145th Pennsylvania Infantry

"At the time of the organization of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth, there was urgent need of troops ... It was, accordingly, ordered to the front, without arms, and with scarcely any knowledge of military duty. It left Erie on the 11th of September, and proceeded by rail via Harrisburg to Chambersburg, arriving in thirty-six hours within sound of the enemy's cannon, Lee having already crossed the Potomac, and penetrated the South Mountain. Halting for two days at Camp M'Clure, the men were supplied with arms, the old Harper's Ferry musket, and moved under orders from General John P. Reynolds, in command in Pennsylvania, in the direction of Hagerstown."

"With but a partial outfit, and men and many officers fresh from civil life, the command experienced much suffering from exposure and inadequate supplies. At daylight on the morning of the 17th, the regiment was under arms, the heavy booming of cannon on the field of Antietam, ten miles away, being distinctly heard. That, sound awakened intense excitement in every breast, and all were impatient to march to the theatre of conflict. This desire was gratified. Though isolated from the grand army, and liable to fall victims to the enemy's cavalry, which was manifesting the greatest activity, Colonel Brown led his command forward, and at a little after noon, arrived upon the extreme right of the Union line, at this time desperately engaged with the Corps of Stonewall Jackson, the hostile shot and shell failing thick on every hand. It was immediately moved into position, filling a gap which then existed between the Union right and the Potomac, holding the tow-path and the road which runs along under the high bluff skirting the river, thus preventing the enemy from flanking the Union forces in that direction. This position was held, and picket duty performed in face of the enemy, until the morning of the 19th. It was then discovered that the enemy had escaped, and with other troops the regiment was sent upon the field to bury the dead, and care for the wounded. For four days they had lain as they fell, and the stench that filled the air was exceedingly offensive ..."

"Soon after the battle, the regiment went into camp on Bolivar Heights, just above Harper's Ferry, where it was temporarily attached to the Irish Brigade [2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Army Corps] but was finally assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, of the Second Corps ..."

Quotes above from Bates.1