Antietam to Appomattox with 118th Penna. vols., Corn exhange regiment

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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 00825 1115

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

http://www.archive.org/details/antietamtoappoma01penn

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ANTIETAM to „ '

• APPOMATTOX

WITH

— ^ — fiiii

With descriptions of Marches, Battles and Skirmishes,

together with a Complete Roster and Sketches

of Officers and Men. compiled from

Official Reports, Letters and Diaries

^

PROKXJSKLY ILLUSTRATED
^

WITH ADDENDA

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PHILADKLPHIA:

J. L. SMITH, Map Publisher

27 South Sixth Stkkkt
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P .8773

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Pennsylvania infantry. iJS//t re<7^, 1 862-1865.

Antiotain to Appomattox with llSth Ponna. vol.s.. Corn
excliariij:r> rcginu'iit. "With descriptions of marches, bat-
tles, and skirmishes ... roster and sketch.es of ollieers and
men, coir.jiiled from otlicial reports, h'tters and diaries ...
with addenda, riiikidclplua, J. L. Smith, 1892.

xvi, 746 p. front., illus., pi., port., 'maps (part fold.) 23''".

Compiled by J. L. Smith. Text same as that of his "History of tlit
Corn cxclianrc regiment," 18-?S.

1. U. S. — Ifist. — Civi! w.nr — Regimental fiistorics
I. Smith, John L., 1S!6- comp. ii. Title.

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One Larce Ol iavo Voiame, 780 Pa(.es, Illlsikaied, Bi)un(j in Fine Cloth. <-' }

Bound in Half Turkey Morocct), 5 i

Sent postage prepaid upon receipt of price.

J. U. S7VY ITH .

27 South Sixtli Street,

Pliiladclplila, I'a.

IN response to numerous requests, I take
pleasure in announcing a new and complete
edition of the Histopy of the 118th
Penna. Volunteet^s, (Corn Exchange Regi-
ment.) The edition Is fully revised and corrected,
with many Important additions.

It Is not only one of the most entertaining
books published, but is an accurate histor}' of the
most important events of the civil war. Interspersed
with anecdotes, new Illustrations, and happenings
In the everyday life of a private soldier.

I /^ "a1-<— t?'

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Col. M8,h "•■■ '■' V

Dmvit U«.i., a.s U. 8. Vo

ANTIETAM to
■ APPOMATTOX

WITH

^

With descriptions of Marches, Battles and Skirmishes.

together with a Complete Roster and Sketches

of Officers and Men. compiled from

Official Reports, Letters and Diaries

" — ^ —

^

WITH ADDENDA

^

PHILADELPHIA :

J. L. SMITH, Map Publisher

27 South Sixth Street

;-';4/

TO THE

. Corn ExchAxXge Association,

NOW

The Commercial Exchaxge

OF PHILADELPHIA,

WHOSE LOYALTY AND GKNKRO.ITV CALLED THE IiStH REGIMENT PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS INTO EXISTENCE:

TO THE OFFICERS AXD MEN OF THE REOIMKXT WHOSE

VALOR AXD PATRIOTISM MADE ITS HISTORY- AND

TO THE FAMILIES OF ITS DEAD HEROES,

(Lljis boliimc,

WHICH RECORDS ITS GALLANT SERVICE AND BRAVE DEEDS IN THE
CAUSE OF AN IMPERILLED COUNTRY.

Js Dcbiciitcir.

Our List of 39 Engagenients.

Antietam, Shepherdstown,

Fredericksburg?, Chancellorsville,

Aldie, Gettysburg, .^

Wapping Heights, Brandy Static v,

Bristoe Station, R.a.ppahannock Station,

Mine Run, Wilderness, ' .

Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill,

Po River, Todd's Tavern,

Jericho's Mill, Peach Orchard,
North Anna, Harris' Farm,
ToLOPOTOMY Creek, Magnolia Swamp,
Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor,

Norfolk Railroad, Jerusalem Plank Road,

Petersburg, Weldon Railroad,

PeebLE's Farm, including Storming of Fort McRae.

Pegram's Farm. Chapel House,

Hatcher's Run, Raid on Weldon R. R.,

Dabney's Mills. Lewis's Farm,

Boydton Plank Road, Gravelly Ri'x,
Five Forks, Appomaitox.

(iv) ■ • ■■

^v ■ : ■ PREFACE. ;;■

T"N this History, thirty years after, we fight our battles over
-^ again.

It is not a labor, but a pleasure. Nothing delights an old
soldier so much as to live again in the stirring scenes, and on
the battle-fields. But in these pages we do not pretend to
write the history of the war. We only give sketches and in-
cidents that came under the observation of the privates in the
ranks. Of course the histories are all correct. They tell of
achievements of great men who wear the laurels of victory,
have great honor conferred on them, high positions in civil life.

Ponderous histories of the war have been written in which
the generals were giants and the privates pygmies. But we
believe that it was the patriotism and the sturdy valor of the
private soldier that triumphed, rather than the skill and courage
of the generals.

This book will tell of the men who did the drilling, standing
guard and picket-dut\', built breast-works, corduroy roads,
stood firm when bullet, shot and shell were doing their deadly
work, and making gaps in the line ; who were wounded and
killed for their love of Union. This book tells of these men,
who drew thirteen dollars a month, rations, and the ramrod.

We only describe what we saw in an infantry regiment. We
write entirely from notes taken at the time and letters sent
home then and answered. You must remember tiiat these

(v)

V VI

things happened thirty years ago — a long time in a man's life.
Every man who clung to his regiment became a living part
of it, and of its history. This volume is the life of the Ii8th.

To bring the past back clearly and vividly its scenes and
events must be recalled. Many of the facts and incidents are
drawn from the letters sent home of officers and men of the
regiment. Notable among those who have assisted are : General
Charles P. Herring; Surgeon Joseph Thomas; Major Joseph
Ashbrook ; Sergeant Alfred Layman, and Sergeant Samuel
Nugent.

Thanks are due Sergeant Thomas J. Hyatt for revising the
manuscript and adding a number of interesting and humorous
incidents, as well as for the reliable picture of life in the prison-
pens of the South from his actual experience and observation.

To Private Henry H. Hodges is due acknowledgment for
his preparation of the admirable roster.

Acknowledgments are due to Col. John P. Nicholson ;
CoL George Meade ; Major Thomas Ward, Asst. Adjt.-Gen.
U. S. A.; ex-Senator A. G. Cattell ; Col. O. L. Pruden,
Private Secretary' to the President.

Many works have been consulted; among them are: Hum-
phrey's "Virginia Campaign of 1S64--65;" Doubleday's
" Chancellorsville and Gettysburg ; " Palfrey's " Antietam and
Fredericksburg ; '' Lt.-Col. \Vm. F. Fox's " Regimental Losses ;"
Gen. Walker's "Second Corps;" Parker's (History of) " 22(;i
Mass. Regiment," and Warren Lee Goss's " Recollections of
a Private."

In addition to the abo\-e, much matter of an important char-
acter from the hitherto unpublished manuscripts of Generals
Warren, Griffin and Chamberlain on the later campaigns of tlic
war, has been added.

INTRODUCTORY.

T T is f)eculiarly agreeable to me to have this opportunity of
-*■ bearing testimony to the soldierly character and honorable
service of the iiSth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers.

It was my good fortune to be more or less intimately asso-
ciated with this regiment during its entire career in the field.
On many occasions of special service, and at last permanently,
it was in my own command. I had therefore opportunity to
observe and occasion to test its qualities.

I was witness of the terrible initiation into the realities of
war, which precipitated itself like an avalanche upon this gal-
lant regiment within three weeks from its muster into the ser-
vice, where, by the force of manly character which well supplied
the place of long discipline, and by the principle of noblesse ob-
lige which recalls the times of chivalry, it held its front against
desperate odds and at fearful cost, long after the rules of war,
and even the orders of the division commander, permitted it to
retire with honor. This conduct won for it, while as yet almost
the junior regiment in the corps, that respect which veterans
give only to veterans.

I need only say that its whole career confirmed the prestige
of this be^rinnincr.

The history of this regiment affords a notable instance of
that strange and hitherto unexplained phenomenon so frequent

in the experiences of our civil war, that those reared amidst

(vii)

Vlll —

what are supposed to be the enervating influences of city life,
when suddenly summoned to the privations and hardships of
war, grew stronger under the test, and in multitudes of in-
stances even surpassed in endurance and persistence of physical
force men inured to outdoor toil, and whose stalwart and mus-
cular forms on their appearance in the field made them seem
invincible.

But whatever may be the hidden physiological law shadowed
forth in this, the record of this regiment gave ample illustration
of those other truths made clear in days of trial, that " blood
tells " — that virtue is manhood, and valor, worth.

It was a fitting consummation of this faithful and gallant
service that this regiment was one of those which won the
triumphant privilege of forming that last line of battle before
which Lee'? army laid down the arms and colors of its sur-
rendered cause.

These words are written for the brave men held in cherished
memorv* and undying affection by one who shared with them
the sufferings and glories of the field, following, or rather bear-
ing forward, the blood-red cross which made way for the
Nation's flag.

And I bespeak of the readers of this history that appreciative
interest which is due to those who for the well-being of their
country pledged and imperilled all that life holds dear, and in
this devotion gave proof that there are things nobler than
pleasure and greater than self, which men and women count
worthy of bravest endeavor and supreme sacrifice.

Joshua L. Chamberl.\in.

New York, Al-^'. 22, 1887.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
CAMP UNION.

Resolutions of the Com or Commercial Exchange— Organization of the Regi-
ment— Interest taken in the Regiment by the Exchange — Letter from Gov-
ernor Curtin, after Shepherdstown — Colonel Prevost — Camp Union — The
First Guard — The Misfit — The Awkward Squad — Bacon, Hard Tack, and
Salt Pork — The Battalion Drill — The Untrained Sentry — Absence without
Leave — Roll Call — Rations — The Day's Work — Pranks — Divme Service —
A Gift Dross Parade — Journey to Washington — The Soldier's Retreat — The
Government Corral — Bivouac at Arlington Heights — Fort Albany — En-
riched Water — The Meal Chest — Fort Corcoran .....

CHAPTER -H
ANT I ETA M.

The Regiment Brigaded — Colonel Barnes — "Comrades, Touch the Elbow"
— The March from Fort Corcoran — Bivouac at Silver Springs — Diminution
of Baggage — " M'here is the iitiih ? " — Battle of " the Monocacy" — Sounds
of Conflict — John Monteith — Charge upon the Hogs — " I Can't Eat a Col-
lege " — Signs of War — Thirsty Soldiers — A Martial Display — Monument
Hill — Moving Columns — The Army Loosened — The Battle — The Irish
Brigade — Burnside's Charge — Horrors of War — An Uncomfortable Line
— Sharp-Shooting — "Are There any Rebels About Here ? " — Lee's Retreat
— Carrying otT the Wounded — Sharpsburg — Blackford's Ford

CHAPTER HI.
SHEPHERDSTOWN.

The Advance — Fording the Stream — Ascending the Bluff — Hanging Horses
— Order to Retreat — Steady Behavior of the Men — Galling Fire — De-
fective Entield Rifles — Private Joseph Meehan's Description of the Guns;
Colonel Prevost's Description — Number of Confederates Engaged — Close
Fighting — Colonel Prevost Advancts with the Colors — Colonel Prevost

(ix)

/

Wounded — An Awful Scene — Death of Captain Ricketts — The Retreat —
I'he C»Icl Mill — S.iving the Colors — Killed by Our Own Men — Incidents
of the Retreat — I.irj.itenant White Killed — West's Close Call — Incidents
of the Fight — " Oil ! Captain Ricketts ! " — Doubt About a Quinine Pill —
'•Give it to ihc-m, Boys! " — Lieutenant Crocker's Flag of Truce — "Shell
and be d — d!" — Crocker and the Confederate General — Major Herring
and the Regula-s— Jo.^ph Meehan's Story — Dr. Joseph Thomas's Narrative
— Sergeant Peck's Exj>erience as a Prisoner — The lilSth Regiment — One
of Stonewall jackfon's Stafl' Visits his Folks 54

CHAPTER IV.

FROM SHEPHERDSTOWN TO FREDERICKSBURG,

Houseless and Homeless — Examining the Doctor — On the March Again —
Bivouac at Bryant's Farm — Maryland Heights — Crossing the Potomac — In
the Shenandoah V.dley — A Rich Countr/ — " Goose Creek " — Supplies
Needed — Snicker's Gap— Court-Martia! on a Pig — Yankee Trading —
Empty Pockets — George Slow, and his Visit Home — The Famine at Snick-,
er's Gap — A i,ife of Emergencies— Ostracism by the Southerners — On the
March in a Stio\v-:orm — White Plains — At W'arrenton — A Chaplain's Call
— McClellan Relies ed of Command — Removal of Fitz-John Porter — " Red
Warrior"— A Muddy Waste — Belle Plain 95

CHAPTER V.

FREDERICKSBURG.

Promotion to the Rank=; — " Unloading Boards" — Signs of Battle — " Stafford
Heights" — M.^rye's Heights — Attempts to Lay the Pontoons — Crossing the
River in Bo.-lT> — The Pontoons Laid— Crossing — A Thrilling Scene — A
Game of Euci;re — The Regiment Crosses the River — View of the Confed-
erate Position — Slar.Qhter — Diving fur Ti>b.icco — S.ick .>f the Citv — Ch.arge
over the Plain — .'-^cipio Africanus Ri-^es — Moving to the Front — The Brick-
yard— Major HcrriiiL; Wounded — '"This is What we Came Here for" —
Coolness C'f Colunci Barnes — The Corner Store and Something in it —
Sunday Moi'.iing — Sergeant Stotzenberg — A Prohibition Bullet — Lo.sses in
the Battle — The Regiment Relieved fn.im the Front — Retreat of the Army
— Was it a Blunder ? . . 1 12

CHAl'Tl-U VI.

WINTF.K-QUAKTKKS — KICH.XKO'.^ \'<KD KECON.NOIS.SANCE — MUD

MARCH.

.■\ .Miiit.ary Tcvr, — lotonr.ic Creek I'.ridgi- — L>ecora!ii)n.s — Fuel — Amuse-

ments — Military Etiquette and Loaded Arms — Weeding out Incompetents
— Discipline — Colonel Gwyn in Command — Picket Duty — Preparation of a
Virginia Family Dinner — Something Suspicious — Investigating the Country
— A Cavalry Vedette — Scipio Africanus Receives the Parade — A Sad End-
ing to Scipio's Greatness — A Reconnoissance — Beans Cooked for Five
Miles — Crossing the Rappahannock — A Treacherous Raft — A Wounded
Girl — The Dame at the Spring — A Confederate Postman — The Return —
The Old Year Out — A Baitle-line of Ducks — An Army of Crows — Boxes
from Home Sent by the Corn Exchange — Peculiar Tastes — An Unfinished
Task— Mud March— The Second Deluge— Three Miles a Day— Stuck—
The Wager and its Consequences — Campaign Abandoned . . . 140

CHAPTER VII,
■ ■ ' CHANCELLORSVILLE.

Return of Colonel Prevost — Condition of the Army — General Hooker in
Command — "Joe" Hooker is our Leader — Extra Clothing and Eight
Days' Rations — Woollen Lined Roads — Crossing at Kelly's Ford on Can-
vas Pontoons — Fording the Rapidan — The Farthest Stretch — Travelling
Through the Woods — The Chancellor House; Rescuing the Inmates —
"Hospitalities of the Country" — Meeting the Enemy — A Quiet Stare —
A Controlling Position — Disappointment — Dr. Owens Complimented by
the Confederates — Army Head-quarters — General Hooker's Order — EgT,-pt-
ian Plague — Beginning of the Fight — Thompson's Tobacco — Withdrawal
of the Brigade — Scipio Africanus Surrounded — Drawing in the Pickets —
Rout of the lith Corps — The Rebel Charge — Scarcity of Rations— Shell-
ing the Hospital — General Griffin's Bowling — Wounded Horses — V.''oods
on Fire — Casualties — Death of General Whipple — Peter Haggerty —
Treed — Captain O'Neill's Eccentricity and Bravery — Retaking the Line —
'•A Bit of a Talk'' — Explosive Cartridges — Captain O'Xeill's Candle —
The Storm — Withdrawal of the Army and the Pickets — Pursuit — March to
Camp — Blue and Gold — Dropping Out — Chris's Ride — Another Blunder. 165

CHAPTER VIII.

.■\FTER CH.-\NXELLORSVILLE — C.\MP AT GOLD MLNE FARM — MID-
DLEBURG — UPPERVILLE.

Scipio Africanus Vanishes — General Gritrin and the Adjutant — The Captain's
Jacket — Whoopers — Guarding the 25th New York — Presentation to Gen-
eral Barnes — " By George, Sir, You're an Orderly" — Retirement of Colo-
nel Prevost — Strong Picket Line — Gold Mine Farm — Cavalry Fight at
Brandy Siatiun — A Compromise on Fence Rails — Manassas Plains — In-
tense Heat ar.'l Scarcity of Wat-,-r — G . 1 Springs — Go.'se Creek A.qain —

Fight at Aldie — Middleburg — Capture of Stuart's Horse Artillery — Cavalr)-
Charges — The " Hooker's Retreat '" — Mo>by's " Happy Hunting Ground "
— Dark Days ......... . 210

CHAPTER IX.
GETTYSBURG.

Suspense at the North — March to Gettysburg — " An Army with Banners" —
Leesburg — Fording the Monocacy — A Remarkable Spring — '• Old Four
Eyes" — Frederick City — Region of Abundance — Disobedience Means
Death — General Sykes and the Irishman — In Pennsylvania — York — Han-
over— Visitors — A High Private — The First Day's Fight — A Canard — In
the Fight — Holding Little Round Top — The Wheat-P'ield — The Roar of
Battle — Bigelow's Batten,- — An Unwilling Recruit — Steady Work — Change
of Front — Orderly Retirement — The Trosile House Fight — Death of Cap-
tain Davids — Georgia Prisoners — Major Herring and the Colors — Charge
of the Pennsylvania Reserves — Dr. Thomas's Description of Second Day's
Fight — The .'^st Day — The Devil's Den — Seminary Ridge — A Confederate
Officer's Mistake — Horrors of Battle — The Crisis — The Charge — The Re-
pulse— The Victory — " Go and Fight Somewhere Else " — A Famous
Rabbit — Bigelow's Battery — Brady's Hundred Rounds and his Gun —
Importance of Battle of Gettysburg . . . . . . ' . 229

CHAPTER X.
FROM GETTYSBURG TO WARRENTON.

General Barnes Wounded — Delicacies for Confederate Prisoners — Surgeon
Thomas's Order — Indignant Visitors — Identifying a Leg — Corporal Smith
and the Goose — A Missing Father — The Goose is Cooked and Taken to
Camji — Attempts at Carving — The Goose Victorious — Advancing — Quar-
termaster Gardner — Chaplain O'Neill and General Meade — Lieutenant
Binney — Tramn, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are Marching — Recruiting —
Keystone Bnttery — Up the Mountain — Fighting for over Fifty Days . . 272

CHAPTER XI.

AROUND WARRENTON — BEVERLY FORD — EXECUTION OF FIVE
DESERTERS.

Sunday-moniing Inspection — Wrong .Ammunition — .\ Facetious Bugler — Re-
cruits for the Regiment — Bounty-jumpers — Quaker Recruits — Heat and
Insects — .\ Dangerous Bath — Heroic Rescue — The Five De.-.ertcrs — Their
Trial — Sentence — Death-wat^h — Execi'.tion — Horse-racing — Captain

Crocker's Mansion ; it is Warmed — Captain Donegan's Picket Line — Gen-
eral Sykes and the Picket — " You're got Moseby ! " — A Brave Deserter —
The Patton House, Reception at — ^Jealousy and its Consequences . . 290

, ' chapter xh.

lee's movement, etc.

Fight at Bristoe Station — Raccoon Ford — The Maple Grove — Captain Don-
aldsou and the Lady — The Captain's Confederate Brother — Information
Gained — Brandy Station — General Griffin and the Battery — Beverly Ford
— Martial Display— Back to Brandy Station— A Busy Day for the 5th
Corps — Stuart's Cavalry Mixed up with Union Forces— Attack at Broad
Run — Monaghan, of "I," and the Ditch — Movement of the 2d Corps — Cen-
treville— Fairfax Court-House- Shields, of " H " — Bull Run Battle-field —
Uncovered Remains — Grave of Colonel Fletcher Webster — Captain Bank-
son's Album — Buckton — The Road that did not go — Major Herring's pro-
motion— Chilly Times — "Joe" Hooker's Retreat ..... 312

CHAPTER XHL
^ RAPPAHANNOCK ST.ATION.

The " General " — Destruction and Ruin — .\ Lunette — Si;:ns of Approaching
Conflict — Captain Sharwood — M'Candless Wounded — "The Guide is
Left! the Guide is Left ! "—A Feint— The Assaulting Column— " Drop
that Lanyard" — Capture of the Position — Killed and Wounded — Fifteen
Hundred Prisoners, Four Guns, Seven Battle-Flags — The Devil in Com-
mand— "Odjutant, dot Horse no Colic got" — "Hard Tack" — Major
O'Neill — His New Uniform — " This is the Way we used to Dress in Ingee "
An East Indian Parade — Battalion Review — " Halt, Disperse, and be d — d

^°y°"^' 335

CHAPTER XIV.
MINE RUN.

The March— French's Rlundei-— " Look Sharp, Kelly ! "—Stealing a Wagon
Train— A Spy Dies— Flanker^ — The Regiment Lost— .^n Abandoned
House— Rations — A Comfortable Night— .\ Lost Pig Found— Connecting
with the Enemy's Pickets— Pocketful of Flat Irons — A Delicate Position
— Colonel Throop in Command — Finding Persimmons and the Enemy —
DeVille— Mine Run— Cold Comfort— A Shell, Chaplain O'Nedl, and a
Cup of Coffee— (Jrders for the Charge— A Solemn Time— James W. Hyatt
1-ifted by a Solid Siiut — Walter's Reconnoi.ssance — The Retreat . . ',>^

■' . ,• — XIV —

CHAPTER XV.

