have been ideal for preying on ships entering or leaving Delaware Bay.

But at 9 a.m. on October 5, two boats from Louisiana were launched and attacked the Venus with howitzers. Louisiana navigated through Chincoteague Inlet and fired her 32-pounder. A force of 300 Virginians tried to cut off the Louisiana's boats, but Federal crews attacked and boarded Venus. The heavy fire from Louisiana silenced the Virginian defenses, and the Federal boarding party set fire to Venus, burning her to the waterline before she sank in Cockle Creek. 

The two accompanying sloops were captured and taken to Norfolk as war prizes. Upon hearing the news, Winfield Scott reportedly ordered Chincoteague oysters and Bermuda onions at Willard's Hotel.

Soldier Story: Private Jesse Tyson at Antietam 162 Years ago today

 Jesse Tyson was a 30-year-old carpenter living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near what is now Fairmount Park. He joined the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry on August 29, 1861.

On the afternoon of September 16, 1862, the 88th Pennsylvania crossed Antietam Creek. The Union Army prepared for a fight but only skirmished until darkness fell. The 88th rested on their arms in a patch of woods just beyond the famous cornfield.

162 years ago today, the 88th Pennsylvania was ordered to fall in. When the sun first peeked above the horizon, the enemy’s cannon opened up.

From the regimental history of the 88th:

“Directly in front and to the right of the regiment was an immense cornfield occupied by the enemy, to whom the men sent their leaden compliments as fast as they could load and fire, the graybacks doing the same favor in return. A burning barn was fiercely blazing a little to the left, while to the right heavy lines of the enemy were in sight, apparently bearing heavily on the regiments farther to the right. The Confederates in the immediate front of the regiment were mostly concealed, and it was extremely difficult to get a fair shot at them, but their fire told very severely on the ranks of the command, the men dropping like autumn leaves in a storm.”

They pushed out of the woods and met with heavy resistance, eventually pushing them back.

At some point, Private Jesse Tyson joined more than 4,000 soldiers who lost their lives that day.

88th PA Private John Vautier wrote of Jesse in his diary:

"Visited the battleground again today. Saw the ground on which we fought. Saw the graves of our beloved and noble comrades who had sacrificed their lives…the ground is still red with their blood. I made a headboard for Jess Tyson’s grave, and wrote on it.

Jesse Tyson

Co. I 88th Regt. Penna. Vols.

Killed Sept. 17, 1862

A brave Soldier and Kind Comrade

Rest in Peace"

According to the Elliot map of burials at Antietam, two of the 88th’s ten dead were hastily buried just north of the Mumma Farm where there used to be a road. Thanks to battlefield preservation, it may have been the spot circled in the overhead map.

Private Tyson was disinterred from the makeshift burial and moved to the National Cemetery in Antietam, where he rests today.

The Devastating effects of the Civil War to Berks County

Just a few days ago, I had the privilege of walking with my local Historical Society on the fields of Gettysburg. I served as a tour guide, highlighting our local heroes who fought in that epic battle.

One of our local units was the 9-month 151st Pennsylvania Infantry. 

The 151st played a crucial role in several key battles, most famously at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

During this pivotal conflict, the regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, I Corps, and faced intense combat on the first day. Despite being heavily outnumbered and suffering significant casualties, the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry held their ground, contributing to the Union’s eventual victory.

As part of my examples, I handed out a list showing 206 men who, in the span of 20 minutes, were killed (red), captured (blue), wounded (yellow), or missing (green) at Herbst Woods and the area in front of the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Being a very visual person, I felt this was a stark representation of the tragedy of war in such a short span of time.

The 151st brought 446 men and 21 officers to Gettysburg. Of these, 79 men and 2 officers were killed, 172 men and 9 officers were wounded, and 71 men and 4 officers were captured or went missing. Their total loss over those three days was 322 men and 15 officers.

(cont after the list)

Bernville, PA, founded in 1819, was a small but growing community that served as a local hub for the predominantly agrarian society. The nearby Union Canal played a significant role in the area’s development, facilitating the transport of goods. The town housed a few essential establishments, including general stores, blacksmith shops, farms, and churches.

Just a few miles north, a newer community, Strausstown (established in 1840), sat at the base of the sleepy Blue Mountains. Both of these communities, though small, were typical thriving German heritage Pennsylvania farming communities.

