1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Co. D Reenactors

A portion of our company was detached to serve with the 149th PA Bucktails at Camp Geiger in Whitehall, PA this past weekend. After setting up a base camp on a clear hilltop, some hardier souls marched down into the woods, where we did our best to shelter ourselves under dog tents in the trenches. A heavy rain shortly after midnight kept us awake, and gave a number of the boys a good soaking.

At sunrise Saturday morning, Sergeant Raine took two men to set up a picket line in case the rebels should come to harass us. Coming within sight of the enemy’s trench line, we observed them waking up, and despite one close call, managed to return to our own side undetected. After marching to the top of the hill for breakfast and drill, we returned to find the rebels attacking our trenches. A swift counterattack drove them back. Skirmishing continued throughout the morning. Early in the afternoon, the company was formed for battle. After a barrage of artillery, we drove the enemy back to their trenches. Taking shelter there, the rebels delivered a terrific fire which brought many a Union lad to the ground, and we were forced to retreat. Saturday night proved cold and windy, but with the rain gone, we spent a tolerable night.

The company formed Sunday morning to deliver a surprise volley to the enemy. Not desiring a general engagement, we remained only briefly before returning to our own lines. The rest of the morning was again occupied by small bands of skirmishers harassing the rebel line. Forming again for battle, the company this time surprised the enemy from behind, driving them behind their own earthworks. Captain Petro was hit, but acting 1st Sergeant Logan Smith took over, leading us into their trench, whereupon we poured fire into their lines until the field was ours.