CAMP BARNES THE WINTER AT BEVERLY FORD.

Third Winter of the War — Soldiers' Fibs — The Sudden City — The Chnpe! —
Amateur Theatricals — The Light of Cincinnati — Dainty Dishes — A Cube
Meal — An Indignant Cook — Rats — Sergeant Nugeni's Campaign — Albert
DeVille's Sword Hand — Godwin's Musket — "The Homespun Dress"
— Corporal Sinitli — "The Trusty Soldier and the Canteen of Whiskey" —
Larry Mullen's Suavity — Captain Crocker Resigns — Captain Donegan Re-
signs— The Brigade Broken up — General Bartlett — Lincoln and the Gen-
erals— The Encampment Ends in Smoke ....... 376

CHAPTER XVI.
THE WILDERNESS — LAUREL HILL — SPOTTSYLVANIA.

The Army Moves — Crosses the Rapidan — Movements of the Division —
Griffin's Division Opens the Fight — General Bartlett's Narrow Escape —
" K " persuades a B-ittery to Remain — Colonel Gwyn Wounded — Loss of
the iiSth — A Fruitless Fight — A Woful Night — Forest Fires and the
Wounded — General Wadsworth's Death — Musketry Fighting — Colonel
Herring and the Johnny — The Army Unwinds Itself — Colonel Hemng
• Commands the Pickets — March by Brock's Road — Movements — Colonel
Herring Successfully Resists a E)esperate Charge — Makes Arrangements to
Retain his Position — Severe Loss — Sergeant Fryer Wounded — General
Warren's Compliment to Colonel Herring — General Sedgwick Killed —
From the WiidL-rness to Spottsylvania — .V Touching Incident — Movements
on the loth — Country around Spottsylvania — Damp Reflections — " Where's
the liSth?'' — Heavy Fighting — Success. — Carrying Ammunition — De-
spatch to Colonel Herring — Night of the 13th — Halt in the Night March —
A Vivid Contrast — The Ny — Ericmy's Entrenchments — Picket Firing —
Peculiar Skirmishing — Visitors to the Front — Wray's Experience — Advance
oftheiSth — Tapping the Corps — Imprudent Johnnies .... 395

CHAPTER XVII.
NORTH ANN.\ — BETHKSDA CIIURGH — COLD HARI30R.

The 5th Corps Moves — Both Armies Moving Southward — Telegraph Roid
— An Air of Cd-.iifort and Ease — Capturing a M.ajor — Successful Foraging —
Paddy Mukhay and the Goo.se — 1 1 ig Robbers, Pot Wrestlers, CotVee Cool-
ers— .\ False Real .Vlann — Ned WoKenden and the Mule — Corporal .^mith
to the Front — The Enemy's Advance Cihecked — .\ Decuy and Vengeaii:e
— Matthew's House — Cutting the Virginia Central Raiiroal — " I!y the Left
Fl.->.nk'" — Mongoliick Church — Henry Cliy's I'.iMho'.icc — Entrenching —

Advancing and Covering — Heavy Skirmishing — A Resolute Attack — Cold
Harbor — Bethesda Church — An Interrupted Dinner — " Mark Time,
Kelly I " — Lenoir's Battle — Corporal Smith to the Rear ; and with the Reg-
ulars— Capture of the Fairies — Colonel Herring Covers his Regiment — A
Tremendous Battle — Walter's Captures — Lieutenant Ware — Successful
Ruse — Shady Grove Church Road — Ashbrook and Moore — Chickahoniiny
Swamp — Shelling the Wrong Place — Friendliness ..... 434

CHAPTER XVHL

PETERSBURG — WELDON RAILROAD PEEBLE's FARM.

A I-ong Wait — Feint towards Richmond — Failure to Seize Petersburg- —
Crossings of the Chickahominy — Pontoon Bridge — Looking after River
Front — Water Famine — Washing in Creation — A Dig for Cover and a Dig
for Water — Assault on Petersburg — Beauregard's Withdrawal — The Hare
House — " Piles of Dead" — Colonel Chamberlain Wounded — Commencing
the Siege — Works around Petersburg — Sergeant Nugent's Well — Friendly
Pickets — A Fac-simile Letter — A Cowardly Act and its Punishment —
" Yanks, Don't Fire ! the FIuU Thing's a Mistake " — Breastworks — Fort
Hell and Fort Damnation — Building Bomb-proofs — An Improved Con-
struction is a Failure — Pud's Supper — Desertion by Brigade — Amnesty
Proclamation — Careless Exposure — Artillery Practice — Burnside Mine
Explodes — Sergeant Nugent's Wisdom — The Colored Troops — Dodging —
Movement to Weldon Railroad — Brutality — Artillery to the Front — Flowers
House — A Deserved Reprimand — ^Lljor Hopper's Account of Engagement
— Smith and the Grape Jelly — Buzzing Bees — Horse- Racing — Sheridan
Routs Early — Fort McRae Captured 471

CHAl^ER XIX.

THE H.\TCHER's run OF OCTOBER, 1 864 — IIICKSFORD AND BELLE-
FIELD, WELDON RAILROAD, RAID — DABNEV's MILLS.

General Warren's Report — An Early Start — Forest Fighting — Colonel Herring
Commands Skirmishers, and Checks the Enemy — Deceived Innocence —
The Capture and Escape — Disguised — Notice to Quit — Move to Destroy
Railways — Destruction — Confederate Artillery Driven Off — A Barrel of
Sorghum: Sergeant Pascliall Bathes in it; Likewise Tom Gabe— A Social
Time — The Colonel's Traps and their F.ate — Dew of the Orchard — Done
— Guerillas — General Order 65 — Furloughs — Executions — Ro'oert Rutfin
— Compo~.ition of Brigade — Intercepting Supplies — Turkey Chase —
Hatcher's Run — The Eneray Driven — The Regiment Engaged — Captains
Scott and Rayne Wounded — Colonel Herring Wountled; He Loses his
Leg — Cold Comfort — Extract from General Warren's Repor: — Getting
Keadv for the Final Piun<re ^,26

XVI —

CHAPTER XX.

WHITE OAK RIDGE— GRAVELLY RUN' — FIVE FORKS

APPOMATTOX.

The Beginning of the End — Griffin's Division — An Abominable March ana
Successful Fighting — Taunting the Johnnies — Five Forks and Nothing to
Eat — A Break throirgh the Brir^ade — Brigade Joins Sheridan — Capture of
Return Works — Capture McGregor's Batter)- — iiSth Looks after Prisoners
— Corporal Fletcher Killed — Griffin's Captives — The Sound of Battle —
Unfortunate Sutlers — The. Famous Race — High Bridge — Despatch from
Sheridan — General Chamberlain — Report of Surrender — Lee's Surrender —
Microscopic Rations — Confederate Arms — "Didn't we Give it to you at
Shepherdstown 1 " — The Fooluh Wise — Remembrance of John Brown —
Gathering Arms and Stores — Seasoned Meat — Relics — The Last Picket
Line — Empty Hopes and Stomachs — Assa-sination of the President — Diffi-
culty with Colored Trcopr; — Hodge's Diary — Closing Thoughts

CHAPTER XXL

■ 'i

SOUTHERN PRISONS.

Confederate Sanitar\- Commission — Close Quaners — A North Carolina Con-
script— Conscience and Com Cakes — .A.ndersonville — Shelter — Location —
Rations — The Stockade — Cook House — Water — Filth — Ee'.le Islanriers —
Dead Line — Cleanliness — Soap — Tents — Thousands Sheiterle^s — Broad-
ways— Vendors — Running the Blockade — Gambling — Theft — Execution of
Raiders — Punishment of Thieves — Escape — Tunneling — Wells — Wood
Rations — Sickness — Doctor's Call — Medicines — I.>ead House — r>e3d Wag-
ons— Burial Ground — Increase of Prisoners — .\ddition to Stockade — Ovens
— Beans and Bugs — Fourth of July — Scene at the Crate — Prison Hospital
— Death cf FuUerton — Removal of Prisoners — Strxkade at Millen — B'ack-
shear — Florence — A Lost Dog — Chniimas Dinner — Hospital at GolJsboro
— Now or Never — Our Flag .........

i6o

APPENDIX.

Laurel Hill and Sherid.\n'> Kaui — A Few Prison Reminiscences — William H.
Henning's Prisor. Ex;)-:ier.ce — Religious .\s;>cct of the u8th — Brief His-
tory of the .Vrmy H -piM: an 1 us W.irk — (rettysburg t't-rsus Waterl jo —
Appetite of an .\rmy .Mule — .\ Str.m^e Prem.nition — ijld liig Fee: — .\j rii
Thirteenth. 1S65 — W'm, was the C'^;or-Kc-rer ? — The Surrend.er if (ieii-ral
Lee — Flag of Truce at .A.pp"ni.itt-.x — The {"r-vate — Circular . . . 657

RuSTER

SLRVn'ORi' .\S>OlI VTI'

-.i': ra Cv'F.N E:cci;.'vs .E R;

6S1
744

1

From Antietam to Appomattox

WITH THE

118th PENN^. vols.

CHAPTER I.

ORGANIZATION CAMP UNION

FORTS ALBANY AND COCHRAN.

promising results anticipated from
the majestic advance of the splen-
didly appointed Potomac Army from
Yorktown to the Chickahominy in the
spring of 1862 were speedily dissipated.
Williamsburg had tested the capacity
of the Union soldiery for vigorous as-
sault, while Fair Oaks and Seven Pines
were assurances of ability for indomita-
ble resistance. Then for a month there
was ominous quiet, while the lines of
beleaguerment were maintained about
the Confederate capital, when suddenly
upon the exposed right fell the over-
whelming shock of Gaines' Mill and
Mechanicsville. The famous Seven-
Days' battles followed, with all their
valor and all their fatalities, and concluding resuitlessly at
Malvern Hill, the leaguers went a-summcring on the banks of
the James.

(0

. — 2 — .-> ■

An anxious people viewed the situation with alarm. The
Government, stirred to renewed activities, called again upon the
gallant North to recuperate the depleted ranks of her sorely-
pressed soldiers. Disaster had not abated enthusiasm, nor
failure diminished zeal. Emergencies are the opportunities of
heroes,, and the patriotic freemen of the North, the East and the
West again promptly responded with their sturdy volunteers.
It was this condition of public sentiment that gave birth to the
1 1 8th Pennsylvania.

The Corn Exchange of Philadelphia, now better known by
the more significant name of the Commercial Exchange, was
composed of a membership conspicuous for their loyalty to the
Union and their zeal and liberality in sustaining the Govern-
ment in all its efforts to put down the Rebellion.

On the morning of the 15th of April, 1861, when the tele-
graphic '■nnouncement had reached the North of South Caro-
lina's defiant insult to the American flag by opening fire on
Fort Sumter, the busy hum and bustle of the every-day life of
the association was arrested to give voice to their indignation.
The members gathered around the speaker's rostrum with
anxious faces and sorrowing hearts, and after some preliminary
proceedings, including stirring addresses by Alexander G. Cat-
tell and others, it was unanimously resolved " that the Room
Committee be instructed to purchase immediately and cause to
be extended the insulted and still-beloved flag of the United
States in front of their building, and to keep it flying there
under all circumstances until the Rebellion was subdued."

Upon the minute-book of the association of that day maybe
found the following preamble and resolution, which were
unanimously adopted :

Whereas, Armed rebellion has raised its hand against the Government of the
United States, and is now engaged in infamous outrages upon the honor, integrity
and safety of our beloved country ; and,

Whereas, It is the duty of all true men, in a crisis like the present, to express
their devotion to the sacred cause of their country, and their firm determination
never to abandon her to her enemies; therefore

-J '■ — 3 — . • ■

Rcsok'iJ, That the Corn Exchange Association, in the manifestation of their
unreserved and entire sympathy with the administration in this tiying hour, and
of their earnest desire to do all that men may do in behalf of their country, do
now instruct their Room Committee to purchase immediately, and cause to be
extended, the insulted but still beloved flag of the United States in front of their
building before sunset, and to keep it flying there under all circumstances.

Both the letter and spirit of this resolution were faithfully
kept. Before the sun had sunk behind the western hills, the
old flag was waving in the breeze, and there it continued to
wave, in sunshine and in storm, through summer's heat and
winter's cold, until its honor was vindicated and its supremacy
and rightful, authority were recognized all over the land.

Nor did this patriotic commercial body stop with sentiment,
patriotic and assertive as it was. In the first year of the war its
generous treasury was lavish with contributions, and its individual
members were liberal with their private means to sustain the
Government, and aid the soldier to meet the emergencies the
country had been so unexpectedly called upon to encounter.

In the summer of 1S62, still fervent in its unflinching loyalty,
and abreast with the time, the Corn Ex'change resolved, as its
response to the call for three hundred thousand volunteers, that
it would give its money and lend its strength and influence to
furnish an entire regiment of Pennsylvania soldiers, to discharge
in part the obligation put upon the good old Commonwealth by
this other call for troops.

At a meeting of the association held July 24, 1862, the fol-
lowing action was taken, as appears by the minutes of that day.
Mr. Cattell offered the following:

\V}lEREAS, Some of the members have taken the preparatory steps towards the
organization of a regiment, under the auspices of this Association, and have
indicated for the colonel of said regiment Captain C. M. Prevost, a gentleman and
a soldier; and

Whereas, The Governor of the Commonwealth has signified his great pleasure
in view of our proposed action ; therefore be it

Resolved, That this Association, declaring their undying devotion to the country,
and their willingness to bear their full proportion of the duties which now devolve
on every good citizen, hereby pledge themselves to give their sympathy, aid and
co-o{)eration to the prompt formation of a regiment, to be commanded by Captain
C, M. Trevost.

■ ' .— 4 —

Resolved, That to carry out this purpose a committee of twenty-one he appointed
by the chairman, to collect, by voluntary subscription, the amount of means
necessary to organize said regiment, and to consult with and aid in all proper
ways the officers that may be selected to put the regiment in fighting trim.

Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting, that the duty of the hour requires
of all loyal and true men to aid. by their influence, their counsel and means, the
prompt enlistment of Pennsylvania's proportion of the new call for troops.

The preamble and resolutions, as read, were unanimously
adopted.

It was also moved by Mr. James, and seconded by Mr.
Budd, that the funds in the hands of the treasurer of the asso-
ciation be contributed to the above object, which was also
adopted unanimously.

In accordance with these resolutions, a committee of twenty- .
one of the most substantial members of the association were
appointed a^ this meetini^ to further and insure the project — and
most successfully did they fulfil their mission. The names of
the gentlemen composing the committee were as follows :

Alexander G. Cattell, Cliairuian.

Charles Knecht, Edward G. James, Samuel L. Ward,

Joseph W. Miller, Philip I!. Mini;le, .Xi.l.xander J. Derbyshire,

Samuel L. \ViTMER. Job Ivins, . Josiah Bryan,

James Steel, Hevky Winsor, \V. Duke Mukchy,

Samuel F. IIartranft, .\kcii!h\l!) ('.ETrY, James Harkatt, Jr.,

Henry Budd, Lewi.-, G. Mytinger, Frank K. Sheppard.

George A. McKinstry, Hu'.h Craic,

The committee entered at once upon the work assicjned them
with great zeal and energy. They offered a large special bounty
in addition to that given by the Government, with (jther induce-
ments, to secure a high grade of volunteers, and in the incredi-
bly short period of thirty d lys a regiment numbering nine hun-
dred and sixty men had been recruited, officered and drilled at
Camp Unitm, on the banks of tlie .Scluix-lkill — had broken its
camp of recruitment, and v.as on its v\;i\- to the front to do its
part to meet tlie then impending crisis in the nation's fite.

Each private of the regiment was provided with a rubber
blanket^ and many <.a\v.x .u"t:-.:.es ol conv'.nience and comfort

-5-

for the soldier, at the expense of the association, and it is
questionable whether any regiment that went to the front
during the war was more generously provided with all things
needed to minister to the comfort of the private soldier

From the inception of the work to its close, when this mag-
nificent regiment, fully and elegantly equipped, left for the field,
the chairman and other members of the committee gave almost
their entire time to the work, not only devoting the hours of
the day but often the entire night in pushing forward and per-
fecting their arrangements. The chairman of the committee,
Alexander G. Cattell,- an earnest and efficient supporter of the
Union cause from the beginning of the war, who was afterwards
United States Senator from New Jersey, was conspicuous in the
work of the committee. Giving up attention to his private
business almost entirely, he could be found at almost any hour
of the day or night, either at the rooms of the committee, or at
the recruiting stations, or the camp, pressing forward the work
of recruiting and organization. Indeed, so marked were his
services, that he acquired the honor of being called the "Father
of the Regiment," and his interest in the " Survivors' Associa-
tion " thereof, of which he is an honorary member, shows that
even at this late day, after a quarter of a century has passed
away, his interest in the regiment with which he was so closely
connected has not abated.

ISIr. Samuel L. Ward, the treasurer of the fund subscribed
for the purpose of raising the regiment, was also conspicuous
for his devotion to the work and endeared himself to all by the
faithful discharge of his duties and his uniform courtesy and kind-
ness to all with whom he came in contact. Indeed, the entire
committee, with a zeal worthy of all commendation, worked
faithfully and in entire accord for the accomplishment of the
purpose which the association had committed to their hands.

It is worthy of mention that when the camp wherein the
troops Ixid lain during the time of tlieir organization was
broken up, and the regiment had gone to the field, his fellow-
members of the committee, recosrnizinLr Mr. Cattcll's valuable

V

'.^- — 6 —

services, voted that the old flag-staff under which the regiment
had been formed should be presented to him ; and when it had
been planted upon the lawn of his country-seat at Merchant-
ville, New Jersey, where it still stands, a handsome flag was,
with appropriate ceremonies, presented to him by the association
as a body.

Nor did the work of the committee and the association end,
or their interest in the regiment cease when it had gone to the
field. They followed with intense interest and anxiet}-, min-
gled with pride, each step of its progress through all its vary-
ing fortunes to the close of the war. Their interest was mani-
fested by frequent visits of committees to the front, carrying
words of cheer and bearing gifts for the men; by their minis-
trations to the sick and wounded, notably after the calamity of
Shepherdstown, and by faithful attention to the wants of such
needy families as were left behind, whenever such wants were
made known, and also by generous contributions to the widows
and orphans of those who fell on the battle-field. More than
one hundred thousand dollars were collected and expended by
the association and its members in their patriotic work of send-
ing men to the field and of providing for the needy families
connected therewith. Although technically called the iiSth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, the regiment v.-as known throughout
the war as the " Corn Exchange Regiment of Phikuielphia,"
and the association has ever felt a just pride in the valor and
achievements of the brave boys that bore their name.

At the close of the war the survivors of the regiment de-
posited with the Corn Exchange the worn and tattered battle-
flag carried at Shepherdstown, and from there to Appomattox.
It was afterwards presented by the association to General Pre-
vost, as its rightful custoiiian and guardian. In the course of
his graceful speech of acceptance, in reply to tlie presentation
remarks of President Minchman, lie liid the association the
honor to sa}- : " It is my duty, as well as pleasure, to sa\- for
myself and for my brother-ofhcers, that wc feel that whatever
character ^^■e in-.'e made as s..L;;crs, whate\'er ui^riinclion \ve

■ . — 7 —

have earned, we are largely indebted to this association for
giving us the opportunity. It was your patriotism and liberal-
^ it>' that placed the Corn Exchange Regiment in the field • and

t you, gentlemen, are sharers in the glory it earned. Nor did

your liberality end there. Your donations were placed in the
hands of such devoted men as Hoftman, Ward, Knecht, Hart-
ranft. and others, who were untiring in their devotion 'to the
wounded and dying, and smoothed the path to the grave of
many a brave fellow; and widows and orphans have r'^eason to
bless the Corn Exchange Association for your liberal dona-
tions dispens'ed by these gentlemen."

Since the Corn Exchange took their patriotic action in con-
nection with the regiment a quarter of a century has passed
away, and many, indeed most of those who bore an active part
in this loyal work, have passed to that " bourn from which no
traveller returns." Of the committee of twentv-one there are
but eight survivors. But the loyal men of 'the association
of that day sowed broadcast the seeds of patriotism in their
organization which have ripened into an abundant harvest and
the flame of libert>' burns as brightly in the hearts of their'suc-
cessors, " The Commercial Exchange," as it did in the parent
body. And if ever the nation is again imperiled by foes from
without or within, it will stand by the Government with the
same zeal and fidelit>' as did its predecessor, " The Corn Ex-
change," on the 34th day of July, 1862.

Already the spirit of the old has been reproduced in the
new organization, as shown by their recent generous contribu-
tion for the erection of an elegant monument on the battle-field
of Gettysburg, to commemorate the part which was taken by
the regiment on that memorable field.

The following letter from Governor Curtin, written on a
special occasion after the disaster at Sheplierdstown, in which
this regiment suffered largely, will be read with interest, as, in
addition to his words of sympathy, he speaks of the connection
of the Corn Exchange with " the iiSth Pennsylvania " in very
conijjlinicntary terms :

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— 9 —

destinies ; to him they intrusted its reputation and theirs ; to
his skill they gave its training; to his soldierly judgment they
consigned its militar\' keeping. But six other officers, Gwynn,
Donaldson, Batchelder, Hand, Walters and McCutchen, had
been in actual battle. Many others, among them Colonel Pre-
vost as a captain and Major Herring as a lieutenant, had been
well schooled in tactical instruction in the Gray Reserves, a
regiment of high repute in the Pennsylvania militia. From the
ranks of this organization the line of the 1 19th Pennsylvania,
as well as the regiment the history of which we are now
writing, was supplied with some of its best commissioned
officers. It still bears distinguished place in the service
of the State as the 1st Regiment Infantr}^ of the National
Guard.