Company G of the 151st came from Strausstown, and Company H from the Bernville area. 

In the course of 20 minutes on July 1st, 1863, Bernville, with a population of 350 residents, and Strausstown, with a population half that, lost 63 of their sons, wounded and killed. For those small communities, that number was devastating, and it wasn’t the full complement of those lost during the war.

These were not light wounds either. Reading through the muster roll, you find that 20-30% of the wounded ended up losing an arm or leg.

In Company G men like Jared Dunkelberger would be shot in the eye blinding him for the rest of his life. Isaac Kalbach was shot in the left shoulder and part of his finger shot off. Henry Kitzzel would be shot in the left temple, Levi Kline in the left shoulder blade.

William W Strause, one of five first cousins to fight in the 151st was hit by an exploding shell in the leg, six pieces had to be removed and his bone was shattered. 

In Company H Alfred Lacy would be hit in the back of the head by a bullet and a two inch piece of his skull would be removed. John McIntyre shot in the forehead and blinded, James Edwin Maddison would lose an arm, William Sweetland...a hand. 

On July 27th, less than a month after the horrors of Gettysburg, the 151st was mustered out and sent home. Those who were able made their way back to Harrisburg and from there returned to their communities.

Besides their physical wounds, they also suffered from the mental anguish of war. Although the idea of PTSD and therapy weren’t even a thought in those days, many of the men likely tried to find their own ways of dealing with the pain of what they experienced.

Throughout the course of my project, I found that many soldiers ended up taking their own lives, turning to alcohol, or being confined to mental institutions as they tried to deal with the horrors of war that no doubt played in their minds often.

When these men came home, they found their jobs gone or filled by others. Sometimes jobs that were saved were no longer accessible because of a loss of a leg or arm. If they couldn’t find someone to work the land, their farms suffered from neglect.

They returned as broken men and sometimes fought with those in the communities that didn’t serve.

Veterans organizations like the GAR and the Woman’s Relief Society, as well as a pension from the government, worked to aid the returning soldiers as much as they could, but it would take years, even centuries, for their communities to recover.

This situation would play out all over the Commonwealth and the Country showing that even though the war was over the battles had just begun.

William G.W. Iaeger

 

A little quiz for you dear readers....

What does Hamburg Pennsylvania,  a retort (a device used for distallation), The Dominican Republic, and a tiny town in the West Virginia Appalachias have in common?

Answer: William George Washington Iaeger (pronounced yeager and sometimes spelled Jaeger)

                                                                            William Iaeger

William was born March 25th 1830 in Hamburg (technically Klinesville between Hamburg and Lenhartsville) Pennsylvania. He was the son of Gottlieb and Mary Iaeger. Gottlieb, a clergyman, was originally from Baden-Wurttemberg Germany and came to the US in 1817. He entered into the Lutheran ministry in 1819 and was a pastor at many of the area churches. His wife Mary was born in Kutztown and would eventually bear 11 children. 

The rear of Gottlieb's tombstone reflects his years of service at many different area churches

Williams 1865 passport described him as 5'10" with brown hair, brown eyes, and a fair complexion

Unfortunately the time between  his youth and 1860 is shrouded in mystery...hopefully someone who is reading this can fill in the gap and email me at witscivilwar@gmail.com

However multiple sources say he was in the Mexican American war and tag him with the rank of Colonel. (cant confirm this) and multiple sources tag him with also being a friend of Abraham Lincolns (cant confirm this either). However these sources also say he was a Confederate (he was not) and he was a blockade runner (he was not) so with time, history was a bit twisted.

What we DO know (according the to 1860 census) is that he lived in Baltimore Maryland and owned a Lamp Black Manufacturer. 

Lamp Black is a finely powdered black pigment made from soot

It was around that time that he applied for a patent for a retort for distilling oil from coal to make that Lamp Black. A retort is a vessel used in the distilling process. 

I also do feel he may have been a friend or aquaintence of the president because in November 1861 he was tapped to be the United States Consul and commercial agent to the capitol of Dominica, Santo Dominica (Dominican Republic)

And this is where Williams Civil War service comes into play.

A little background on Santo Damingo. 

