HISTORY OF THE 125th REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, 1st Ed, 1903

  

HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIFTH REGIMENT. The 125th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a nine-month regiment mustered from Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania in August of 1862. Only a month later, as raw recruits the 125.

Was thrown into the thick of the battle at Antietam Creek, to quell Lee's first invasion of Maryland and the north. The Regiment's courage is noted with its charge through the East Woods, along the Great Cornfield, down Smoketown Road, past the Dunker Church, and into the West Woods. While in formation beyond the Dunker Church in an'overextended' position, the 125. Repulsed four rebel counterattacks at a price of 229 casualties within 20 minutes - 33% of those engaged. The unit went on to fight at Maryland Heights, in Burnside's Mud March, and at Chancellorsville. At Chancellorsville they were part of the Twelfth Corp commanded by the famous Pennsylvania General Thomas Kane.

Regiment was mustered out in May 1863. AUTHOR: The Regimental Committee, William W. Walker & family/ by/ John G. Vol of Penna/ April 18. An investigation into this presentation inscription on the front pastedown reveals some interesting associations.

Stewart, who inscribed the book, had been recruited out of Huntingdon county, as a private in Company C of the 125th. In the book's detailed company roster section (page 303), Stewart's name is lightly pencil-marked presumably by the book's owner.

Remarkably, several other names are marked, two from Company F, a unit also recruited out of Huntingdon county. Two with the same last name as the owner. Walker is shown killed at Antietam on Sept. On the same page (313), Robert D. Walker died at Washington D. 1863, presumably from battle wounds at Antietam. Surely these two were related to the book's owner, E. Walker, to whom the book is presented by Stewart. Rare as the First Edition. Indigo, cloth cover with medium bright gilt titles on spine. A significant dark stain mars the front cover. Otherwise lightly rubbed and occasional edgewear. The interior has a few pencil marks and an inscription (as noted). Otherwise, clean, tight and without any discerned flaws.

When in the area, visit the Book Bros. Civil War book nook at the Yoder's Antique Mall near Punxsutawney, PA.