The authority to recruit was received early in August. The
substantial aid supplied by the Corn Exchange lent an impetus
to the labor, and the work was prosecuted with unusual vigor.
Recruiting stations were opened in the most available loca-
tions : A at 727 Market street, and D at Eighth and Market ;
B Walnut below Second, C at 833 Market, and G on the north
side of Market below Ninth ; E at the Girard House, F at the
north-east corner of Broad and Race, and H on Fifth above
Chestnut; I at 513 south Second, and K at 241 Race street.
A was the first to fill its quota to the maximum. Al-
though several other regimental organizations were in active
competition, the 118th was the first to fully complete its
quota. In fact, before any of the others had actually com-
pleted theirs, the emergenc}' became so pressing that they
were hurried to the front with the required maximum still
incomplete.

Major Herring was placed in charge of the camp of rendez-
vous and instruction. It was located on a most attractive spot
on the west side of Indian Queen Lane, near the Falls station,
on the Norristown branch of the Philadelphia, Germantown
and Norristown Railroad, and designated as " Camp Union."
I'rom the forty-seven men, with which tlic encampment started.

■ ^ — lO —

the daily acquisition of recruits soon swelled the number to
respectable proportions. Guard-duty and a practical applica-
tion of the principles in the school of the soldier were taught
as well as the opportunities would permit. But few officers
could be spared from the recruiting stations. Lieutenants
Binney, Moss and West were among those on duty at the
camp. The first guard ever mounted in the regiment was in
charge of Sergeants Charles Silcox, Company F, and Hillery
Snyder, Company K, consisting of the following privates:

Company K — Thomas J. Hyatt; Wm. H. H. Davis ; Wm. B.
Mayberr).' ; Jos. P. Davis ; August Sigel ; Ambrose Schwoerer.
Compajiy F — W'm. Genn ; Robert Harnly ; Wm. H. King.
Coinpa)iy G — Thos. O'Donold ; John Coonan ; Henry Craig;
John Werntz; James Dougherty. Coinpany A — Joseph Hess;
Thos. H. Bullock; Lewis G. Hoffman; G. W. Wainwright;
Samuel X. Robertson.

Sergeant J. Rudhall White, w^ho shortly afterwards was pro-
moted to a lieutenancy, was detailed as clerk to the comman-
dant. The supplies, tolerably fair, were furnished with reason-
able regularity. There were but few breaches of discipline, and
the men, in a spirit of commendable contentment, cheerfully
accepted the change from the comforts of home to the inconven-
iences necessarily attending a newly-organized camp.

A few days after the cainp was formed, the men then on the
ground were furnished with uniforms. As the garments were
not made to order by fashionable tailors, and were handed out
somewhat indiscrimmately, the effect, in some cases, was pecu-
liar. A tall, slender man exhibited himself to the quartermas-
ter and requested a si.-'.e adapted to his shape. The attempt to
accommodate him was a failure. The bottoms of his pantaloons
were three inches above his ankles, with a corrcsp<Tnding declen-
sion of the top from his waist, while tiie roominess in other ways
was mar\'ellous. At the sam.e time, in the next tent to that from
which the tall \olunteer had cmeigcd, a stout little chap had
pulled on a pair tiie waist ofv/hich was ahnost to his armpits, while
his toes had not ycl appeared at tile boitom.s. Ju.-.tice compels

II

^

the statement that all the fits were not- as bad as these two, the
fact being that some one, whose sense of duty had been throt-
tled in a spirit of mischief, had adroitly changed the indispen-
sables. Nevertheless, a gentle shade of melancholy stole over
many faces as their owners looked down upon the shapeless
mass of cloth that hung over the manly limbs, the contempla-
tion of which had theretofore been a pride and satisfaction.
The coarse, ponderous brogans, given out with the uniforms,
■^ere also a vexation to vanity. One, to whose lot fell a for-
age cap that covered his
^ars, was assured it would
' shrink to proper propor-
tions in the first rain-storm,
while another, whose cap
sat nattily upon the very
tip of his crown,, after the
manner of the British sol-
dier, was consoled with the
assurance that the August
sun would soon expand it
to suit his comfort and
convenience.

The uniforms having
been donned, and the bro-
gans relegated to the ob-
scure recesses of the tents
for the time being, it be-
came incumbent upon the aspirant for military fame to as-
sume the position of the soldier. The men were taken out
upon the parade-ground in squads, and there the squads were
separately informed that " the position of the soldier should be
one of grace and case." Whereupon, naturally or unnaturally,
each individual portion of each squad became about as un-
graceful and stiff as was possible. This, combined with a
burning inquisitiveness on the part o( every one in the line to
see whether the others were graceful and easy, produced an

>>'' -.

, ^tSS}--:-r': f' — "'

— 12 —

effect the reverse of soldierly. The drill in the " facings "
disclosed the fact that many, otherwise intelligent, were not
certain as to which was their right hand or their left. Con-
sequently, when the order " Right, face ! " was given, face met
face in inquiring astonishment, and frantic attempts to obey the
order properly made still greater confusion. The drill in
marching and wheeling resulted in tortuous, uncertain lines
and semi-circular formations that "were ludicrous caricatures of
the results intended to be produced.

This was the beginning. These were the ripples upon the
surface of the voJunteer's life. Beneath was the deep resolve
to act well the part assigned them in the great tragedy of the
Rebellion.

The record of the conduct of the regiment on many a battle-
field, the graves in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania,
the armless sleeves, and the folded pantaloons of numbers of
the survivors, bear witness to the faithful execution of that
resolve.

The greater part of the month of August was spent in fit-
ting the volunteers for the life before them and, among other
things, to accustom them to the sight and taste of boiled salt
pork and bacon. The day of hard-tack had not yet come.
The evil hour of salt pork was put off for a time, as " rations "
were purchased from the stores in town, and of the pedlers
who visited the camp. Supplies were also obtained from the
homes of the volunteers.

After the men had been drilled in squads and companies,
the field-officers determined to have a battalion drill, in a fi j!d
that sloped down from the side of the encampment. On tiie
afternoon of a clear August day, the regiment was form ,1
into a battalion, front on the brow of the slope, and tiie orucr.
" Forward, march ! " given.

It was a delightful and inspiring sight. The men moved
down the slope with steady, ringing tread, in perfect line,
the bright rifle-barrels, with the ba)-oncts on them, gleaming
and shinimciing in the sunlight. They seemed invmcible. ..Vs

— 13 —

they marched on, the band playing, the colors flying, a martial
^ spirit in the very- air, some unfortunate trod upon a yellow-
jacket's nest hidden in the grass. There was music in the air.
On, on, regardless of the stings of the indignant buzzers. But
another nest was disturbed, and stjil others; the music in-
creased. The yellow-jackets made a spirited attack. The
regiment hesitated, faltered, wavered, fled !— fled in confusion,
covered with stings instead of glory. The Corn Exchange
, Regiment had suffered its first defeat.

It was a dearly-bought victory for the yellow-jackets. To-

, wards evening scouts were sent out to ascertain the positions

of the enemy. Camp-kettles filled with boiling water were

hurried to the front, and ladlefuls discharged into the nests.

No quarter was given. The yellow-jackets were annihilated.

The regimental surgeon had not yet arrived in camp. A
volunteer from the country, Charles F. Dare, afterwards selected
as hospital steward, who had had some previous experience in
warfare with the winged, stinging foe, assumed the position,
and, with becoming gravity, treated his wounded comrades
with mud plasters, while their unwounded friends gave them
unlimited chaff

There was no more than the usual awkwardness that usually
attended a first military venture, but some of the incidents
were highly ludicrous. Prompt and efficient sentinel-duty
seems to be slow of acquisition. The corporal of the
guard is sometimes prone to exercise his brief authority with
unusual severity. The untrained recruit views his approach
with dread, and is rejoiced when he is relieved of his presence.
Colonel Gwyn, who, seated in his tent, had for some time
noticed the exceptional awkwardness of a sentry in his vicinity
as he passed his beat, finally approached him and relieved him
of his musket. The colonel was entirely unknown to the
sentr>', cither by name or rank. The sentry submitted quietly
to his disarmament, and, as the colonel walked off cariying the
piece with him, he turned and anxiously said, " Say. you —
what sliall 1 say to that ' bossy fellow ' when he comes around ? "

— 14 —

It was the fierce and martial corporal that alone he feared, and
if the. colonel could supply him with an explanation that would
have been satisfactory to the " bossy fellow," he was at liberty
to do what he pleased with his piece. He learned better after-
wards.

On one occasion Corporal Ferguson, in a spirit of mischief,
concocted a happ}' scheme to elude the guard and pass beyond
the line. He happened on the south-west side of the camp,
overlooking the Falls of Schuylkill, where a sentr}^ was on
duty, who appeared neither wise nor vigilant. It was in the
early evening, arid there was a positive prohibition against
passing the camp-limits after dark. Fifteen or twenty men
were in the vicinit}', and, without communicating his purpose,
Ferguson, in a loud and authoritative tone, commanded, " Fall
in ! " It was promptly obeyed, and, after exercising his squad
in a few manoeuvres, he deliberately marched it, without
challenge or interruption, over the beat of the sentry. As
they drew farther and fatther from the reach of the sentinel's
voice, Ferguson's purpose became apparent, and then, with a
wild hurrah, the whole part}- broke for the village. Their
liberty was of short duration. They ran suddenly upon an
officer returning to camp, who, quickly conceiving from their
actions and numbers that something was wrong, hustled them
back without giving them opportunity to invent a stor^- to
deceive him.

Iucr>' morning, as the August sun rose from his bath in the
Atlantic, he looked warmly at a mass of hastily and not over-
completely dressed, yawning, sleepy-headed fellows, with tum-
bled hair, who had just risen from their heaps of straw and
emerged from the shelter of their tents to answer the imperative
roll-call. In each compan}' were one ox two sluggards who
appeared in undress uniform — that is, fatigue-caps on their
heads, dress-coats pulled on over their under-clothing, their
feet clad in nature's adornments. For obvious reasons, and to
the h'.'nor of the regiment, these spectacles clung closely to
tiic rear rank.

• — 15 —

From a more elevated position the sun saw the company-
cooks, invested with all the dignity of their important position,
dealing out coffee, bacon and soft-tack (baker's bread) — the
coffee in quart tin mugs, the bacon on tin plates, and the bread
into outstretched hands. A study of the faces of the men, as,
seated on the grass, or surrounding improvised tables, they
partook of their morning meal, revealed content, discontent or
indifference. Some, blessed — or cursed, as short rations in the
field at times subsequently proved — with the century' -famed
and chestnut-storied appetite of the ostrich, and the robust
iiealth of the anaconda, ate with a relish and avidity that told
of the peaceful complacency of easy digestion. Others were
certainly longing, not for the flesh-pots of Egypt, but the
pepper-pots and other mild appetizers of their Philadelphia
homes. Still others ate as though eating were simply part of
the business of life ; something that, like other things, had to
be done, and might as well be done at that time as at any
other.

Getting still higher in the sky, the bright-eyed master of the
day gazed upon the men at company-drill. Some companies
were evolving the mysteries of " shoulder arms," " present
arms," " carry arms," " right shoulder shift," and loading and
firing. Others were marching by the flank, wheeling, fronting,
facing and perspiring — the last without orders.

At noon the sun looked straight down upon the soup,
boiled beef, vegetables and half-melted cooks ; later, from his
westering place, glanced at the complicated and hurrying
movements of the battalion-drill; and still later, just before he
disappeared behind the hills, reviewed the regiment as they
stood drawn up on dress-parade, with great satisfaction, as well
he might.

So the days went by in single file, each carr}'ing its load of
work in the manual of arms, and in squad, company and
battalion-drill. Gradually the heterogeneous was moulded into
the homogeneous. Metaphorically licked into .shape, the vol-
unteers became — or looked, at least, like — veritable dogs of

— i6 —

war, ready to be let loose. Enforcement of discipline and
obedience to orders ; the yielding up, to an extent, of individu-
ality and personal will, compacted the regiment into that essen-
tial state in which it could be wielded by one man as a weapon
of offence or defence — ready to be hurled against an enemy to
overwhelm, or to stand as a breastwork to bar the advance of
an approaching foe.

In the summer evenings, after the sun had given place to
near-sighted twilight, in the range of whose vision all sorts of
pranks could be played without being noticed, many of the
men changed into boys, and did whatever mischief their hands
found to do. One, who had an inventive turn of mind in the
direction of practical jokes, gathered every toad that he could
find within the limits of or near the encampment. These he
confined in a pen in the woods, concealed by some underbrush.
After his comrades slept, he would introduce two or three of
his toads into each of the two tents adjoining that in which he
was quartered. This proceeding, for several nights, was with-
out proper effect. A night came, however, on which he was
delighted with the results.

" Jim ! " screamed one of the occupants of the next tent ;
" Ji"^ ! gst up, quick ! There's a snake in the straw ! "

The four sleepers were awake, up in an instant, and out of
the tent. Once outside, they interrogated the alarmist:
" How do you know there is a snake there ? "
" I was turning over and put my hand on him."
This was most conclusive proof The proprietor of the toads
came out of his tent and obligingly offered to furnish a candle
to throw light on further investigations. Arming themselves,
they cautiously pulled the straw out of the tent, little by little,
and with raised sticks watched at the entrance, while an ex-
tended arm, with the light, was held inside. Tiie night scene
was an interesting one. The rays from the candle re\-caletl two
solemn-looking toads, squatted on their haunches, apparently
wondering what the fuss was all about. The presence of toads
in the tent on the other side of the joker having been discov-

w

^i^-^-^-ZjC^ <^^'^^<.^^ t\^

LIEUTENANT-Ci>LOXEL ll^TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEnJ
BREVET MA OR-GENERAL U. S. VOLUNTEERS.

J - — 17 —

ered, suspicion was, somehow, directed to him. The boys
~ watched, and detected his Httle game without his being aware
of it. One morning, in dressing, he found the bottoms of his
pantaloon legs neatly pinned and a half-dozen or so of toads in
each. Not confounded, he only said sadly: "Boys, I didn't
think you'd be guilty of toadying to me in this way."

Sunday, August loth, the camp was visited by several liuii-
dred persons. In the afternoon there was divine service under
the auspices of Samuel L. Ward and James Barratt, Jr., at which
tlie Rev. ]Mr. McConnell and Rev. Wm. R. IMcNeill officiated.
The former • gentleman delivered a most impressi\-e and patri-
otic address.

Sunday, August 17th, divine sen,'ice was held at camp by
Rev. Dr. Jackson, whose eloquent and forcii>le remarks at
the war meeting in Independence Square so electrified his
hearers.

By August 20th there were over nine hundred men enrolled
and distributed among the companies as follows : A. 98 ; B, 97 ;
C, 98; D. 89; E, 95; F, 92; G, 98; H, 98: I, 50; K. 94 ;
and at roll-call that evening 674 privates answered to their
names. In addition to that number, lOO wci-e on guard, iS
sick, 20 on special service, and iS were missing. During the
day Major Herring drilled the regiment at tlie tap of the
drum.

Wore than usual was acconiplislicd in the short season of in-
struction at this camp of organization. To one officer nearly the
whole credit of the good results there obtained \vas due. In sea-
son and out of season Major Herring was constant, watchful and
attentive, and no detail escaped his observation, no faidt passed
without notice. He instilled a duty, obedience and discipline
that bore rich fruit, as upon this elementary tfcuuing vv-as gratted
the severe and graver responsibilities of a soldier's life.

Sunday, August 24th, was a memorable day. In the morn-
ing Rev. Kingston Goddard deli\-ered a \'ery eloquent discourse,,
which was attenti\-ely listened to by nearly i .O'X) uniformed.
>oldier.s o[ the organization and some 2,000 v.- 'urs. A fme

quartette attached to Company C greeted the reverend gentle-
man on his approach with some famihar and finely-executed
sacred music, and added greatly to the interest of the occasion.
In the afternoon it was computed about 5,000 visited the camp.
There was no disorder — the behavior of all was in keeping with
the day.*

On the 2Sth Companies H and K made a short street parade
from 1 2th and Girard streets, under Captain Donaldson, accom-
panied by a band, and made a creditable display.

On the 29th dress-parade was held at 5 p. M., after which the
Rev. John Walker Jackson presented to each man, on behalf
of the members of the Corn Exchange Association, a Bible, a
hymn-book, and a blanket. The presents were received by the
Rev. Charles E. Hill, the chaplain of the regiment. At the
same time Miss Anita Ward, aged ten years, a daughter of
Samuel L. Ward, the treasurer of the fund, gave each man of
Company E a pincushion, the product of her own industry.

*One of the most eligible and picturesque camps which has yet been established
in this vicinity is that of the Corn Exchange Regiment, Colonel Prevost, out near
the Falls of Schuylkill. It is visited daily by thousands of people, and the roads
leading to it are lively with vehicles all day and evening. AlxDUt 1, 000 men are
in camp, which is beautifully arranged in a large field, surrounded on three sides
by groups of forest trees. Last evening an interesting ceremony took place at the
camp. Lieutenant L. L. Crocker, of Company C, was presented with a beautiful
sword, sash, belt and accoutrements. His company, which is one of the finest in
this or any other regiment, was drawn up in line in its company street, and in a
few graceful remarks Mr. Stephen N. Winslow, on behalf of the dijnurs o{ the
i)eautiful weapon, presented the sword. Mr. Winslow complimented Lieutenant
■Crocker highly, as from a fifteen years' acquaintance he wxs able to do nobly, and
lie spoke in warm terms of the soldierly and gentlemanly bearing of the men of
Company C, many of whom he had known in social and business relations before
ihey had been called on to defend their country with the musket against this
wicked Rebellion. .Mr. Winslow's spirited and eloquent address was greeted with
nine cheers by the company. Lieutenant Crocker approjiriately responded. At
the close of the speaking the company marched to the Falls and imlulged in some
pleasant singing and other agreeable exercises, after which ihey bade good-bye to
them and returned to camp. Yesterday the regiment at 3 V. M. received their En-
field rifles. At 5 P. M. the men were put tiirougli the manual of arms with diatin-
gxiished accuracy on dress-parade, when .'Vdjutant James P. Perot acouitted
himself handsomely, — Fhiladihhia ILvinin;^ BulL-iin, .\ugust zG, 1S02

— 19 —

peck's band was in attendance, and a lively and enjoyable time
was had.

On the Sunday before the departure the regiment was hon-
ored by the distinguished presence of Parson Brownlow, the
renowned Union clergyman, statesman and soldier of East Ten-
nessee. He preached a memorable sermon, that thrilled his
hearers with fervid patriotism.

August was near its end. Whispers and rumors circulated
through the camp to the effect that the regiment had been or-
dered to the front. The whispers and rumors were true. On
tlie last day of August the regiment was divided, half starting
on that day and half on the next. For the first time many of
the men fully understood the import and consequences of the
step they had taken in enlisting. The hour for separation from
all home associations was at hand. As it drew nearer and
nearer the laugh and the jest were checked on many a lip, and
(c\v, indeed, were they who did not see more clearly the serious
and dangerous side of the undertaking. Hope told of easy
victory and renown won. But, somehow, the other side would
turn up and show a reverse of ugly wounds, of sudden death,
of defeat and disaster. One was leaving a tearful-eyed wife,
who, at their parting, would bid him God-speed with a brave
smile, and tlien, turning in at the open door as he was lost to
sight, give way to the bitter sobs and tears that she had re-
pressed for his sake. They would meet again — when ? An-
other would part with his wife and his boy — his pride, his hope,
a part of himself, it would seem, when the wrench came. x\n-
othcr was going away from his mother, and she was a widow.
Sisters would cling around the neck of a brother at the parting.
All had one or more bound to them by the closest, tenderest
ti'js, from whom they were to be severed by time and distance.
No wonder, then, that sad reflections filled their minds and
tlircw grave and anxious shadows upon their faces.

The good-byes were over. The men were on their way
throu'^h Wilmington and Baltimore to Washington. Some
sat. with tremulous lips and tears forcing themselves from their

20

eyes, in the shadow. True-hearted they were, and tender.
. After\vards, and often, when the hail of bullets swept the field,
and the shrieks of shells, like the moans of demons, filled the
air, these same men marched in the front with faces so stern
and lips so set that none could dream that thoughts of love or
pity had e\-er entered their hearts. Some were moody, some '*
laughed with a ring that wanted something to make it honest,
and some— let it be said under the breath— were jovial with a
joviality that brought headache in the morning.

The 31st of August, 1862, had been a disastrous day for the
Union arms. All the hard blows Pope had received culminated
in the hardest, and Bull Run, destined only for fatality, again
recorded a Confederate triumph.

The gravit>- of the situation called for evcr\' available recruit.
All the regiments organizing about Philadelphia were hurried
to the front. By ten o'clock in the evening Camp Union was
abandoned fo.'-ever. and at midnight the iiSth, or most of it,
was at Broad and Prune street depot awaiting its turn, among
the others, for transporation to Washington. The limited supt
ply caused a tedious wait, and it was five o'clock on the morn-
ing of the I.St o( September before— packed on the inside and
crowded on the roof of o\-erladen bo.x-cars— a full start was
made for the destination.

Reasonably fair speed was made for the character of the
train, and by two o'clock in the afternoon the command was
debarked at the President street station in Baltimore, and
prompt!}' marched to the Washington depot, on Camden street.
There the indications were, from lack of transportation, of a
weary and uncom.rortablc all-night's delay. Pledglings in the
service, a number of the officers surreptitiously h^ied^wa)- to
the Eutaw llou-i'^ for a snb>lantial meal and better rest. Thev
had arranged v, be communicated with should the regiment
move une.vpectedly. and left instructions with the clerk that,
upon the receipt of such intelligence, they were to be at once'
notified.

At the supper taf:- t!ie somewhat boisterous conduct of a

— 21 —

few of them drew forth frowning, disapproving glances from
old General Wool, of Mexican fame, at that time commanding
the city, who happened, with his family, to be occupying seats
in the dining hall. After ten o'clock the noise rather increased,
and the hotel corridors resounded with a good deal of royster-
ing. A few, a verj.- few, really did retire; when, about midnight,
those who had sought repose were aroused from their slumbers,
and the others who had not were interrupted in their frolic,
with the summons to hurry to the depot, that the regiment was
in motion. It was obeyed with all the hurry and excitement
incident to its "peremptory character. Neither, however, was
necessar)'; for, upon reaching the station, instead of finding
active preparations going on for departure, every man was
soundly wrapped in slumber.