In 1860, the Dominican Republic was under the rule of President Pedro Santana. This period was marked by significant political instability and economic challenges. Santana, who had been a key figure in the Dominican War of Independence against Haiti, sought to stabilize the country by seeking protection from Spain. This led to the controversial decision to annex the Dominican Republic back to Spain in 1861, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the Dominican population. 

Spain moved in quickly since the United States who had financial ties to the area wasnt going to interfere because of country being occupied by its Civil War.

The annexation was intended to bring economic stability and protection from Haitian invasions, but it also led to the loss of Dominican sovereignty. Many Dominicans were opposed to this decision, leading to the outbreak of the Dominican Restoration War in 1863. This war was a struggle to regain independence from Spanish rule and was characterized by guerrilla warfare and significant sacrifices by the Dominican people.

By 1865, the Dominican Republic successfully restored its independence, marking the end of Spanish rule and the beginning of the Second Republic. Spain saw the writing on the wall with the end of the American Civil War and knew it was time to leave.  

In November 1861 when William took office Abraham Lincoln was making plans to purchase the Dominican Republic as a potential place for resettling freed slaves. However this plan would not come to fruition. 

The Domincan Republic was a safe haven for American slaves and many escaped there to work the docks and warehouses shipping sugar, coffee, cocoa and most importantly tobacco back through the Federal blockade to the United States

You can read the dispatches from William to Secretary of State Seward here... you will just need to flip ahead to after November 1861 (Starts on Plate 51)

These dispatches give us a unique view of the world beyond our borders during the Civil War. 

One of his letters speaks of the American Slaves in the Dominican Republic. A large group of African Americans wanted to work the docks, however the Spanish who owned the docks would not allow them to unless they had American citizenship. (which in 1862 was not yet a thing). They also had the choice to take Spanish citizenship and take fealty to the crown but none of the men wanted to do that.

The letter requests help from Secretary Seward (Plate 63)

 

By Plate 231 it is October 1863 and Domincan Rebels are fighting full force with the Spanish. The Spanish have fortified Santo Damingo and are losing every battle.

William ends his dispatch with..

 "A race of beings who glory in the ruin and desolation of my own native country, as these Spaniards have done, I have no sympathy for them and I doubt very much that their dear friend Jeff Davis can now assist them in crushing their revolution in Santo Damingo"

By 1865 the Spanish were excised from the island and the Dominicans once again had control.

After the war and his stint in the West Indies, William started coal and lumber companies in what is now McDowell County West Virginia. As his empire grew and he built more and more buisnesses he became the largest landowner in West Virginia being almost worth10 million dollars in todays money. Soon the area would be named after him, Iaeger West Virginia

On July 14th 1903 in Huntington West Virginia Colonel Ieager would pass away at the ripe old age of 80. 

His body would be returned to Hamburg PA to be buried near his birthplace with the rest of his family.

The family is buried at the foot of St. Johns Church In Hamburg Pennsylvania

160th Anniversary of the Battle of the Crater: Henry Clay Pleasants

 

Today on the 160^th anniversary of the Battle of the Crater, July 30th 1864. I remember Brevet Brigadier General Henry Pleasants. Henry Clay Pleasants was born on February 16, 1833, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pleasants moved to the United States at the age of 13. He later became a mining and civil engineer in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, a profession that would significantly influence his military career.

When the Civil War broke out, Pleasants enlisted as a second lieutenant in the 3-month 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

By July 1861, he had joined the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Pleasants quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a captain and later a lieutenant colonel. He along with the 48^th fought in most of the significant battles of the eastern theatre.

Pleasants’ most notable contribution came during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864. Leveraging his engineering expertise, he proposed and executed a daring plan to dig a tunnel beneath the Confederate lines and fill it with explosives.

With no help from other federal forces, he and the other men from the 48^th dug a 500 foot tunnel with makeshift and hand made tools. A feat that many (including the head of Engineering for the US forces) said couldn’t be done.

One of the original cracker boxes used to haul dirt

This ambitious project culminated in the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. Although the explosion created a massive breach in the Confederate defenses, poor coordination led to a failed Union assault and heavy casualties.

Despite the setback, Pleasants’ ingenuity and leadership left a lasting legacy. His efforts demonstrated the critical role of engineering and innovation in warfare, highlighting the unique contributions of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry under his command.

He is buried in Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville Schuylkill County. His tombstone is very humble and carries the words “UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY”