Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, September 18, 1862
Summary:
Taggart describes the battle of South Mountain and tells about the injuries
received there by members of his brigade.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
Sept. 18th 1862
Battle Field near Sharpsburg, Md
Dear John,
I can't just exactly say when I last wrote to you but I know there has been no
chance to write or mail a letter for over a week. And it has been an eventful
week. A mail arrived to-day and as there will be a chance to return a letter by
the Post boy, I will write a few lines and send them if we don't have to "fall
in" before I get through. We had another big battle, at South Mountain, on
Sunday last and an equally terrible one at this place yesterday on both of which
occasions the Union Arms were victorious. In the Providence of God, I have
passed through both unhurt. I have not time to give you particulars. The
Reserves received great praise for their conduct on both occasions. Well, they
did fight long and nobly. The fact that McClellan is in Command inspires the whole army. Our
loss in the 9th on Sunday was 10 killed, 34 wounded.
Yesterday, 16 killed 67 wounded. We had this morning 107 men for duty in the
Regt. We took 2 Rebel flags yesterday. Sergt R. Hohaffey who was commanding Co C
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was killed -- shot through the heart -- He
had a brother killed at Gains Mills. They were both noble, and brave fellows. He
has another brother in the Company he is well. There is a brother in the Iron
City Bank, Pittsburg Pa. I sent him a line
yesterday. It may reach him or may not please call and inform him of the fact.
Capt Dick was in Command of the Regt., Col Anderson the
Brigade, yesterday. To give you an idea of the fight at South Mt. imagine an army in position on the top of [unclear:
Court
] Hill and along the face behind stove piles. The Reserves charging up
the hill dislodging the enemy from behind every stone and driving them down off
the top. It was done and done quickly. But I must stop. This is a strong Union
Country. Don't know what may turn up. Must close. There will be an Official list
of killed and wounded sent to Dispatch. I gave one to Mike Halloran. My love to
all.
Your Affect Brother
Bob