It was asserted that General Wool had taken this method to
rid the hostlery of its noisy, undesirable guests. Whoever it
was, the ruse was successful, and chagrined, and disappointed,
those who had sought to steal the comforts denied their fel-
lows found poor consolation in fretting away the balance of the
night chafing over a lost opportunity. Nor did the train move
out until ten in the morning. It was a slow run to Washington
and four in the afternoon before it reached its destination.

The regiment was marched to the Soldier's Retreat to be
fed. A most distinguished misnomer, if by the term retreat
was meant case, repose and comfort ; and a travesty on sub-
sistence, if it was intended by feeding to imply that those to be
fed were to be furnished with a nourishing, substantial meal.
Sour bread, coffee-colored water, decomposed potatoes, decayed
beef were in such striking contrast with the comforting, well-
served supplies furnished by the Volunteer and Cooper-Shop
Refreshment .Saloons in Philadelphia, that the soldiers howled
a unanimous dissatisfaction.

The night was spent in the Government corral. Famished
mules howled discordantly, teamsters yelled their imprecations
as wagons came and went. In the intervals of quiet there was
a httlc rest.

22

On the mornino- of the 3d of September the regiment crossed
the Long Bridge, and bivouacked on Arlington Heights, at
Fort Albany. The journey, which began on the 31st at mid-
night, with its frequent and lengthy interruptions, was at last
concluded.

Other dry and healthful-looking unoccupied sites were in
view, but the location assigned for our encampment was a veri-
table swamp. Here and there a little fast-land afforded better
acconmiodations to those to whose good fortune it fell to
occupy it; but the camp was mainly on soft and miry ground.
Such inconveniences were soon but little noticed ; any place
was good enough if the column would only halt.

The discomforts were insignificant contrasted with the sorry
plight in which were some of the brave but shattered battalions
of the Potomac army encamped around and about the vicinity,
recuperating from the hard work entailed upon them by the
Bull Run disaster.

A ver)"- handsome silk national standard, of the size pre-
scribed for regimental colors, had been presented to Com-
pany H by one of its admiring lady friends, before it left
Philadelphia. Up to this time the regiment had been provided
with the State flag only, and the captain of H, with appropriate
ceremonies, very gracefully devoted his national colors to
supply the deficiency. Whilst here a detail of the regiment,
under Lieutenant Walters, was detached to the l^alloon Corps,
and remained absent from the command for some weeks.

Hard practical work occupied the four da>'s the regiment
remained at Fort Albany. Drills of every character followed
each other at intervals so close as to leave but little opportunity
for leisure or aught else. On the last day of the encampment
on the low ground, the men, suspecting from its taste, that the
water of the creek from which they obtained their supplies for
drinking and cooking was not of the purest, conmiissioned
a squad to find the source of the creek and report. They
went and returned. Some quarter of a mile or ni-ire up the
stream thL\- found a carcass t-f a h>-/r.-e l\-ing. Still farther

— 23 —

up they discovered a regiment encamped on both sides of the
creek, some of the men washing their garments in its waters.

The tribulations of inexperience come to the soldier as they
do to the collegian. Men are as prone to gibe and twit as are
the youths of the academy. No prohibitory regulation re-
strained the bent of inclination, and the early history of all
regiments is rife with many practical pleasantries perpetrated
at the expense of the readily susceptible.

Often the victim lays the snare for himself, in his own guile-
less innocence.

A young officer standing by the roadside, in the first camp
his regiment ever made, noticed on the covers of the wagons
of a passing ammunition train the designation of their contents,
" Cal. 58." Carried away with enthusiasm for what he believed
evidenced such unselfish practical patriotism in his fellow-
citizens of the Pacific coast, he gave vent to his appreciation in
the expression : " Great heavens, has California, so far removed
from the scene of hostilities, already furnished so many regi-
ments to the Union army!" Such unusual verdancy offered a
tempting opportunity, and it was not long before his brother-
oflFicers had him fully persuaded that the Government, solicitous
to encourage amusements to while away the hours of leisure,
would supply, upon a duly approved stationer)^ requisition, an
annual allowance of playing-cards. So firmly was this young
gentleman convinced that he had been honestly informed as to
rights of which he was ignorant, that he filled out a requisition
for two decks of cards, one whist, one euchre, and presented it
to the colonel for approval. Upon finishing the explanation
which was, of course, demanded, he was bade to acquaint him-
self more familiarly with the regulations and not permit him-
self to be so trifled with in the future.

It is quite questionable whether all, or nearly all the officers
of the llSth were not victims of what, if not a practical joke,
was certainly a practical mistake. Most of the three officers
of each company supplied themselves with a mess-chest of
the most ponderous proportions, lari^e enough to cover nearl}'

— 24 —

half the bed of an army wagon. This they stored with all
the desirable appliances of kitchen and table furniture in
prolific quantities. With such a multiplication of ivipedimenta
throughout an army, its field-operations might as well be
suspended. Those who had the experience of active service
advised against such investments. There advice was not only
unheeded, but it was strongly intimated that it was prompted
by motives of parsimony. These mess-chests, though, really
got farther on their way than those better acquainted had
expected. It was confidently believed that the depot at Wash-
ington would see the last of them. Some, however, reached
Frederick City. There the last survivor was abandoned. One
by one they had been dropped along the road, and were nev'er
heard of afterwards.

On the 8th of September, the command moved to a dry,
sloping hill-side, in the vicinity of Fort Cochran. Another
four days of similar exacting instruction followed, and then
began the sterner calls of duty. All else was soon absorbed
in the march, the picket, the battle and bivouac; and so it went
until the end had accomplished the full purpose of the soldier's
mission, and he had once more found his home in a citizenship
he had helped make secure.

(yy^^i^^''^-^^

Majob I 18th Reor. P. V.

BRtvET Brio. Gcn. U. 6. Vol

CHAPTER II.

ANTIETAM.

ON the 1 2th the regimental individuality was measurably
lost through its absorption into the combinations neces-
sary in the management of great armies and the conduct of grand
campaigns. The brigade to which it was allotted had borne
the crucial test of the Peninsular battles and tlie Second Bull
Run, and the laurels it had gathered were not to be dimmed
by the conduct of the iiSth, which so soon showed its valor
in the hard fighting at Shepherdstown.

The brigade, the 1st of the ist Division of the 5th Corps,
was commanded by Brigadier-General John H. iMartindale, the
division by Major-General George W. Morrell, and the corps
by Major-General Fitz John Porter. The brigade was com-
posed of the 22d Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel
Wm. S. Tilton commanding; the iSth Massachusetts, Colonel
James Barnes; the 13th New York, Colonel E.S.Marshall;
the 25th New York, Colonel Chas. A. Johnson ; the ist Michi-
gan, Colonel Ira C. Abbott ; the 2d Tslaine, Lieutenant-Colonel
George Varney.

The 22d Massachusetts had obtained celebrity from the
name of its distinguished statesman-colonel, the Hon. Henry
Wilson, senator from that State. Its march through Philadel-
phia under his personal command, during the very early days
of the war, may yet be recollected by the citizens of that day.
This was about all of the senator's service with troops. Plis
great abilities and unflinching patriotism could not be safely
spared from the halls of Congress, where they were most in
requisition and where his countrymen demanded his continu-
ous presence.

(25)

— 26 —

Colonel Bariio?, of the 1 8th Massachusetts, and Colonel
Marshall, of the 13th New York, had both been educated at
the United States ^.lilitary Academy at West Point, and Colo-
nel B?-rncs, by virtue of his seniority, in the absence of General
Martindale, was temporarily in command of the brigade.

The old song, " Comrades, Touch the Elbow" (which will
be found on pages 27 and 28), that fang its stirring melodies
through all tlic war, and yet awakens the echoes of the olden
times, had its birth in this brigade. It was here General I\Iar-
tindalc, with his f; xile pen, caught his inspiration for its au-
-thorship. And that these brigade associations were never
severed except by casualties, is convincing that the author was
not mistaken when he intuitively caught his notions of soldier-
fellowship from his early associations with this command.
The work of the 13th and 25th New York and 2d Maine
was done, and well done, and they passed out of the service at
the expiration of tb.oir term. Otherwise there were no changes
in the organizatirin save additions, except that the 22d Massa-
chusetts a few ni'inths before the conclusion of its three years'
service was transferred, but not away from the division. The
brigade remained continuously in the same division and corps ;
its onl\- change w,is in designation at the opening of the Wilder-
ness Campaign, from the 1st to the 3d. This change came
about through tb.e general consolidation of the other corps of
the Army of the Potomac into the 2d, 5th and 6th. All the
troops of the ist !^i\-isicn, nine regiments, well tried and true,
were made the 3d iV.igade. To the other two brigades, regi-
ments v.cre niu.-tly assigned that were not before a part of the
division organ ;;Mtii!i. The proud badge of distinction was
ahva\-s the red ii:.,::,.:.--e cross.

It \'. as as caiiy as seven o'clock in the morning when
the order of tlv.: ,'. ^igiiment was executed, and promptly at that
hour tile brigade began the march from Fort Cochran o\er the
Potomac, b)' tlie aqueduct bridge, and into the cit}- of Wash-
ingtoii. Hither I'.v.d thither it wan<.lercd. up anil down its broad,
du-t}- high-A-ay:-. ap;\irently without auii nr purpose. Its citi-

^27-

QD/T)rade5l Jouel; tl^e ^ibou;.

Words by Gen, J. H, MAKTINLALS,

I

H

^it

^

When bat - tie's mu

-V < — *-

sic greetb Oie ear.

^j*-

"^==

?^-'-3

^

J *-^ tf a — ti 1

5=d:

l|biE^

rliz-v^-M:

guns are sight - ed at the foe, Then nerve the hand r^nd

t^

• • -ir

-«*:

■3~«:

-*-r— »-

il

ban - ish fear, And, com-rades, touch the el - bow.

rzra:

1

— 28 —

Chorcs.

n tt s N i 1

^ 1

' y-5 — TV < !-

Ak # * # M _

N, ^-

-^— J N ^ J 1 _-

\ ■ ! . # 0 J :<

}^ ?-^— ■*—

mJ

_, — ^i_,_L_? f r

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Touch the el - bow! now, my boys, Comrades,touch the el -bow.

^^'-H

,4-1 ^y*^ I I -s — L r^-

— ■ -i— m— i -m ?5 "-ii — I ' — ;

j—j-

-0-^0 — *-

-2S=[

11^=^2=::^=:::=:

i^^^^]

Nerve the hand and ban - ivhfear.Then.comrades.touch the el-bow.

7- *~~r-0- — '• — — — 'SZ^~Z^ -'-

^5

f

i

Home and country patriots fire.

Kindle your souls with fervid glow,

The Southern traitors shall retire

When Northmen touch the elbow! — Cho.

Thou;;h many brave men bite the sod,
And crimson heart's blood freely tiow,

Shout, as their spirits soar to God,

On! comrades, touch the elbow. — Cho.

Now show the rocks of which you're made,
The r:enera! si^^nals, march ! Holloa !

Tl'.en d.vahle (luirk.-tep. lust bn-ade.

Cliacizo ! Comrade-;, touch the elbow. — Cko.

- — 29 —

zens were conspicuously absent from the thoroughfares, and its
dwellings and mansions wore a forsaken, deserted look. Tlie
bustle and disorder attendinc: the Bull Run disaster had meas-
urably subsided, but there was evidently still lacking con\'incing
assurance that all things were well. The men had grown heart-
sick and wear}' of this aimless tramp, when the column, ulti-
mately turning into the Seventh street road, gradually left the
hot, dusty cit\' behind it.

Passing through the formidable earthworks on the north of
the city, then garrisoned by the 2d Pennsylvania Artillery, it
bivouacked for the night at Silver Springs, an indifferent hamlet
in Montgomery county, Maryland. Though the march had
been a long and wear}^ one, the actual distance accomplished
toward any definite destination was but seven miles. Wholly
unused to such fatigues, and totally unacquainted with reduc-
ing their loads to the minimum by dispensing with useless
appendages and trappings, the march told upon the men
severely. The lieat was intolerable, the air, unruffled by the
lightest breeze, stifling, and the huge volumes of grinding dust
impenetrable to the eye and overpowering. The Washington
thoroughfares, upon which most of the tramping had been done,
were not the fine, smooth, even-paved highways of to-day, but
no better than country dirt roads, and from their continuous
use, were less suitable for hea\y pedestrian operations. The
experienced soldiers of the brigade tramped along stolidly and
leisurely, encumbered with no such ponderous, heavily-laden
knapsacks as bore the men of the i i8th down to the very depths
of exhaustion. Their personal baggage had simmered to the
few indispensables conveniently transportable over the shoulder
in the light and readily adjustable blanket-roll. This contained
their house and liome and what little extra apparel the few
changes in the fashions of the day demanded. Their migratory
households were at all times available, with canvas or the can-
opy skies for their dormitories, as weather, time or inclinatiun
indicated. Their diet was a movable feast or a transitory lani-
ine, according as a rich farming country furnished the edibles,

— 30 —

or a scant comuiissanat mcac^rely supplied subsistence. This
(iciy-'s lessons in burden and carriage from their older
brethren were not lost. Necessities and comfort are cogent
factors to tuition. Example and illustration in this con-
nection were better teachers tlian the remoter methods of
tiie pedagogue. In a very short time the i iSth had shed itself.
Tiie cumbrous knapsack had been abandoned for its less mili-
Ip.ry substitute, and the roll of blanket, gum-blanket and
sb.elter-tent found its place by a practical adaptability in expe-
riences, without delays, recommendations or intervention of
advisory beards, quartermasters or ordnance officers. With
t}ieir bronzed faces, battle-tried valor of Shepherdstown and
tact in adjusting their appendages, they were soon indistin-
guishable in general appearance from the men who had the
longest training. They had learned to eat and sleep and rest
with satisfaction and comfort \\'ith whatever advantages there
v,-ere at conunand, and having acquired with facility the axiom
lliat they were never to lose anything, the soldierly appoint-
ments others had were habitually at their disposal.

But the results of the day's march were shocking. Over-
burdened, uorn and weary, man after man, yielding to the in-
evitable, had dropped by the wa}'side, or straggling, broken and
dejected, was struggling to reach the goal of his apparently
endless journc)'. The sergeant and the color-guard fell in
complete exhaustion, and thu colonel himself bore the standard
to the bivouac. Three men to a company, as the " strength
present for dut\%" was a most creditable showing when the
final halt was niadu.

One wear)', dusty private, trudging solemnly and slowly
alonr" the road, near nightfall, struggling- arainst the heat and
hi; own demoralized condition, met General Morrell, and,
toucl'iing his hat, said :

" General, can )-ou tell me where the i iSth Pennsylvania is?"

" Certair.l)-, my man." rc;)!ied the general, seriously; " every-
v.hcre betv.cen here and Washington."

The saddest t!;inj about the matter is, that the general told

— 31 — .

the truth. Rech'ning against fences, or meditating under apple
trees, the llSth averaged about one hundred to tl:e mile.

The invigorating shadows of nightfall revived many, and
one by one during the night they gathered about their more
fortunate fellows who had fully completed their task. But
v.-hen thp " general " sounded next morning, not more than
half the battalion responded. Major Herring was despatched
over the route travelled, to collect the scattered remnants of
the other half, and shortly had returned them to their compan-
ions and restored the regimental symmetry.

This scattering on the first march out from the national
capital was not peculiar to the iiSth. The early part of the
month of September, 1S62, was unusually oppressive, and the
new troops, who joined the army about that time, in their earlier
marches lined the streets of that city and the adjacent road-
ways with many of their numbers who fell by the wayside.
Nor was the straggling confined solely to the fresh levies ; so
persistent had the offence become with the older soldiers, about
this time, that severe and ignominious punishments were re-
sorted to to correct the abuse, and with the old fellows there
was nothing to be said in mitigation. Toughened and sea-
soned in previous campaigns, they were not forced to abandon
their standard from physical exhaustion. There was design
and method in their conduct, and what they did was with pur-
pose and deliberation. Happily, though, time and circum-
stances set all things right, and the brilliant achievements at
Antietam restored the Army of the Potomac to all the vigor
of its original cohesion.

On the 13th reveille sounded at daybreak, and the morning
meal disposed of, and articles to be transported and carried
hurriedly gathered and packed, the column moved at seven
o'clock. There was no improvement in temperature — the sun
beat down relentlessly, and the dust rose in the same thicken-
ing, suffocating masses. The route, though, lay through a
fresh, charming, arable country, with farms and fences and
buildings indicating thrifty husbandr}'.

The bivouac was made half a mile beyond Rockville, the
shire-town of Montgomery county, sixteen miles from Wash-
ington and some thirty from Baltimore. It was a smart-look-
ing little hamlet, with the usual court-house and jail, a fair com-
plement of churches, and a population, when at home, of some
four or five hundred. The women stood about the doorways
curiously gazing upon the marching men, but there was a no-
table scarcity of males. This, with no highly demonstrative
or publicly expressed union sentiment, produced the uncharita-
ble inference that they had gone to "Ki-yi-yi*" in the other
band.

Sunday, the 14th, was pregnant with events and gave birth
to the annals, historic and reminiscent, of South Mountain and
Crampton's Gap. Through sultry, suffocating heat and clouds
of permeating, choking dust, the column bowled along uninter-
ruptedly from seven in the morning until six in the evening;
the wearisome journey concluded on the banks of the Monocacy,
near a village of the same name with the stream, four miles from
Frederick City.

This ground became famous subsequently, in the summer of
1864, as the scene of the battle of " the Monocacy," where Rick-
etts, with his 3d Division of the 6th Corps, aided by Lew Wal-
lace with troops from Baltimore, gallantly checked Early's for-
midable advance upon the national capital. The stream, flow-
ing transparent over its rocky bed, the old stone arches of
the turnpike bridge, the deep-green, gently sloping fields, ex-
tending their vegetation right to the water's edge, and the tim-
ber, with open grassy sward between the trees, made the spot
especially adapted to forgetful repose. Exhausted by their
continuous tramp of eleven hours, the weary men soon sank
into restful sleep.

The startling rumble of fcir-ofif cannonading during the
morning hours broke sullenly upon the ear. These indications
of distant conflict were an early initiation in the sountis ot bat-

* The well-known yell of the Confederates.

— 33 —

tie. As the day advanced and the distance shortened it grew
intense ; the heavy, thundering, portentous roar was convincing
that an affair of some magnitude was in progress. And so it
was ; the day's work dislodged the enemy from the gaps in the
South Mountain range, and opened the highways to the broad
valleys beyond.

John Monteith, a corporal of H, was a strong, well-propor-
tioned man, yet in his twenties. He was full of a generous,
genial flow of spirits ; his uhole manner was catching. Whether
fresh and well-fed, or tired and hungry, he could stimulate his
companions to hilarity that would stir them, when weary, to re-
newed energy and activity, or hugely entertain them when
occasion afforded opportunity for amusement. His abilities
and industr}' indicated a promising future and speedy advance-
ment. His sad end, so soon to follow, cut off a career bright
with the promise of a successful soldier life. He had a rich,
melodious voice, clear, round and ringing. The column had
trudged along to that degree of weariness when a painful still-
ness follows real fatigue. Monteith had noted the situation.
Suddenly his ringing voice rolled out amidst the quietude, m
notes full, free and true, in the melodious strains of the entranc-
ing song, " I Came from the Old Granite State," each verse con-
cluding with a chorus, ending in " boom, boom, boom ! " The
effect was instantaneous and the inspiration catching. Gradu-
ally the regiment caught the strain, fatigues were forgotten, and
the whole air was sonorous with the melody. It spread beyond
the regiment, through the entire colunm of the brigade, and as
the " boom, boom, boom " died away in our command, another
took it up until, at last, it subsided in the distance. The effect,
manifested by enlu-ened spirits and quickened step, was mar-
vellous. It continued through the remainder of the journey
and brought the conmiand to their destination a better, brighter
set of men.

There happened in the late afternoon a chance to indulge in
a sort of " movable feast," that, as has been suggested, was
opportune only when a productive country was the source of
3

■' -34- . • ^

I

supply. As it was a Sabbath day's journey that had just been i

accomphshed, it was aptly fitted to such an opportunity. Our j

men were young as soldiers, but already fair foragers. !

After the bivouac was made the still-lingering daylight kept '■
animate objects moving about the wooded hillside beyond the

camp, well in view. Their location for the night defitiitely i

fixed, a number of the men, prompted by a desire for investi- \

gation, or with a view to better their diet, had, with rifle in j

hand, strolled about in the near vicinity. Some hogs had ^

broken their cover and were straggling through the woods, !
seeking a sustenance which their owners, to encourage domes-

^iir:^-^-^^^^-^^^

,^-~.3f*^

-^^f?>

v^ §.^ '^vV' '!i^^^^ ^" ^' -I — i-^^

tic habits as well as realize on them when fairly fattened, would
have gladly furnished. It required but a slight effort of the
imagination, even in this thickh'-peopled, well-tilled country, to
treat such strolling beasts as wild. Fresh pork was a succulent
morsel when contrasted with the daily issues of its salted sister.
Shots rang out sharply on the evening air, and two well-
rounded porkers fell victims to unerring aim. Pork boiled, fried
and toasted '' ruled the roo-^t," and many of the l iSth, that way
inclined, gorged themsehes to restfulness with fresh pig before
the evening shadows L\dcd into the depths of night.

The march of the 15th began so late as eight o'clock. A
few miles out the column passed through Frederick City, fort}-

~" — 35 —

five* miles from Washington, and the county-seat of Frederick
county. It is a borough of some interest, with clean highways,
wcll-paved sidewalks, and its streets all laid out at right angles.
The stores and mansions are well-built substantial brick struc-
tures, and uidicate it to be a town well grown in years. It is
nestled in a fertile, prosperous country, and its citizens had
been a well-to-do, thrifty people. There are the usual court-
house and jail and some eight or ten places of worship, some
of them quite attractive.

Chief among the objects for which the soldier hungers is
gIor\', and nex.t comes a good dinner. Froni behind the cur-
tains of an open window of one of the houses a matron in
Quaker-like garb was peeping, when one of the men, desirous
of reaching some degree of certainty as to the character of his
next meal, approached the window, and lifting his cap politely,
inquired anxiously:

" Madam, what is there in the village ? " -^ y^^^~-^^■n--^■ir'-p^

" A college of some reputation, sir."

" Great heavens, madam, I can't eat a college ! " he said,
testily, and marched on.

But there was no halt for extended investigation, and the ob-
servations noted were in the hurry of a pressing march.

The movement continued beyond the town along the turn-
pike, with the sun as hot as ever and the dust as thick as usual.
This roadway had been well travelled by heavy columns of
marching men, artillery and trains. Most of the Confederate
army and several corps of the Union had, the former preceding
and the others closely following, gone ov^er it. The stones
Were ground into dust. Each side of the road in the fields was
well tramped out b\- the infantry, the main thoroughfare having
been left for the trains. The fences were down entirely..
Debris, broken wagons and abandoned property were strewn
about everywhere. Telegraph poles and wires were cut and
destroyed, and it \sas quite apparent the only purpose of pur-
suers and pursued was to get along as rapidly as possible,
i'c-.-arJles.s of wh:it was lost, mutilated or forgotten. |

- 36 -

From the journey of the day before and the appearances on
the next, the merest tyro could conclude that if the enemy
waited long enough anywhere, something momentous was
sure to occur, and somebody certainly was bound to be hurt.
Occasional discharges of artillery w^ere heard during the day
and intelligence was received that General Reno, a corps-com-
mander of prominence and distinction, had fallen at the bat-
tle of South Mountain just as the engagement had nearly ter-
minated.

The march concluded at six o'clock and the bivouac was
made for the night close to the eastern base of the Catoctin
range of mountains, upon the other side of which, near at hand,
was the borough of Middletown.

Between six o'clock on a bright morning in middle Septem-
ber and the break of day there is but little margin for prepara-
tion for a hard all-day tramp. But at that hour on the 1 6th
the column was all out on the roadway and, stimulated by the
invigorating morning air, had soon crowned the summit of the
Catoctins. The autumn shadows had not yet tinged a single
leaf, and there, in the distance, parallel with the Catoctin and
sweeping from the north to south, awa\' beyond the range of
vision, rose the more prominent South Mountain belt. There
it stood, clothed in all the grandeur of its patriarchal forests,
dim and majestic in the misty distance. Beneath, for miles,
lay the broad, beautiful valley, dotted everywhere with barns
and houses. Its stacks of garnered grain, its tall, waving corn,
and bright green pasturage, told of the plenty of a toiling, pros-
perous community. Along the western base of the Catoctins the
little stream which bore their name threaded its way — cool, re-
freshing, silent — through its sloping, meadowed banks. ?.Iid-
dletoun, almost a mile in length, with the turnpike for its
only highway, lay motionless near where the mountains ended
and the valley began. The scene, broadening in the scope of
its grandeur, was a rare landscape of mountain and valley, hill
and dale, stream and village.

Middletown, a quaint, old-fashioned \-illage of a few hundred

— 37 —

inhabitants, was eminently suggestive of the old-time country
loafing-place. Now, there were no loungers about the grocery,
and the tavern stoops were deserted. The wayside gossip
had been lost in the thunders of war on the Sunday just gone
by. The mighty hosts contending for the mastery on its west-
ern boundary had left this peaceful vale a charnel-house.

The handles had been removed from all the pumps in Mid-
-dlctown. This aroused much indignation with threats of ven-
geance from the thirsty soldiers. Their anger subsided when
it became known that the measure was resorted to only be-
cause the inhabitants feared a permanent loss of their water
supply. The demand from such a wonderful and sudden in-
crease of population had taxed the wells beyond their capacity'.
Some, however, had vented their spleen by loading them with
stones, earth and rubbish, before the reason for disabling the
pumps had been made known.

The distance across the valley was soon covered. The turn-
pike, the old national road, up the mountain through Turner's
Gap, is a gradual, easy rise, and on either side of the roadway
the lands, on the eastern slope, almost to the very summit, had
been cleared and were under tillage. Most of the hard fighting
on the 14th had been done to the right and left of the pike, the
scene concealed from view by the timber. Besides the many
new-made graves, and the dead gathered in heaps and piled
by the roadside, there were other evidences of heavy fighting
on the road.

From the summit there was a martial display which, for con-
centration of great masses of soldiery, all in full view at the
same time, was probably never equalled at any time during the
war. From the mountains to the Antietam, a stream flowing
to the southward, and moving directly parallel with them, is a
distance of from eight to ten miles. Within this area, over
plain and valley, deployed, massed, in colunm and by the flank,
some moving and others at rest, was nearly the whole Army of
the Potomac, its infantry, cavalrv, artillery and trains. With
t'ie exception of Franklin's Corps on the left, concealed from

- 38 -

observation, in Pleasant Valley, in the vicinity of i\Iar)'land
Heights, the entire army was within the range of vision to an
observer standing on the top of the mountain. The day was
perfect, the air clear and still, the sun briglit and dazzling.
Near the foot lay the hamlet of Boonesboro', a town apparently
of more thrift and enterprise than Middletown, a good-sizeable,
comfortable village of some six or eight hundred people. The
day before the Union cavalry had sent the Confederate rear
through the place rather precipitately. Many of the enemy
were killed and wounded, a number taken prisoners and an en-
tire battery of artillery captured.. It was a spirited affair and
was the cannonading previously noted as " occasional dis-
charges."

From the mountain to the bluffs and knolls which line the
banks of the Antietam westward, and southward to the spur
which makes the western boundary of Pleasant Valley, the
whole country was in full view. To the right and northward
the'arable open lands rolled off, with earth and sky united in a
horizon miles and miles away.

Noticeable to the right on the mountain-top stood Monu-
ment Hill, the highest peak of the range. It derived its name
from a monument erected there by the patriotic citizens of the
neighberhood many years before, to the memory of Washing-
ton. Except the base, which still stood, it v.-as all in ruins;
since the war the same patriotic sentiment has reconstructed it.

Lacking the prominent mountain-sides for its boundaries, the
valley was not so distinctly marked as that through which ran
the Catoctin. It was evidently as rich, fertile and productive
as the other, but as the ground v.as almost wholl\- concealed
by the great mass of men and the paraphernalia of war, wliich
literally covered it, its thrift and fertility were better indicated
by the substantial character of the houses and out-buildings,
and the size of the farms. The houses were solid and massive,
some of brick and some of stone, and the barns of stone, large
and commodious, much after the pattern of their Penr.sylvania
neighbors.

— 39 —

Miles to the right and front, climbing the hills and sinking
over them out of view, were columns upon columns of infantr)^-,
attenuated by the distance to widths so narrow as to but little
resemble a moving mass of human beings, and reduced in size
to patterns so pigmy as scarcely to be distinguishable as men.
They seemed to writhe and crawl, until the heav\- body, desig-
nated for some determined purpose in that direction, had passed
entirely out of sight. But with all its strength, as it simmered
away, the withdrawal of this column seemed in the distance to
make no perceptible diminution in the vast numbers that still
remained deployed, halted or shifting for position, over the
whole surface of the valley below. Smoke twirled from
miniature camp-fires kindled for a little noon-day bite ; stacked
in " line of masses," the sun softly glistened from the bright
barrels of the muskets, or flashed on the pointed bayonets ;
batteries were parked with their divisions ; squadrons stood to
horse with their battalions. Quarter-masters, wagon-masters,
teamsters detaching the ordnance from the other wagons,
gathered their trains into park. Surgeons, ambulances, stretcher-
bearers, separated from the combatants, and the whole country-
side— roads, fields, and timber — swarmed with manoeuvring
soldiery.

That a great battle was imminent was plain. Nor could the
1 1 8th stand longer in wonderment and gaze admiringly upon
the splendid military' display passing in the valley before it, as
if in panoramic appointments for its especial entertainment. It
passed down the mountain-side and was soon lost amid the
legions shaking off their impedimenta preparatory to the
struggle of the morrow.

There was inspiration ever\-where ; It culminated in open
demonstration in the sonorous melody of the " boom, boom,
boom " again, as the column passed through Boonesboro", and
the inhabitants joyously told of the demoralization of the enemy
that followed the dash of the Yankee cavalry through the town
on the da\' previous.

During the afternoon the whole army loosened itself and by

— 40 - _ '

five o'clock the regiment Vvcnl: into bivouac in line of battle. at
the foot of a ridge just beyond the village of Keedysville. The
road from Keedy3\'ille crosses the Antictam by " Porter's
Bridge," a name derived from the neighboring hamlet of Por-
tertown. The ridge overlooked the creek and the country for
some distance beyond. A battery in front was in action when
the regiment came upon the ground, firing with deliberation, at
extended intervals. Each shot brought its response, and
though the practice was poor, that indescribable screech of the
shells, heard for the first time, produced just a perceptible
tremor of anxiety. Artillery at long range soon ceases to ter-
rorize, and the men shortly treated the exploding missiles as
familiar acquaintances. But away off to the right Hooker's
Division was having it tremendously. The roar of the mus-
ketr}' was unceasing, the discharge of the batteries continuous.
Close enough for at least a full appreciation of the noise of a
great battle, it was here the desperate struggle of the cornfield
and Dunker church was in progress, terminating the next
morning in, probably, as many casualties, for the numbers en-
gaged and the space and time co\"ered, as any other field of the
war.

The eve of a great battle is a wonderful curiosity -breeder.
Naturally inquisitive, danger, anxiety, novelty, doubt, but more
particularly the irresistible desire for information he has no
business with, all impel the soldier to search for material to aid
him to shape his resultless conclusions. And such they
habitually are. Truch and rumor, fact and fanc}-, are moulded
together to produce wonderful items of news, which are given
forth as indubitable facts, but pro\-e to be the opposite of real
results. The stores of assumed wisdom, boasttlilly communi-
cated to A\illing, susceptible listeners, are prodigious. Our
regiment, new lo such things, utterly bewildered with all the
fugitive gossip manufictured for the occasion, av/oke on the
morrow to find tlicse deceptive fancies lost in the portentous
happenings they had not even remotely conceived.

The morning of W'cchiesdax-, September 17, Antietam's

— 4^ —

fateful day, dawned with a clear and cloudless sky. The regi-
ment was pushed a little farther to the front, in support of a
battery of the 1st New York Artillery, still occupying ground
coninianding a view of a wide expanse of country upon the
other ^ide of the creek. Through the night the army found its
positions, and as darkness disappeared before the daylight it
unfolded vast deployments of lines of battle arrayed for the
contest soon to be precipitated everywhere. Troops yet arriv-
ing upon the ground poured in one continuous stream to where
the battle waged wickedl)' on the right. There, from earliest
break of day, the musketry rolled and thundered and roared
incessantly. The desperate intensity of its terrible crash was
magnified to the real depth of its deadly purpose from the al-
most total silence of the batteries. The lines of the combatants
impinged or struggled at range so close that the guns on either
side stood dumb for fear their punishment would fall upon
friend and foe alike. No shout or cheer or yell relieved the
one all-absorbing, terrible sound ; all else was hushed in awe
before the deep and deafening roar, increasing in intensity and
developing in extent as fresh battalions lent their energies to
the deadly fray. It really never seemed to cease, but was ab-
sorbed as it extended to the left, and as the day grew apace
came nearer and nearer to our own immediate front.

The whole of the corps, the 5th, had come upon the field.
It lay stretched to the right and rear, impressive from its num-
bers, awaiting its allotment to the front, as the progress of the
fight dcniandcd that wavering lines be strengthened, or columns
of assault assisted. Still to the rear, massed farther down the
valley, the lances of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, not yet
abandoned, with their bright red pennants, were distinctive in
the distance. And awa}' off on top of " Elk Hill " the active
operations of the signal-flags told of communications of mo-
ment that the exceptionally clear atmosphere and their position
of such especial prominence gave them opportunity to gather
and transmit.

The guns of the New York battery were served with more

— 42 —

rapidit}' than on the previous afternoon. Danger will not sup-
press curiosity, and the proximity, within call in case of move-
ment, prompted some of the more inquisitive to stroll around
the guns, anxious to seize, thus early, opportunity to closely
observe artillery in action. It was a place where none had
business except those whose duty called them there, and death
or wounds resulting from unnecessary and improper exposure
are not the honorable scars that add laurels to the chaplets of
renown.

The battery commandant, competent to manage his own af-
■ fairs, jealously insisted that the ground he occupied was as
sacredly his as if he were its owner in fee, and he peremptorily
bade the trespassers be off. He also vouchsafed to say that a
major of a New York infantry regiment, brought there only by
curiosity, had been killed within his batter\- lines only a little
while before. Nor did he propose that knots or groups should
stand about among his guns to draw the enemy's fire, and thus
useles.'^h' expose his own men. A ricochetting round-shot, un-
comfortably close, strengthened his objections, accelerated the
pace, and the bunch of inquiring minds dispersed suddenly to
where they properly belonged.

At noon the combat raged in all its fierceness. It was near
this hour when General IMcClellan, with his large and imposing
staff, rode upon the ground occupied by our division. The ]

deep and abiding enthusiasm that habitually followed him |

promptly greeted him. Shouts, yells, and cheers of apprecia-
tion rent the air. This unusual noise, so loud that it was borne
above the din of battle to the enemy's line, brought on a vig-
orous and persistent shelling. Regardless of the flying, burst-
ing missiles, there he sat astride his splendid charger, glass in
hand, calmly reviewing the mighty hosts, whose discomfiture
with his trusted legions he was bent upon that day accomplish-
ing. Intent, no doubt, on securing some permanent advantage
at this particular point, he turned suddenly to Colonel Webb,
the engineering officer of his staff, who subsequently won imper-
ishable fairic in command of the PhiLadelphia Brigade at Gettys-

r-

— 43 —

burg, and, after a few mon:cnts of hurried instructions, de-
spatched him on his mis.>ioii down into the valley — down into
the very jaws of death. Tiie smoke of the conflict soon en-
veloped him and he was lost to view entirely.

The perilous duties of the intelligent staff-officer, so fre-
quently demanding such severe and unusual exposure, so
forcibly illustrated to the men of the regiment thus early in
their career, in this gallant ride of Webb's, aroused in them an
admiration for him which ever afterwards, when he was seen or
heard of, caused his name or presence to be most enthusiasti-
cally received.

As this rider was shortly followed by the famous charge of
General Meagher's Irish l^rigade, now historically considered
as among the most telling of the war, it was fairly concluded
that the purpose of Webb's mission was to direct it. This
notable charge took place in full view from the knoll occupied
by the regiment. The ground over which they were about to
move was rough and uneven, and in the distance appeared to
be a freshly ploughed field.

The enemy's line upon which the advance was to be made
was in plain view just outside the edge of a belt of timber. It
was flanked by se\'eral batteries, whose active work of the
morning had much improved their practice. They were said
to be part of the celebrated Washington Light Artillery of New
Orleans, whose fame as artillerists was coextensive with their
service. From the formation of the ground the preliminary
preparations could not be concealed ; the enemy caught them
in their ver}' incipicncy and gun and musket belched forth their
\'engeful volleys with telling accuracy. But the gallant Irish-
men moved into battle-array with the precision of parade. The
sun glistened upon the bright barrels of the rifles and the colors
fluttered vauntingly in the brce/.e. Prominent in its place be-
side the national standard tl;.- -'reen harp of Erin was dis-
tinctly observed. As the advance progressed and the scathing
fire cut out its fearful gaps, th.c line halted with deliberation to
icadjust itseli". The dead and wounded strewed the ground,

— 44 —

thickening as the distance from the enemy lessened. Tv/icc
and again the green standard, more distinctl)- noticeable lii.xn
the regimental color, fell, but only to be promptly seized aoalii,
still to be borne gallantly onward to its goal. Vastcurtai^.■^ of
smoke concealed the enemy, rising at intervals, disclosin"; him;
yet unmoved, holding firmly to his post. But nothing dimin-
ished the courage, nothing could stay the onslaught, of thcs-
determined men. The deadly moment of impact came, t'ne
lines impinged, and the enemy, in irreparable confusion, broke
for the friendly cover of the timber. The Irishmen, still main-
taining their organization with commendable exactitude, pressed
them in their helpless flight, until finally, with shout and clicer,
friend and foe were lost to view in the wood the enemy iiad
sought for safety. The unerring fire of Meagher's men had
told severely upon his adversary. As he disappeared his
abandoned line was distinctly marked by a long array of dead
and wounded who had fallen where they stood. It was not the
Irishmen alone who entirely did the work, but the brigades of
Caldwell and Brooks added their valor to the enemy's rout.

These splendid movements, typical of so many of equal gal-
lantry -during the war, to new troops, who had yet participafed
in no such deadh- fray, was an excellent lesson in object teach-
ing. It bore its fruits subsequently in many a desperate en-
counter, when the metal o\ the Pennsylvanians v/as tested \\)tli
a like severity.

During this advance of the Irish Brigade a battery of llie
encn>y, manned by specially skilled artillerists, by its rapidity
and accurac}- had caused them iiuich ann(^\'auce. Its shells,
bursting with remarkable precision, h.id become fatalU' effec-
tive. When the charging line had about half covered the
distance between its starting-point and the enemy's position, the
fire was so destructive tiiat an artillery movement seemed essen-
tial for its diversion. Promptly a battery galloped to position
between the main lines of the tuo armies, directly in rear of
Meagher's at!\ancc. It was unlimbered and in action in a trice.
Out in the open p'.ani, in full view, with a jierfect range, <uid

45 —

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e^dr^

m:^

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- n)

_ 46 -

almost u])on a dead level, it was an assignment of unusually-
severe exposure. In a moment it was wholly obscured ; lim-
bers, pieces, caissons, men and horses were entirely lost in the
impenetrable clouds of dust and smoke that rose about it.
Every shot, solid or explosive, was planted right within its
midst, just where the expert gunnery controlling the opposing
battery intended it should be. It was silenced instantly, lim-
bered and withdrawn with an alacrity only equalled by the
commendable enterprise with which it assumed its perilous
task. Lashing, spurring and belaboring the startled animals,
the remnants emerged from the smoky obscurity, and still fol-
lowed by a few parting malignant shots they found the nearest
con\enient cover for rest and repairs. It had, however, fairly
accomplished its purpose and diverted the fire for the moment
from the soldiers who had so fearfully borne its brunt.

The day was waning, but the battie-roar continued until total
darkness stopped the strife. It was evident, though the enemy
still maintained, general!}', the lines it held from the beginning,
that the advantage hcul been with the Union forces, and that
their adversaries had been • severely worsted. Wherever the
attack had been pressed with vigor, they had been much dis-
comfited and forced to yield their ground. Such was the
assurance of success, that our soldiers rested comfortably
through the night in the blissful belief that the\' had won the
day. The regiment did not become actively engaged, but re-
mained all day in support of the battery, and bivouacked on the
same ground it occupied in the m.orning.

On the morning of the iStli the command was moved off
some miles towards tiie li-ft. in the direction where Burnside
had made the desperate fi j^ht for the stone bridge, the storv' of
which, so often told with thrilling effjct in pamphlet and essay,
lias crowned its grand heroism with the laurels it so justly
deserves.

Some of the route was over a portion of the field where the
battle had waged fiercely. The'unburied dead lay around.
Manv of the bodies, struck h\- tlic !it ,-i\ icr niis.silcs, were horri-

— 47 —

bly torn and mangled. There was a leg, with its ragged,
bloody edges, severed near the thigh, evidently by a solid shot;
another, in its garment, separated from its unseen trunk, lying
in a fence-corner. By a broken-down frame building, that had
been a field hospital, arms and legs, hurriedly amputated, were
scattered here and there.

Down the slope of the road, approaching the bridge, the
numbers of the slain increased ; abandoned muskets and car-
tridge-boxes lay everywhere, and the ground, furrowed and
upturned by shot and shell, showed the heavy work of the
enemy's guns. Just at the entrance of the bridge a man lay
stretched upon his back, unconscious, but moaning, a niinnie-
ball imbedded in his forehead.

These evidences of mortal combat were to become familiar.
Seen in such a volume of horrors, so soon away from peaceful
homes, the impressive silence with which the sights were
viewed was conclusive that the men had a full appreciation of
their early realization of the terrors of a battle-field.

The bridge was of stone, with three arches, of the pattern
of such country- structures so usual in, Pennsylvania and
Mar}.'land. Upon the thither side the bodies of the dead Con-
federates showed that they, too, had received some punish-
ment. On the right bank of the creek, which was that occu-
pied by the enemy, the heights rose abruptly, deflecting but lit-
tle from a true perpendicular. Between their base and the
creek there was but width sufficient for a wagon roadway.
With these heights manned by the enemy and the main road-
way over the bridge wholly under his control, the attempt to
carr}' it seemed but desperation, and its success almost miracu-
lous. Such were the conclusions these untried soldiers of ours
reached when the}- first saw the ground and knew of the work
of the previous da}'.

Debouching from the bridge, the narrow roadwa}* beneath
the heights leads both up and down the stream, along which
the brigade at once deplo}'ed, and without delay clambered the
b'.uiT, tr.r.t the line miglit be established along the upper edge.

- 48 -

It was a position of much personal discomfort, as the men
had literally to hang to bush or bough, or rest on stcmcs, to hold
their places. The ascent was so steep that in main- instances
the officers were forced to use their swords and ilio men their
bayonets to better secure their foothold. A stake and rider
fence ran along the bluff but a short distance frcn the edge,
bordering the fields and open country between the heights and
the town of Sharpsburg, in full view and within easy rifle-
range. The preservation of this fence on ground occupied for
full twenty-four hours, first by one side and then by the other,
was evidence that they had been more than usual 1}' employed
with most" important work. The straggling hous ■.^ upon the
edge of the town were filled with the cnem)'"s s!i;irpshooters,
who, aware that the bluff was occupied, kept up an incessant
firing. The exposure of a single individual drew it with direct
aim. He was rewarded for his temerit}' by a disabling shot or
returned ignominiously to his cover.

There was an angle in tlie fence grown about with slirub and
bush, however, which afforded safe concealment and full ob-
servation. A careful reco-nnoissance from this point discovered
a house, well in advance of the others and farth r out of the
town, where shingles had been removed from its roof, and
from which, through the holes, evidentl)" came the most per-
sistent and annoying shooting. The enem\- inside seemed to
have cutely drawn their rifles so far in under the r^of, rest-
ing them upon the rafters, that the smoke was actually re-
tained within the building. They had been engaged .so long
it probably became stifling, and had caused a wini.low to be
opened below for freer ventilation. The olTicer who had been
cautiously and suspiciously watching this house from tlic place
of concealment in the fence-angle, still closely scrutinizing it,
noticed, as he believed, smoke delicately twirling i'ro'.v tins open
window. To be convinced his conclusions were n cll-founded,
he directed several shots to be fired at tlic roof Th.i> continued
for a few moments, and then a number of the men ii;M\ing to
the top o( the h.ill dcHvered several volleys. For t'lc time the

— 49 —

enemy's fire was silenced, but it was still doubted whether the
rebels could affect such Yankee aptitude as to so effectually
conceal themselves and their shots. A disaster, however, which
shortly followed, was conclusive in the matter.

About this time General Burnside, entirely alone, unattended
by staff-officer or orderly, rode along the narrow road that ran
by the side of the creek. General Burnside's face was of that
fresh, inviting nature that, even with his distinguished rank.

y ^

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^

seemingly permitted interrogation. Prompted by his kindly
look, some one inquired : " General, are there any rebels still
about here ? " probably more for something to say than any-
thing else, as it had been quite apparent that at least a few were
yet around. " Still about? Why. there are thousands of then->
just over the hill, and they will be coming for you pretty
soon." And then he continued, laughingly: "In the mean-
time I am going to get out of this, as it is no place for me — I
tion't want to see any more of them ; " and so, with another

4

— 50 — •

heart}' Isugh, generous good-bye, and kindly wave of the hand,
he rode away. The presence of a general officer with such high
command, particularly away out in the front, is always an occa-
sion for much animation; but the general's gentle salutation
and happy, laughing reply, and the troops not at all of his com-
mand, was a moment for special gratification.

The doubt as to the character of the occupants of the house
where the shingles had disappeared from the roof, and the pur-
pose-of their occupancy, was now wholly removed. Corporal
Sanford, of Company E, not yet convinced, mounted the fence
either for 'more perfect observation or to tempt an expert
marksman. His illusion or temerity cost him dearly. A shot
went crashing through his thigh, shattering the bone; amputa-
tion immediately followed, and his permanent disability speedily
terminated his soldier-da)'s. This was our first casualt)'.

This event started the enemy to renewed activit}% and they
kept up such a lively fusilade until nightfall that the more de-
sirable quarters were well down under the protection of the
bluff. The bickering fire which had continued most of the day,
when darkness set in grew wicked and incessant. Upon the
right it grew so in volume as to assume almost battle propor-
tions. A determined attack in force was anticipated, and the
watchful care needed to meet it caused the hours of the night
to pass in wearisome anxiety. In fact, a short distance to our
immediate right a direct assault with decided persistency re-
sulted in gathering in some hundred of the pickets. Just be-
fore dawn, without any gradual subsidence, the firing ceased
suddenly and abruptly.

When day broke on the 19th the purpose of the continuous
fusillade was quite apparent. The enemy had entirely with-
drawn, using the firing to conceal and the darkness to cover
the movement. He had disappeared from the north of the
Potomac, and the invasion of Maryland was a failure.

Details were made from the regiment to carry off the
wounded, who had been lying on the ground between the
Union and Confederate lines for t'.ventv-four hours, without

— 51 —

water, save what a few of them had caught in their rubber
blankets during a shower. One of the men whom they found
had been wounded through the fleshy part of both thighs. He
belonged to a Connecticut regiment. He was carried to a large
farm-house in the neighborhood, which the surgeons were using
as a hospital. As they were about to take hmi into the house
he said : " No, boys ; lay me down out here ; there are others
wounded worse than I am — take them inside."

The regiment moved up onto the plain, and the colonel,
utilizing every moment of leisure, exercised the command for
some time in battalion manoeuvres. Singularly, his attention
was devoted almost exclusively to the " on right by file into line,"
a practice soon to be tested in actual combat with fatal eftect.

If the improved tactics, uniting the fours, ignoring the right
and left, dispensing with the positive adhesion to front and rear,
and the consequent absolute dependence upon the slow and
dilatory "on right by file into line" had not been necessitated,
it is quite questionable whether, with these new tactics, the
fatalities might not have been materially reduced or possibly
ever)' life been saved.

The drill had not concluded when, called to again resume
the march, the column moved off to and through Sharpsburg.
Whether our brigade was the first of the Union troops to enter
the town after the enemy had abandoned it, was not definitely
determined. The reception that awaited them would indicate
they were. Demonstrations of joy and hearty greetings re-
sounded everywhere. Men, women and children vied with
each other in according a generous welcome. Such a greeting
was a fitting rebuke to the flaming proclamation that the mis-
sion of the Army of Northern Virginia was to liberate the citi-
zens of Mar\-land from the thraldom of the Union of the States,
and conclusive that, in this locality at least, there was no sym-
jMth}- with such a purpose.

The tr.v.-n is a prett}.' little hamlet of some thousand people,
bcnutifully located a few miles from the Potomac, overlooking
the AiUictam. It contained its proper complement of stores

— 52 —

and churches, but all identity of the purposes for which these
buildings had been used was lost ; everj-'thing had been
absorbed for the moment in one universal hospital. Houses
and out-buildings were filled, and lawns and gardens covered
with the Confederate wounded. Nor were these suffering men
the only reminder of the great battle that had ended. Few
were the houses that had not been pierced by solid shot
or shell. One of the inhabitants said that he and his family
were about to sit down at the dinner-table, when a solid shot
crashed through the wall, and, falling on the table, spoiled the

"And when the day was done,
Full many .1 corpse lay, ghastly pale, beneath the setting sun."

dinner and the dishes, and, he added, quaintly, "also our
appetites."

Passing beyond the town the regiment halted before noon
near the Potomac, in the vicinity of Blackford's Ford. A fringe
of timber hid the river and concealed the troops from the
enemy, who, with his batteries planted on the bluffs on the
other side, occasionally dropped a few shells. Towards night
they ceased their fire, leaving their guns still in position,
unsupported and even without their own batter\'-men. It
seemed a fitting opportunity to effect a capture, and the
corps-commander called for one hundred volunteers from each
regiment of the brigade to carry out the design. The res[)onse

— 53 —

from the llSth was so hearty, it was more difficult to select
from the volunteers than it would have been to order a detail.
Captain Ricketts was assigned to the command, and the detach-
ment marched off to report to General Griffin, who had been
placed in charge of the movement. They returned about mid-
nifrht, having been eminently successful in the enterprise.
Five pieces of artillery and some of their appurtenances were
taken, one of which was a gun of a regular battery which had
been lost at the First Bull Run.

The halt and rest continued through the night, and the days
and doinfjs of " Antietam " were ended.

CORPOR.\L WILLI.\M 1- G.A.BE.

CHAPTER III.

SHEPHERDSTOWN.

BLACKFORD'S FORD crosses the Potomac just below
the breast of an old mill-dam. It bears the name of a
family who for several generations occupied the residence and
owned the lands in the immediate vicinity. Above the dam
three lonely piers marked the site of the bridge that formerly
spanned the stream, and had been the highway leading to Shep-
herdstown and ]Martinsburg. On the Virginia side the ford
road runs along the lower extremity of a high bluff off into
the country, and another extends along the foot of the bluff,
between it and the river, in the direction of Shepherdstown.
The bluff rises precipitously, is almost perpendicular, and is
dotted with boulders and a stunted growth of timber. The
roadway, a short distance from the Ford, passes a gap or
ravine, obstructed and concealed by underbrush and passable
with difficulty. Two gate-posts marked its entrance, indicating
it as an abandoned private lane. From the ravine, a path led
up to the high table-land above. Along the face of the bluff,
near the glen, were several kilns or arches, used for the burning
of lime. The river road passes over the kilns, the bluff still.
as it passes over them, continuing to rise precipitately. Another
road passes down from the bluff around and in front of the
kilns.

The dam-breast, some ten feet wide, had been long neglected,
many of the planks had rotted awa\' or been removed, and
water trickled through numerous crevices. The outer face,
sloping to its base, was co\ered with a slipper\' green slime.
On the Virginia side, some twenty feet had been left for a fish-
way, through which flowed a rapid current. The river was

(54)

55

low, and the fish-way easily fordable. Along the river shore,
on the Maryland side, ran the Chesapeake and Ohio canal.

On the morning of the 20th of September Major-General
Fitz-John Porter was ordered to send two divisions over the
river to co-operate with a cavalry advance, and scour the
countr}.^ in the direction of Charlestown and Shepherdstown.
In obedience to these instructions, Sykes, with his division,
composed of two brigades of regulars and one of volunteers.

'S^BtSBBtir^ti

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THE DAM AT SHEPHERDSTOWN.

was directed to proceed in the direction of Charlestown, and
Morrell, with Barnes's brigade leading, in the direction of
Shepherdstown. The cavalry did not, however, reach the
Virginia side until Sykes's pickets were in close proximity to
the advancing foe.

Sykes crossed the river early in the morning, and Lovell's
2d (regulars) Brigade skirmishers, advancing a mile into the
country, soon developed the enemy, some three thousand

-56-

strong, npproaching with artiller}\ Warren's 3d Brigade was
imnvjclinru-'y thrown over in support and formed on Lovell's
left, I.o\cH having meanwhile been directed to fall back
slowly ; and Barnes's brigade, arriving at the same time, on its
road to Shcplierdstown, was directed to connect with Lovell's
right. The other brigades of Morrell's division did not cross.
At the request of General Sykes, Barnes suspended his move-
ment towards Shepherdstown, and supported Sykes. His
brigade v.as deployed under the bluffs. None of his regiments
reached the summit, except the I iSth.

General Sykes, aware " that the Virginia side of the river
was no place for troops, until a proper reconnoissance had
been made, and reports from citizens indicating the belief that
a large force of the enemy was moving upon us " (him),* com-
municated his opinion to General Porter, who, agreeing with
him, directed the immediate re-crossing of the troops.

The withdrawal actually began before the whole of Barnes's
brigade v.as over the stream. The regulars and all of his
brigade, except the iiSth, successfully accomplished their
retreat with but slight, if any, loss. Colonel Barnes, in his
official report, unfairly, if that be not too mild a term, states the
severe loss attending the affair as having fallen generally on all
the regiments of his brigade, when, in fact, it fell entirely on
the iiStli Pennsylvania, which alone of all his regiments was
actually ciigaged. The disaster which befell it, in this its first
battle, has not, heretofore, been fully or fairly related. It is the
purpose of tliis chapter to faithfully unfold it.f

The da\- was bricrht and clear. The sun shone with mellow

♦General Sykes's official report of the action.

f Major-General Fitz-John Porter, in his report of the fight at Shepherdstown,
says: "Under cover of our guns the whole command recrossed with liltle injury,
except the iiZtk Pitinsyhmnia Vp.'uK/ecrs, a small portion of which became con-
fused early in tlie action. Their arms (spurious Entield ritles) were so detective
that little injury- could he inflicted by them upon the enemy. Many of this regi-
ment, new i:i -ervice, volunteered the previous evening, and formed part of the
attacking party %\l.o gallantly crossed the river to secure the enemy's artillery.
T/:iy hiiv; c.:yni\i a ^co.i navu\ u>hich thi;ir !cs:es .hdVc- nc: jiniiuishfa." — [The
italics arc- the author's.]

— 57 —

Autumn radiance. Dew glistened on grass and leaf, and the
old Potomac, calm and placid as if it had never known strife,
visible for a considerable distance, swept on its course tranquilly.
The landscape, varied with its valley and hillside, its meadows
and woodlands, sprinkled with barn, house and garden, was
peacefully picturesque in the refreshing sunlight of a soft
September morning. There were no harbingers that by noon-
day the regiment should suffer casualties, severer for a single
combat than probably ever fell to the lot of soldiers, even in
the heaviest battles of the war.

An early breakfast was interrupted by orders to move. The
meal completed, the brigade started in the direction of the
river. With a few hurried personal preparations, some of the
men removing their shoes and stockings, the column at 9 A. m.
began the passage of the stream at Blackford's Ford. There
was a good deal of pleasant shouting as the troops splashed
through the stream, and roars of laughter greeted those who,
less fortunate than their fellows, stumbled and fell headlong
into the water.

Just before the head of the column entered the ford, a
brigade of Sykes's regulars appeared upon the thither side,
marching back again from the same reconnoissance with which
Barnes's movement was intended to generally co-operate.
The columns passed each other midway in the river. The
regulars gave the information that there was " no enemy in
sight." * It v.-as evidently twittingly said to encourage the
volunteers, w hom they held in no ver}^ high esteem, for at that
time their rear skirmishers were actually engaged.

Though it was clear that the situation was a grave one, yet
the iiSth Pennsylvania was permitted to mount the cliff with
its front entirely uncovered. No skirmish-line protected its
advance until its right company was detached, and when it
was deployed the enemy were pressing so hard that its de-

■* Comrade M. Sh-iuglienessy, of Post 14, G. A. R., Dep.irtment of Pennsylvani.i,
•who, at that time was an enlisted man of Battery C, 3rd Artillery — known as
Gibson's batlerv — was one of those ^\■ho c\\ iiti;u'lv ''ase this iiiforniation.

- 58

'^•il

. — 59 —

ployment answered no purpose. The commanding officer had
a right to expect that, thrown out in a direction where an en-
gagement was imminent, he would find himself at least covered
by skirmishers well out in front of him.

The similar surroundings — high bluffs in front, a wide river
in the rear — recalled the Ball's Bluff disaster vividly.

The brigade took the road that followed the base of the
bluffs ; and, as the head of the regiment approached the ravine
or glen which led to the summit, a staff-officer dashed up hur-
riedly to Colonel Barnes, who rode at the time beside Colonel
Prevost, and reported the enemy approaching in heavy force.
Some vigorous action being instantly necessary, turning to
Colonel Prevost, Colonel Barnes said : " Can you get your
regiment on the top of the cliff? " " I will try, sir," was the
prompt reply, and dismounting, he conducted the head of his
column into the narrow, unfrequented path that led through
the glen.

At this time not more than one-third of the regiment were
across the river. General Barnes rode into the water and said
to them : " Men, hurry up — you are wanted on top of the hill."
In a (cw moments they were all across. As they climbed the
hill by the narrow path, they found, near the top, a battery
wagon, v.-ith its four horses still in harness, that by some mis-
chance had fallen from the path, ^hich was here just wide
enough for it. It had caught on some trees and brush and
hung betv.een the path and the bottom of the ravine. The
horses, tired of rearing and prancing, were quivering and suf-
fering from their vain attempts to extricate themselves. Ricketts,
noble, generous soul, fated to be a victim in the coming con-
test, could not restrain his impetuous humanity, and jumping
from the ranks he cut the traces of the struggling animals and
released them from their peril. The wagon had evidently be-
longed to a Confederate batter}.'.

From the top of the bluff it was open country for a mile or
more, with occasional cornfields ; then the fields changed to
forest, and a wide belt of timber skirted the open lands. Farm-

— 6o —

house, barn and hay-stack dotted the plain, and to the right in
the distance were the roofs and spires of Shepherdstown.

The report of the staff-officer that the enemy were approach-
ing in force met with ocular confirmation. In front of the tim-
ber the musket-barrels of a division, massed in battalion col-
umns, gleamed and glistened in the sunlight. To the right,
not half a mile away, a whole brigade was sweeping down with
steady tread, its skirmishers, well in advance, moving with
firm front ; and ere the head of the regimental column had
scarce appeared upon the bluff, they opened a desultory, strag-
gling fire.

The teachings of the battalion- drill near Sharpsburg on the
day previous now had practical application. In tones indica-
tive of an urgency that demanded speedy execution, the voice
of the colonel rang out with clear deliberation : " On right by
file into line." Company E, with Lieutenants Hunterson and
Lewis, was promptly deployed as a skirmish-line. Advancing
but a short distance, it was soon severely engaged, and, unable
to resist the heavy pressure, very shortly fell back upon the
main line.

At this point Lieutenant Davis, the acting assistant adjutant-
general of the brigade, on his way to the right to withdraw
other regiments specially assigned to him to retire, observing
that the iiSth was making no movement to withdraw, but ac-
tually becoming engaged, called up the ravine to Lieutenant
Kelly, the officer nearest him, to " tell Colonel Prevost, Colonel
Barnes directs that he withdraw his regiment at once." The
duty of communicating the order to the i i8th to withdraw had
been delegated to an orderly, a duty which ho appears never to
have discharged. This information Kell}' promptly communi-
cated to his captain, Bankson, who directed him to im.mediately
report it to Colonel Prevost. He went along the line, and find-
ing the colonel in front of the centre — the left was not yet in
place — advised him of what he had personally been told.

" From whom did you say you heard this?" inquired the
colonel.

" ■ ' — 6i —

" From Lieutenant Davis, of the staff of Colonel Barnes," re-
plied Kelly.

" I do not receive orders in that way," was the colonel's sharp
reply ; " if Colonel Barnes has any order to give me, let his aid
come to me," and he continued to conduct the formation, the
business he was engaged in when Kelly interrupted him.

The formation had been completed only to the colors when
the action commenced in earnest. " Before one-half the regi-
ment had gotten into line, with the river in our rear, the enemy
began to fire upon us, advancing by battalions in all direc-
tions."* From the beginning the fire of the enemy was tre-
mendous ; the rush of bullets was like a whirlwind. The
slaughter was appalling; men dropped by the dozens.

Until the alignement was fully perfected from the colors to the
left, as the men came into their places under fire some confusion
followed, but when the line was completely established the behav-
ior was gallant, orders were obeyed with alacrity, and the sol-
diers stood up handsomely against a dozen times their number.

About this time it became lamentably apparent that the
muskets were in no fit condition for battle. The Enfield rifle,
with which the regiment was originally armed, was at its best
a most defective weapon, and of a decidedly unreliable pattern.
Some of the weapons were too weak to explode the cap. This
defect was at first unnoticed in the excitement ; cartridge after
cartridge was rammed into the barrel under the belief that each
had been discharged, until they nearly filled the piece to the
muzzle. A few charged cartridge with the bullet down and
exploded cap after cap in a vain attempt to fire. Others, after
a few shots, with pieces foul and ramrods jammed, instead ot
seizing the abandoned ones, crowded about the field-officers
anxiously inquiring what they should do, wliile many, calm and
free from excitement, were coolly seated upon the ground pick-
ing the nipple to clear the vent.

Private Joseph Mehan thus quaintly describes the situation

* Colonel Provost's ofticial report.

at this time : " I had broken the nipple of my gun and had
picked up another gun lying near me, but, as with the first one,
I had great trouble in getting it to go off! It made me very
angr}-. I felt that I would give all the world to be able to
shoot the advancing foe. I had fired but about a half-dozen
shots, where as many again could have been got off had the
guns been good for anything. I had taken a pin out and
cleaned the nipple, and had raised my rifle for a shot, when I
felt what seemed like a blow with a heavy fist on my left
shoulder from behind. I did not realize at first that I was shot,
feeling no particular pain, but my almost useless arm soon told
me what 'it was."

In Colonel Prevost's official report he states: "We returned
their fire as fast as possible, but soon found that our Enfield
rifles were so defective that quite one-fourth of them would not
explode the caps. Notwithstanding this discouraging circum-
stance men and officers behaved with great bravery."

Such was the regiment put upon this hill-top to do battle
against the veterans of A. P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson.
With but twenty days' experience in the field ; with no oppor-
tunit)- for drill or instruction, it bravely withstood their on-
slaught, and with lines intact, except where a murderous
slaughter had thinned them, valiantly battled for over half an
hour against those o\-envheIming and tremendous odds. Nor
did it yield until the punishment it inflicted was largely
commensurate with what, great as it was, it had itself re-
ceived.

" Nine or ten Confederate brigades took part in this affair,
and the Confederates seem to believe that it ended with ' an
"appalling scene of the destruction of human life.' Jackson,
whose words these are. must have been imposed upon by
A, P. Hill, who had charge of the operation, and whose report
contains these assertions ; ' Then commenced the most terrible
slaughter that this war has yet witnessed. The broad surface
of the Potomac was blue with the floating bodies of our
foe. But few escaped to tell the tale. By their own account

- 63 -

they lost 3,000 men killed and drowned from one brigade
alone.'*

" ' Or art thou drunk with wine, Sir Knight?
Or art thyself beside ? '

"The reader with a taste for figures will observe that this tale
of deaths in one brigade alone wants only ten of being a thou-
sand more than all the men killed in the Army of the Potomac
on the i6th and 17th of September."t

The enemy had now succeeded in pressing as close to the
front as fifty yards.; and the hot fire at such close range was
increasing the casualties with frightful fatality. At the same
moment he succeeded in developing a regiment across the
ravine, completely covering the entire right. The two right
companies, under the immediate supervision of the colonel,
promptly changed direction by the right flank and gallantly
checked the manoeuvre. This movement, mistaken by the
hard-pressed centre for a withdrawal, induced it to break tem-
porarily, and with the colors in the advance move in some dis-
order to the rear. Colonel Prevost caught the disorder in time
to promptly check it. Heroically seizing the standard from
the hands of the color-sergeant and waving it defiantly, he
brought the centre back again to the conflict and completely
restored the ali-nement. He was still waving the flag in defi-
ance at the enemy when a musket-ball shattered his shoulder-
blade and he was borne to the rear by Corporal Francis Daley,
of Company E. The severity of his wound forced him to
withdraw entirely from the action.

The command now devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel
Gwyn, to whom the colonel, as he passed him in retiring,
formally turned it over. As he withdrew the enemy's lines
developed in increased strength. His red cross battle-flags
were waving in every direction to the front, and the air was

* He reported his own loss as 261.
f P.ilfrey's ".•\ntietam," page 129.
J Colonel I'revost's official rejion of the action.

• - 64 -

resonant with his pecuh"ar, piercing, penetrating yells. In
restoring the line it had been advanced somewhat, and the
engagement was thus brought to still closer quarters. The
horrors of the battle were intensified. The dead and wounded
rapidly increased in numbers ; the scene was an awful one.
Shouts, cheers and orders were drowned in th.e roar of musketry
and the defiant yells of the foe, who, confident in their over-
whelming strength, were sure those who still survived would
surrender.

After Colonel Prevost had passed through the ravine, he met
Colonel Barnes on the road by the river. To prevent mistakes
Colonel Barnes was following up the orderly whom he had di-
rected to carr>^ the orders to " retire." It was a fatal inter\^al
between the attempt to prevent mistakes and what had been a
most grievous one.

" Where is your regiment ? " Colonel Barnes earnestly in-
quired.

" Fighting desperately on the top of the hill, sir, where you
placed it," was the colonel's response.

" Why, I sent you orders to retire in good order."

"I never received them, sir." he replied, "and I am sorr>' I
am too seriously wounded to take them off, for they are suffer-
ing dreadfully."

" I will do so myself," replied Colonel Barnes, and hurried
away to execute his purpose.

John Siner, of Company C, stated after the fight that while
he was retiring through the ravine, wounded in the arm, he
met a mounted staff-officer, who. inquiring the whereabouts of
his colonel, was told by him he was on the bluff fighting with
his regiment. "Go tell him," said he, "to retreat in good
order, by order of Colonel Barnes." The kind-hearted fellow,
considerate for the welfare of his companions, assumed to do
the duty which the staff-officer so improperly delegated to
him, and returned to the field to execute his mission. He
delivered his message to the first officer he met, but by the
time he had communicated it, the regiment had already

- 65 -

broken, and was making the best of its way back to the river.
For his pains, Siner was again wounded in the leg, but ulti-
mately managed to escape capture.

Just as Colonel Gwyn assumed the direction of the fight, a
rout was imminent. To steady the line and strengthen its
weakening confidence, he gave the orders to fi.x: bayonets. To
those who heard it, it had something of the desired eft'ect, but
in the increasing confusion and unsteadiness it was heard by
but few. Where it was heard, it was promptly obeyed.

The officers were untiring and persistent in their efforts to
hold their nien together. At this critical moment, Captain
Courtland Saunders and Lieutenant J. Mora Mess were in-
stantly killed, the former with
a musket-ball through the
head, and the latter with one
through the heart.

Here, too, Captain Ricketts
fell while in the act of dis-
charging his pistol. Stagger-
ing, he was saved from falling '^ .^ ,
by Private William L. Gabc, P^
who started to assist him to , ^ /
the rear.

" Leave me, Gabe," said the
captain, "and save yourself" liluhnvm j mukv vu,b

But the brave, generous Gabe would not desist, and again
both were shot down together, Gabe wounded, and this time
the captain killed. As he fell to the ground he cried, in agon\- :

" My God ! I am shot by my own men."

" Not so," said Gabe, " but by the ' rebs,' who are right on
top of us."

And then the enemy's line swept over them, and the captain
lived just long enough to know that he was mistaken.

The enemy's stragglers, who foUoweti his aiJvancing lines,
stooped over the prostrate body of Ricketts and, against the
earnest protest of the wounded Gabc, who still zealously clung
5

— 66

to the body of his fallen chief, proceeded to rifle his pockets.
They took his watch, diaiy, money and everything belonging
to him, appropriated his sword to their own use, and stole his
coat, vest and boots. The diary, the short rhinn'e of his few
days' service, they conceived of no use, and considerately re-
turned it to Gabe.

Ricketts was a strong man. His energies were untiring, his
sense of duty supreme. He had had a military training; was
skilful as a tactician. What he knew, he knew thoroughly. He
had fully grasped the principles of his teachings and was apt
and ready in their application. His generous sympathy was
evidenced by his readiness to relieve the suffering horses, and

his heroic death attested his
eminent courage. Fitted for
an advancement which the
casualties of war would have
soon brought him, he was
destined thus early in his ca-
reer for the most honorable
of all the soldier's epitaphs:
" killed in action."

First Lieutenant William M.
McKeen was about this time
in the action also most seri-
ously wounded. A shot passed
through his body involving a vital organ. Flis life was for a
long time despaired of He recovered subsequently, however,
to again take a prominent place in the business community.

The enemy also suffered. The 14th South Carolina (A. P.
Hill's Division) lost 55 killed and wounded in front of the
1 1 8th regiment.

The order to retire, which, with the thickening disasters, had
been long hoped for, came at last. The welcome direction,
communicated tluough the loud voice of Adjutant James P.
Perot, was repeated hurriedly all along the line. The scene
that followed almost beggars description. The brave men who

CAPTAIN RICKETTS.

-67 -

had contended so manfully against these frightful odds broke
in wild confusion for the river. Perot, unable from an injury
in early life to keep pace with the rapidly retiring soldiers, re-
mained almost alone upon the bluff. True to the instincts of a
genuine courage, he stood erect facing the foe, with his pistol
resting on his left forearm, emptying it rapidly of all the loads
he had left, when he was severely wounded and ultimately fell
into the hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Charles H. Hand,
who afterwards succeeded him as adjutant, and a number of
men were captured with him.

The greater part of the regiment made furiously for the
ravine, down which they dashed precipitately. Since the march
up, a tree, in a way never accounted for, had fallen across the
path. This materially obstructed the retreat. Over and under
it the now thoroughly demoralized crowd jostled and pushed
each other, whilst, meanwhile, the enemy, having reached the
edge of the bluff, poured upon them a fatal and disastrous
plunging fire. The slaughter was fearful ; men were shot as
they climbed over the tree, and their bodies suspended from
the branches were afterwards plainly visible from the other side
of the river.

Others, who avoided the route by the ravine, driven head-
long over the bluff, were seriously injured or killed outright.
Among these was Captain Courtney O'Callaghan, who, badly
disabled, was never again fitted for active field-service.

An old abandoned mill stood upon the ford road, at the
base of the cliff It completely commanded the ford and the
dam-breast. When the last of the fugitives had disappeared
from the bluff the enemy crowded the doors, windows and
roof and poured their relentless, persecuting fire upon those
who had taken to the water. Numbers, observing the telling
effect of the fire upon those who had essayed to the venture ot
crossing, huddled together and crowded each other in the
arches at the base of the bluff; whilst others, hoping to escape
the fatal effect of the avenging bullets, took to deeper water and
crossed where the stream was deep enough to cover the entire
body and leave the head alone exposed.

— 68 —

It was here that Lieutenant Lewis, liaving previously had
his pistol-holster shot away and a musket-ball through the
sleeve and another through the skirt of his coat, as he was takin""
to the water at the breast of the dam, was severely wounded
and sent headlong into the stream. Regaining his feet, he
ultimately succeeded, with the assistance of Private Patrick
Nicholas, in making his way across without other mishap.

In the midst of the rout and confusion the colors had been
borne to the water's edge near the dam-breast. At the sight
of the terrible fatality attending those preceding him the bearer
hesitated to cross. Time was invaluable ; the least delay would
place the standard in hopeless jeopardy. Major Herring was
opportunely at hand. He seized the staff and placing, it in the
custody of Private William Hummell, of D, directed him to
enter the stream. Covering the soldier's body with his own,
with the color unfurled and waving with daring taunt, as if
defying the enemy to attempt its capture, he successfully made
the Maryland shore. A conspicuous mark, it drew towards it
a fire resentfully wicked, but both the major and Hummell
escaped unscathed.

At tliis moment a battery from the Maryland side opened
heavily. The practice was shameful. Tlie fuses, too short,
sent the terrible missiles into the disorganized mass fleeing in
disorder before the serious punishment of the enemy's musketry.
It was a painful ordeal, to be met in their effort to escape an
impending peril by another equally terrible. Shell after shell,
as if directly aimed, went thundering into the arches, bursting
and tearing to pieces ten or twelve of those who had crowded
there for cover. A cry and wail of horror went up, plainly
heard above the din and roar of battle. Waving handkerch.iefs
fixed to ramrods, they endeavored by their signals to warn
the gunners to desist, but to no avail; the fatal work continued.
Hoping for better treatment, numbers turned with their white
insignia of truce towards the enemy and, again ascending to
the liill-top, surrendered. The artillerists continued to pound
awa}' with an ardor inuic.itivc of satisfaction, until Captain B. F.

. . _69-

Fisher and Lieutenant L. R. Fortescue, two officers of the
Signal Corps, fortunately detected, with the aid of their long-
range telescopes, the damage inflicted, when lengthened fuses
and better practice brought their aim more directly towards the
accomplishment of its intended purpose.

The dam-breast was still crowded, and here and there across
it were the dead, wounded and dying. As the last of the
survivors were nearing the Maryland shore, Berdan's Sharp-
shooters appeared. Deploying hurriedly in the bed of the canal,
shouting loudly to those still exposed to seek what cover they
could, they opened vigorously with their usual unerring and
effective aim and soon almost

LIEUTEX.WT J. RUDH.\I,L WHITE.

entirely cleared the other / -r^J^r^*^^

bank. Those who had not \ ^^ \

yet fully accomplished the en- L

tire journey across were thus . \ vs.^

enabled to complete it in y^""^

comparati\-e safety. As an >(Xv_ V

officer among the last to cross ^^'^ \'^ "

picked his way over the loose ^
and broken boards, the over- l--:-^;:.
coat that had been fastened •'■'{ '- --''-^'•-•^•' '^--
around his shoulders by a
faithful member of his com-
pany was firmh' grasped by a poor, wounded fellow, who in pit-
eous tones called out: " Help me, captain ; for God's sake don't
leave me here." Without stopping, he unfastened the coat and
left it in the soldier's death-grip, saying he couldn't help him
then, but would send after him as soon as he could; but before
the captain reached the other side the man's life had tied.

Ephraim Layman, of I, had escaped from the bluff uninjured.
While hurr}'ing along the edge of the river he was shot through
the body and fell w ith his feet in the water. He lay in the
same position until the following afternoon, when, under the
flag of truce, he was removed to the Maryland side and subse-
:|ucatl\- taken to th.e hospital at Sharpsburg. There, a few

hours after the ball had been extracted, he expired. Layman
had not yet reached his majoritv'. He was of excellent family,
and enlisted from motives of the purest patriotism. His early
training, earnest purpose and firm determination to be foremost
in answer to all demands of duty, were indicative of a promis-
ing future.

One of the saddest incidents of this disastrous day happened
after the action was really over. Lieutenant J. Rudhall White
had passed through the desperate dangers of the contest and
had safely landed upon the Maryland shore. As he reached
the top of the river-bank he stopped and said: "Thank God!
I am over at last." His halt attracted attention and a musket-
ball, doubtless directly aimed from the other side by an ex-
perienced marksman, ploughed through his bowels. The
wound was almost instantly fatal ; he died as he was being
borne- away.

White was a handsome, soldierly young man of scarce twenty
summers. A native of Warrenton, Virginia, at the breaking
out of the war he was a young lieutenant in the Black Horse
Cavalry', a command subsequently famous in all the campaigns
of Virginia. Differing in sentiments from his friends and his
family, sacrificing the ties of home and friendship, he deter-
mined to defend his convictions with his sword. F"irm in his
belief that the unr'ghteous attempt to disrupt the Government
should be suppressed, imbued with the purest and highest
patriotism, he sought service in the Union army. Instinctively
a soldier from principle, his sad and early death interrupted a
career that promised the brightest prospects. His short ser-
vice had secured him the confidence of his superiors and the
respect of his soldiers.

The mortality which attended the mess of Ricketts, Moss,
White, McKcen and West was singular. They had all been
associated as members of Company D of the Gray Reserves,
and hence grouped themselves for the devest associations after
they took the field. RicketLs. Moss and White were killed
outright. McKeen's death suhsequentiy resulted from his

— 71 —

wounds, and West, who now alone survives, escaped a very-
close shot. A musket-ball cut his coat across the stomach,
severing the garment as if by a knife, the lower flap falling to
his knee.

The fight was a sad and purposeless affair, with a most dis-
astrous and fatal termination. Yet it secured for the regiment
a reputation among its new associates for staying qualities
which, maintaining it thoroughly, as it did, down to the very
end, bore most excellent fruits.

Experienced soldiers, jealous of their hard-earned glories, are
prone, until their mettle is tested, to receive their inexperienced
brethren with no boisterous, cheery demonstrations of hearty
welcome. This treatment was more pronounced when the sol-
diers of 1862 joined the Army of the Potomac, as the impres-
sion was abroad that their enlistment was prompted solely by a
moneyed consideration. Of course, this soon wore away, and
the entire army was, as in the beginning, one harmonious whole
in feeling, sentiment and purpose.

The I iSth's reception in the brigade was not attended by any
joyous, gladsome shouts, nor was it exempt from the intima-
tion that its presence at the front was largely due to the paltry
shekels. The stolid indifference it met at every hand during the
few days' previous to the fight was frequently accompanied with
epithets apparently intended to be enduring : " Here come the
$2CX) boys from Philadelphia," and others of like import. The
affair at Shepherdstown, though, wiped ever\-thing out. That
was a crucial test, and one which conquered the prejudices of
men whose trials of battle fitted them to judge of the worth of
their fellows. Opprobrious allusions were changed to plaudits,
and, for months afterwards, the command was pointed out
everywhere to strangers as " the men who fought at Shepherds-
town."

Madison, an enlisted man of H, had a sorry experience.
Past the prime of life, he was still of wiry, nervous energies.
He never shirked duty, and, seeking neither cover nor conceal-
ment, had stood up manfully through the heat of the action.

— 72 —

escaping unharmed. In common with many of his fellows, he
selected tlie more exposed dam-breast as a means of more
rapid transit over the river. He seemed to be chosen as a
special mark for the enemy's resentment. They dealt with him
in no unstinted way, and before he had reached the Marj-Iand
side five balls had passed into or through his body. The last
shot struck him as he almost made the shore and had turned
sideways to take a resentful glance at his persecutors. Enter-
ing his cheek it passed through both jaws, between the tongue
and roof of the mouth. With the pluck and energy of des-
peration, and maddened to a towering rage, he vented his
anger in a frightful howl, and facing squarely about gave his
enemies the last shot he ever fired in the army, for his wounds
terminated his service, but not his life. He is still a hearty,
vigorous man.

Joe Kiersted, of H, was an uncouth, rough, turbulent sort of
a fellow, but without bad propensities and a man of brave and
generous impulse. He had passed safely through the fight,
and successfully made the passage across the river. As he
reached the bank on the Maryland side, he called to those
around him that Corporal John Monteith was still upon the
other side, lying seriously wounded near the edge of the river,
and announced a half-formed purpose to return again and
bring him back. The Berdan Sharpshooters, overhearing his
remark and prompted to encourage such a generous intention,
called to him, " Go it, my boy ; try it — we'll cover you." Thus
strengthened in his kindly purpose, he dashed into the stream,
and was soon after seen bearing his wounded comrade back
again. He successfully landed poor Monteith upon the shore,
and left him to the care of his sympathizing companions.

Kiersted served with his regiment until 1S64, when he was
transferred to a batter}', and killed, gallantly fighting with his
guns at Spotsylvania, in May of that year.

Monteith had an ugly wound through tl\e lungs. He had
worthily won himself into favor, and was universally known
and appreciated throughout the eiiLire command. His injuries

were fatal ; he su:ik rapidly, and in a few da}-s died at the hos-
pital established at the Episcopal church in Sharpsburg.

Sergeant Joseph Ashbrook, of Company C, was among the
badly wounded. A few minutes before the retreat he was shot
in the stomach. Believing that he was fatally hurt, and suffer-
ing very much, he sought a place to lie down. In doing this
he fell half-way down the bluff. In this short time the enemy
had^advanced to the edge of th.e bluff and were firing down on
the heads of our retreating men. Sergeant Ashbrook, although
disabled by his wound and fell, reached the river, where he met
Captain Sharwood, of C, who advised him by all means to
escape across the river. With difficulty he gained the slimy,
half-submerged dam, and while near the Maryland side was
again shot, the ball passing through his left thigh. His wounds
were so serious that for some time his recovery was doubtful.
After an absence of five months he returned to the regiment,
joining it at Falmouth. He had not entirely recovered, but
was induced to return by the offer of a second lieutenancy in
recognition of his gallantry at Shepherdstown. He was after-
wards promoted to a first lieutenancy, and finally to the captaincy
of Company H ; and was brevetted major, to date from July
6, 1864, "for gallant and distinguished services at the battles of
the Wilderness and Bethosda Church, Virginia, and during the
present campaign before Richmond, Virginia." He also served
on the staff of General Bartlett, commanding the 3d Brigade,
1st Division, 5t.l1 Army Corps; and as ordnance-officer on the
staff of General Griffin, commanding 1st Division, 5th Army
Corps ; and in tlie latter position was detailed to receive the
surrendered arms at Appomattox Court-house.

John R. White was first sergeant of G. It had with it but
two commissioned officers, Captain Saunders and Lieutenant
J. R. White, both of whom had fallen in the Shepherdstown
action. After the engagement .Sergeant White was summoned
to corps head-quarters, wlicre General Fitz-John Porter, after
handsomely commending tlie gallantry'' of the regiment for th.e
fight it had made, and exp:es-;ir.g regret at the se\cre casualties

— 74 —

that attended it, announced to him that as he had been recoin--
mended for promotion by his immediate superiors, he would at
once place him on duty as second lieutenant. It was a rathc.-
unusual distinction to be placed in virtual commission before
muster, but one which White well deser\-ed, and which he sub-
sequently proved his fitness for by rising to the rank of captain.

The announcement of the death of poor Rudhall in the Phil-
adelphia papers threw the two Whites into rather cur;oi;s
confusion. The two names exactly alike, the publication of
that of John R. White among the list of killed, brought grief
and sorrow to the home of the survivor, and two of his friends,
anxious to secure his remains, started immediately for the fro;;t,
with a pine box prepared for their reception. They made the
journey with fitting gravity, and had reached Hagerstown be-
fore their solemn countenances were enlivened witii the infor-
mation" that the White they were hunting was alive and v,ell,
and would be decidedly indisposed to tenant the contracted
quarters they had provided for him. Abandoning tlicir under-
taker's accompaniment, they continued their journey to the
regimental camp, where, after a few days of suitable entertai:i.-
ment, they returned, well satisfied from ocular demonstration
that their friend needed no such serv'ices as they had proposed
to render.

The battle had its humorous side as well. In the early part
of the fight one of the members of Company K received a flesh
wound in the thigh. The members of the coir.pany were
startled b\' a yell that would have done great credit to an
Apache, and the beseeching exclamation: " Oh! Captain Rick-
etts! Oh I Captain Ricketts ! " repeated again and again. Look-
ing around to find from whom the exclamation came, the
wountied man was seen holding one hand upon the spot where
the ball liad struck, while, the other hand meantime wavii.g
wildly in the air, he was hopping around the field in an im-
promptu war-dance upon one foot, occasionally letting the other
touch the ground. The boys, who, for several reasons, did not
just then feel especiall)" mirtliful, were compelled tu laugh at

— 75 —

this grotesque and singular exhibition. The wound was a
comparatively slight one.

Another member of Company K, John Burke, got a buck-
shot in his leg. He went, after the fight, to the surgeon, who
extracted the shot and gave him a quinine pill. " What shall
I do with it, doctor ? " said John. " Shall I put it in the hole ? "

A captain of one of the companies, seeking comforts not suit-
able to the occasion, during the fight ensconced himself behind
some scrubby bushes near the top of the bluft",.with his back
to the regiment. As the bullets began to whistle by he thought
he had stirred up a yellow-jackets' nest. Waving his sword with
one hand, shouting at the same time, " Give it to them, boys!"
he kept the other hand in vigorous and unremittent motion,
brushing the supposed yellow-jackets away from his face and
ears.

The next day, Sunday, the sun shone brightly and the soft
air of early autumn caused a lassitude peculiar to the latitude
and location.

It was too soon for reminiscence, but thought and talk ran
free and full of the stirring moments of yesterday. There was
a better comprehension of the individual heroism with which
all had so nobly borne for the first time such a desperate shock
of battle. There was a fuller realization of the loss of those
who, in the service of their countr}', the fates had summoned
thus early to s.icrifice their patriotic lives.

A picket-detail was posted upon the river-bank, in full view
of the bluff on the opposite shore and the battle-ground. Oc-
casional shots required tact and activity to find cover from ex-
posure, or called for careful marksmanship to silence the more
experienced adversa^y^ The silent forms of the dead, killed in
the fight, were in plain view. It was a sorrowful sight. The
ground being within the enemy's line, there was no opportunity
to effect decent burial or to administer comfort and consolation
to a possibly ebbing life.

An incident of the day, unusual in the story of v/ars, is
worthy of exhaustive mention.

-76-

The sensibilities of Lieutenant Lemuel L. Crocker had been
aroused by the necessary abandonment of the dead and
wounded, left uncared for and unattended in the precipitate
withdrawal. He entreated Colonel Barnes so earnestly for
permission to go and care for the forsaken ones, that the col-
onel, fully comprehending the impropriety of the request, at
last reluctantly consented to present it to General Fitz-John
Porter, the corps commander. It met with a flat, emphatic
refusal. There was no communication with the enemy, and it
was not proposed to open any. War was war, and this was
neither the time -nor the occasion for sentiment or sympathy.
But Crocker was not to be deterred in his errand of mercy,
and, in positive disregard of instructions, proceeded delib-
erately, fully accoutred with sword, belt and pistol, to cross the
river at the breast of the dam. It was a novel spectacle for an
officer, armed with all he was entitled to carry, to thus com-
mence a lonesome advance against a whole army corps. Bound
upon an unauthorized mission of peace and humanitj-', a little
experience might have taught him his reception would have
been more cordial if he had left his weapons at home. Still, it
was Crocker's heart at work, and its honest, manly beats bade
him face the danger.

He found the bodies of Saunders, Ricketts and IMoss, and
Private Mishaw badly wounded, but still alive. He was bearing
them, one by one, upon his shoulders to the river-bank, \\-hen he
was suddenh" interrupted by an orderly from General Porter, who
informed him that he was instructed to direct him to return at
once or he would order a battery to shell him out. His reply
was : " Shell and be damned ! " He didn't propose to return
until the full purpose of his undertaking had been accom-
plished.

The orderly thus abruptly disposed of, he continued his
operations, when he was again interrupted b\' an authority
which, if it failed to command respect, could enforce obedience.
He had carried all the bodies to the bank, and was returnini;
for the wounded r\Iisliav,', when a Confederate general — w'loni

— 77 —

Crocker always thought was Lee, but in this he was evidently
mistaken — accompanied by a numerous staff, came upon the
ground. An aide-de-camp rode up, inquiring, with some
asperity — explaining that no flag of truce was in operation —
as to who and what he was, his purpose in being there, and by
whose authorit)'.

Crocker's work, which he had conducted wholly himself, had
put him in a sorry plight. He was of large frame, muscular,
and finely proportioned. He had carried the bodies over his
left shoulder and was absolutely covered with blood and dirt,
almost unrecognizable as a soldier, and his voice and form alone
indicated his manhood. His reply was prompt and ingenu-
ous : he had been refused permission to cross by his corps
commander, to whom he had made his purpose known ; the
dead and wounded of the regiment that fought on that ground
yesterday were of the blood of Philadelphia's best citizens, and,
regardless of the laws of war and the commands of his supe-
riors, he was of opinion that humanity and decency demanded
that they be properly cared for, which, no one else attempting,
he had determined to risk the consequences and discharge the
duty himself The simplicity and earnestness of this reply
prompted the further interrogation as to how long he had been
in the service. " Twenty days," responded Crocker. The
gentle " I thought so " from the lips of the veteran general
showed that the ingenuousness and sincerity' had wholly cap-
tured him. He bade him continue his labors until they were
fully completed, pointed out a boat on the shore that he could
utilize to ferr)' his precious freight across the stream, and sur-
rounded the field with a cordon of cavalry patrols to protect
him from further molestation or interruption.

But Crocker had a host of troubles to face upon his return.
He had openly violated the positive commands of his superior ;
he had been shamefully insulting to the messenger who bore
his superior's instructions, and had acted in utter disregard of
well-known laws governing armies confronting each other.
Still, there was somcthin;^: about the whole affair so honest, so

- 78 -

earnest, and so true, that there was a disposition to temporize
with the stern demands of discipline. And he had fully accom-
plished his purpose- -all the bodies and the wounded man were
safely landed on the Maryland side. However, he was promptly
arrested.

Colonel Barnes, who had watched him through all his oper-
ations, was the first of his superiors- who was prompted to leni-
ency, and he accompanied him to corps head-quarters to inter-
cede in his behalf. They were ushered into the presence of
General Porter, who, shocked at such a wholesale accumulation
of improprieties, and angered to a high tension by such positive
disobediences, proceeded, in short and telling phrases, to explain
the law and regulations — all of which, if Crocker didn't know
before he started, he had had full opportunity to gather in dur-
ing his experiences.

Then followed moments of painful silence, and the general
inquired whether he had seen a gun which the regulars had
left upon the other side the day before, and if so, what was the
likelihood of its recovery. Crocker replied that he had not,
but had noticed a caisson, and that he did not consider it likely
it would ever come back. Returning to the subject, the general
continued his reproof; but, considering his inexperience, un-
questioned courage, and evident good intentions, he finally
yielded, concluding that the reprimand was sufficient punish-
ment, and released him from arrest and restored him to duty.

As incidents in Crocker's career appear from time to time
through these pages, it will be noted that these early manifesta-
tions of his daring, pluck and energy intensified as the years
grew and the occasions thickened.

During the first tour of picket-duty performed after the Shep-
lierdstown fight, an incident occurred v.'hich brought Major
Herring, who had command of the line, into rather a stormy
word combat with a couple of officers, who subsequently iden-
tified themselves as of the regular army, and aides on the staff
of General McCIellan. The line extended along the banks in
the direction of the stone piers of the old bridge.

— 79 —

Everj'thing was remarkably quiet n-hen Herring, about noon,
received word that two officers, representing themselves to be
from army head-quarters, and claiming to be under a flag of
truce, were desirous of crossing the river. Presenting no evi-
dence of their authority to enter the enemy's lines, personally
unknown, and with no identification, they were held to await
instructions. Lieutenant Hess, of the 13th New York State

FAC-SIMILE OF THE COMMUNICATION'.

Volunteers, on whose front they first approached, to expedite
matters, before conducting them to Arajor Herring had sent a
written communication to corps head-quarters for advice. When
they reached Herring their detention had aroused their ire, and
one, who announced liimself as Captain Custer, of the regular
army, afterwards the general of famous cavalr},' repute, became
very abusive of the volunteers. Their incompetency and unfit-
ness for outpost duty was what he most dwelt upon, and as tiie

— 8o —

delay increased his language and manner grew more offensive.
But Herring, who was really lenient in not arresting them,
calmly repelled their insinuations and bade them content them-
selves, for until he should be advised as to what to do with
them, with him they must remain. Meanwhile General Porter's
message to let them pass, if they could be properly identified,
came to hand, but as yet there was no means of identification.
While the parley continued, Custer insisting and Herring re-
fusing. Captain Peters, also of the regulars, whom Herring
knew, rode up, and addressing Custer by name, the affair con-
cluded in a vcr\' friendly spirit by the two being permitted to
continue their journey.

The following from the pen of Joseph Meehan, of Company
A, is quaintly and truthfully earnest. So honest a description
of a battle experience has rarely appeared :

" Towards evening on the 19th our colonel rode up to our
front and called for fifty volunteers to take a rebel battery,
across the river, five being wanted from each company. I re-
sponded the second man from my company. I gave my watch
and purse to our sergeant to keep for me, my kit to a comrade,
and, with a general hand-shaking all around, we were off.

" Clearing a woods between us and the river, we found our
artillery posted facing the river. We had a good step to go
through an open field before gaining the river. The artillery
opened over our heads, under cover of which we reached the
river-bank, receiving a volley from the enemy's infantry on the
opposite side as we advanced, which, however, did us no harm.
Wading a canal kuee-deep in water, we laid flat on the ground,
as the rebel pickets were firing across at us. Waiting this way
perhaps half an hour, word came to us that the battery had
been captured b\' another body of troops acting in conjunction
with us, and we returned quietly to camp. Our colonel made
a complimentary speech to us on our behavior, and took a list
of those who had volunteered.

"As this was my first time actually under infantr)' fire, I was
greatly excited. My feelings are hard to dj.scribe. When

— 8i —

walking across the open field, with the artillery firing overhead •
and the rebels firing at us, I felt afraid. My heart beat tumult-
iiously. I thought I might be killed, and had no wish to die.
I longed to li-'e, and thought myself a fool for voluntarily plac-
ing myself in the army. Yet I had no idea at all of turning
back. IMy feelings were, that if ordered to go on, I would go,,
but gladly would I have welcomed the order, 'About face.'
l>y the time the river was reached I was much calmer, the dread
was working off me, and while not eager, as I had been to .start,
I felt that if we crossed the river and charged the rebels I could
do what the -rest could.

" The next day, the 20th of September, ushered in Shepherds-
town, a name that will never be forgotten by those of the i iSth
who were there. I had gone with my tent-mate, Fairbrother,
for water, a distance of nearly a mile. On our return to camp,
about 9 A.M., we found the regiment just moving. We had
barely time to put on our knapsacks and fall into line with the
rest.

" Reaching the Potomac, many of us took off our shoes and
stockings and rolled up our pants ; others did not. When
nearly across I began to hear stray shots on the rebel side,
which continued as we advanced. My first knowledge of im-
mediate danger came when forming on the rebel shore. Lieu-
tenant Wilson admonished us to be sure and pay attention to
our officers' orders, and all would be well. Turning to the
right, we hurried a short distance, then taking a turn to the
left ascended a hill by the aid of low bushes which grew on the
slope, reaching the top of a high bluff. Here we found firing
already going on between our skirmishers and the rebels. Our
boys began to look vcvy serious indeed. I did not feel one bit
alarmed. My little e.xperience of the previous night, I suppose,
took fear from me. I remember distinctly the feeling of indif-
ference, so different from the c\-ening before. I can truly sa>-
that at no time during the fight which came had I the least tear,
or desire to turn back.

" We were soon formed in lino of battle along the crest of the 1

6

• — 82 —

bluff. We at first knelt down, then in a little while advanced a
few steps. The rebels were now in full view, dodging about
behind the trees and running along by a rail fence a good dis-
tance off. About this time our orderly-sergeant got off his first
shot ; my own immediately followed, the second in our com-
pany. The rebel fire and our own now became brisk.

".There was considerable confusion among our men and much
noise, from the suddenness with which we found ourselves called
into a brisk fight. A cry reached me about this time to fix
bayonets. Who gave it I do not know. I shouted the order
loudly to those about me. Captain O'Neil, who was near me,
asked me what I said. I replied : ' They are calling to fix bay-
onets.' He raised his voice and called out: ' Fix bayonets ; '
but there were but few besides myself who did it. The rebels
were now approaching quite close. I had broken the nipple
of my gun and had picked up another gun lying near me, but,
as with the first one, I had great trouble in getting it to go off
It made me very angry ; I felt that I would give all the world
to be able to shoot the advancing foe. I had fired but about a
half-dozen shots, when as many again could have been got off
had the guns been good for anything.

" I had taken a pin out and cleaned the nipple, and had
raised m\' rifle for a shot when I felt what seemed like a blow
with a heavy fist on my left shoulder from behind. I did not
realize at first that I was shot, feeling no particular pain, but my
almost useless arm soon told me what it was. I called to our
■orderly-sergeant that I was shot. He made no reply, probably
.not understanding me.

" I then tooK my first look back of me, and found myself
very nearly alone. Two wounded men, McElroy and Tibben,
of Company A. were right behind me on the ground. I passed
them both, and began to descend the hill v/ith numerous others.
There was great disorder. About half-way down, among the
brush, an officer was trj-ing to stem the tide of descent. I slid
down the slope, with my one free arm to aid me, and reaching
the road at the bottom of the bluU ran a short distance till I

83

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g^

^'1 Li' V ^

^i^
^

■ - 84 -

came to three archwa}-s in the hill. Into the first of these I got
for protection. Two other wounded men were there and three
others, one of whom was John Bray, one of my tent-mates.
Our artillery at this time was shelling the heights to cover our
retreat. The shells fell short, and one of them e.xploded in the
archway next to me, tearing almost off the leg of Corpora!
James Wilson, who was therein for shelter.

" Those of us who were in the arches did not Icnow what to
do. The shells seemed directed at us, they struck the bluff
above us, and sent the stones down in our front. Many
splashed in the water alongside of us. E.xpecting to be hit
every minute, some of my companions deemed it safer to sur-
render to the rebels, and actually fixed a white handkerchief to a
bayonet, and started to go up the hill again, but they changed
their minds.

"From our retreat we witnessed a scene of great excitement.
Men were tr}Mng to get across the river, the bullets dropping
about them like hail. One or two were swimming, as being a
safer plan. A breakwater ran across the river near us, and it
contained many dead and wounded men. Nearly all of our
party left to go across when the firing slackened, except the
wounded men.

"A tribute here should be given to John Bray, who when
asked if he was going, refused to go, saying he would stay with
the wounded men. A little later he and I determined to tiy
it. first getting for poor Wilson a canteen of water from the
river, he asking, ' in God's name,' for a drink of water. Look-
ing at my own canteen here, I found it, too, had been hit, a ball
having struck it with force enough to make a hole in one side,
but not going clean through. With Bray helping me on my
wounded side, we struck into the ri\'er. We passed many
dead and some who were but wounded. One man asked us,
again in God's name, for help, which we could not render.
Near our own side of the ri\er we passed one wlio was com-
pletely under water. We raised his head above the water,
when voices fr(.">in our side hid us to hurr\' over at once.

- 85 -

" We got across safely, and I was put into a temporary shed
with otlier wounded men, and later in the day, assisted by
comrades Evans and Scout, taken to an ambulance, which
transported me and two others to Sharpsburg, where a churcli
had been turned into a hospital for the wounded men."

Dr. Joseph Thomas thus graphically describes his experience
witiiin the enemy's lines immediately after the Shepherdstown
affair:

" On the afternoon following the day of the fight, soon after
Crocker had brought the dead bodies of the officers over, on
going down to the river near the dam, I heard the cries of the
wounded on the other side, still lying upon the battle-field and
calling for help. I resolved to go over and render them aid.
Taking with me a companion (one of the hospital attendants),
supplied with bandages and case of instruments, I went across
the dam without let or hindrance, except the splash of a few
rifle-balls in the water a distance off, fired by our own pickets.
I discovered several dead men of our regiment still lying on
the broken breastwork of the dam. Reaching the opposite*
side of the river, back of the mill, we proceeded up the ravine
until we came to the plateau above. Here a considerable
number of the killed still lay, and the wounded that had
screamed for help.

" There were, perhaps, a score of them, so badly injured as
to be incapable of locomotion or movement. We washed and
bathed their wounds, supplied them with water, administered a
dose of anodyne, and promised to have them removed as soon
as possible.

" Whil'^' we Were engaged at this work, a mounted vidctte
came up, and inquired our business there and authority.
Pointing to m\' green sash and case of instruments, I answered,
' Can't you see that v/e are surgeons attending to the wounded?'
He replied, 'All right; go on, and when you are through here
I will conduct \-ou to the rear some distance, to a house ;
where you will find more of your wounded.' I agreed to
accompany him. Then, following him along a pathway through

. . — S6 —

the dense undergrowth (I should say half a mile), we came to
a house. Here we found some twenty men, nearly half of
them being rebel soldiers, and the rest of our regiment,
wounded, but not severely. They all appeared happy and very
friendly.

" On inquiring whether they had any food, they pointed to a
kettle over the fire containing a chicken and some potatoes
cooking, and answered : * We are domg well enough.' The
Johnnies spoke up, and said : ' We will take care of the boys
when we find them unarmed and wounded, as brothers, but
when they come with arms in th'.ir hands, we are always ready
to meet them.'

" We left them and returned under the guidance of the
vidette, who appeared a very kind-hearted fellow. We came
back from the plateau on the right, reaching the Shepherdstown
road, approached the dam, passed through the rapid sluice
with effort, recrossed the river and reported our experience.
An effort was made to have the wounded brought over. This
was done that evening or ne.xt morning, under a flag of truce."

The narrative of Sergeant H. T. Peck's experience as a
prisoner of war, subsequent to his Shepherdstown capture, he
relates ivith telling effect.

"After the engagement of September 20th, the prisoners
were detained several hours by the rebels in a little grove half
a mile north of the battle-field and on a road leading from
Shepherdstown. None of the rebel main body was seen by us,
only the guard, a company of about fifty men, and General
Hill, who came, with his staff and escort, to look at us. To-
wards evening we were marched several miles away, where we
remained in a wocids till next afternoon, Sunday. In the morn-
ing a portion of Stonewall Jackson's corps encamped near
us, and we had nearly all day a constant stream of gray-
coated visitors, who were very good-natured in their inter-
course.

" The rebel troops were remarkabh' orderly. Religious ser-
vices in the afternoon were largely attended b}' theui, if it is

- 87 -

proper to judge by the volume of voices heard singing Meth-
odist hymn-tunes in several parts of their camp. Late in the
day we were marched some five or six miles conformably with
a movement of the rebel corps.

" Our men were subsisting on the food they had in haver-
sacks at the time of the battle, together with what corn ' pone '
they could buy from the rebel soldiers. Some who were with-
out money went a little short of food, but there was no suffer-
ing at all, the luckier ones dividing with the others quite lib-
erally. In the morning, Monday, rations of wheat flour and
bacon were issued to us. The latter was very acceptable and
useful. The floar, though good in quality, was entirely useless
to our men since they, unlike the Confederates, were without
skill in cooking it and had no opportunity of trading it for
bread or meat.

" Shortly after receiving rations we commenced our march
to Winchester. Reaching Martinsburg at about ten o'clock,
we passed first through the better part of the town. Few men
were to be seen, but many of the women came to their doors
or windows to see us pass and fling at us bitter exclamations.
We were called Yankee devils, murderers and thieves, and our
guard W'as begged to strangle or shoot us. It was the young
ladies especially who fired at us this quality of animosity. At
the other end of the town, the locality of more humble homes,
our reception was materially different. Women and children
came to us from all directions with a profusion of lunches of
bread and meat and cakes, and in many instances with jars of
preserves, their choicest dainties, which they really could ill
afford to part with. The guards offered no objection to these
contributions, and indeed congratulated us on our good luck.

"These women belonged to the families of mechanics em-
ployed mostly in the extensive railroad shops located here, and
were presumably from the North.

" While halted a few miles out of Martinsburg, a mounted
Confederate, a guerilla probabh', got into some dispute with
one of our men, drew his pistol and made such ei'.rncst threats

to use it, the captain of our guard ordered some of his men to
cover the braggart with their muskets, which, we felt assured,
he would have had used if the guerilla had injured any of our
party.

" While halted for rest near the town of Bunker Hill, a rebel
band, out of sight, but near by in the woods, gave us a surprise,
probably more pleasant than they imagined, by playing the
Star Spangled Banner.

" In Winchester we were consigned to the court-house and
the inclosure between it and the street. There was already in
these precincts a crowd of some 300 rebels, stragglers, con-
scripts and the riff- "aff a provost-guard can pick up — a miser-
able lot — who did not fraternize with our men, and who were so
filthy in clothing and habits that our men remained of choice
in the open yard without tents or blankets, even during nights
of hoarfrost, to avoid contact with those in the court-house,
which we were otherwise free to occupy.

" Rations issued to us here were raw beef and flour, but no
arrangements were provided for cooking — not even a stick of
wood for fire. At our request the officer of the guard per-
mitted one of our non-commissioned officers to go, under
guard, about the town to bargain for the cooking of the food.
A baker traded us bread, pound for pound, for flour, and a
woman engaged to boil the beef for a moderate sum of money,
which we collected from our party. In the beef-boiling trans-
action our contract turned out to be imperfect ; the agreement
on the part of the female was to boil the meat. It was boiled,
but so thoroughly no two shreds of it would hold together.
There was probably a good profit in the soup from a hundred
and fif'y pound-; of beef Our allowance from the rebel com-
missary was a pound of flour and half a pound of meat per
day.

" Ever}- afternoon while we were here a neatly-dressed mu-
latto girl came to the court-house yard with a large loaf of
bread, a lump of butter and a kettle of two or three gallons of
delicious soup. She invariably delivered the gift to one of our

- 89 -

sergeants, who most probably had been pointed out to her as
we passed through the street on our way to the court-house as
a proper person to receive it. The girl could not be induced
to tell the cergeant who sent the food, saying : ' I darsent tell
her name for fear of these (rebel) soldiers, but my missis sends
it.' It was hoped the Union lady learned from the rather
stupid girl how more than thankful we were for her timely and
touching gift.

" One morning a young lady we had frequently noticed as
the recipient of many attentions from Confederate officers
came to the railing and, calling to one of our party, said ; ' Ser-
geant, you are to be paroled in a lew days (this was our earliest
report about it) and sent home. I wish, if you see General
Shields when you return, you would give him Belle Boyd's
compliments, and say she would be happy to see him in the
valley again.'

" Owing to restricted diet and exposure, without any cover-
ing whatever from the frosty night air, all of our men suffered
more or less with dysentery. No medical attention was ottered
them. Their previous robust health, however, and the hope of
soon getting back to our own lines, kept them up, and not
one became helpless.

" For one or two nights we had small but very hot fires
made of beef bones, which we found burn surprisingly well.
On the morning we were sent away we were brought into the
court-house, one by one, to sign the following parole paper:

" I, , do solemnly swear that I will not do or undertake any act or exen

any inflence in favor of or for the advantage of the United States; or against the
government of the Confederate States; and that I will not divulge anything that
I have seen or lieard, or may see or hear, to the prejudice of the Confederate
States; or engage in any military act whatsoever during the present war until
regularly included in an authorized exchange of prisoners.

" Sworn before me this 20th day of September, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. at Winchester, Virginia.

" Major W. Kyle.

" By order of General Robert E. Lee.

" To one who signed nearly the last, the rebel captain having

— 90 —

the document remarked : * Why, I find all your men can write
their own names.'

" We marched out of Winchester at 9 or 10 in the morning,
and soon reached the hills to the eastward ; thence all the way
to Harper's Ferry we passed through a country very beautiful
in a dress of early autumn foliage. We were pushed on at
a rapid gait, as our guard was at this time a detachment of
mounted men, but, having no load to carry, we were not inor-
dinately fatigued. We bivouacked beside a mountain stream

ADJUTANT JAMES P, PEROT.

and resumed the march early in the morning, passing through
Charlcstown, of John Brown fame. We came to our outposts,
a short distance from Harper's Ferry, late in the afternoon. A
flag of truce was sent in and we were promptly transferred to
the Federal commandant of pickets."

One personal incident, however, appears to have escaped
Peck, While idling away iiis time as a prisoner, he p'cked up

— 91 —

a stray cap of the regiment, abandoned upon the battle-field.
Removing a metal figure " 1 " ft-om its front, he placed it
opposite the regimental number on his own, thus increasing the
numerals to the enormous size of iiiS. It was deftly done
and calculated to make even a close observer believe that the
figures had all been placed there at one time and were intended
to mean what they purported. These extravagant figures soon
attracted attention. A Confederate officer, startled at their
high proportions, inquired earnestly from what State the wearer
of the cap hailed. " Pennsylvania,'' was the prompt reply.
" Great heavens I " he exclaimed ; " is Pennsylvania running
into the thousands ? With that State alone with i,i i8 regiments
in the field, how can the poor Confederacy ever expect to suc-
ceed ! " And he strolled on, apparently, for the moment at
least, yielding to the deception.

The following incident from the pen of Major Henr}' Kyd
Douglass, formerly of Stonewall Jackson's staff, is of intense
interest and connects itself in proper sequence with matters
incident to Shepherdstown.

" Several weeks after the battle of Antietam, when our head-
quarters were at Bunker Hill, I went to Shepherdstown to hear
something, if possible, from home. ]My father lived on the
Maryland side of the Potomac, on the crest of a hill, which
overlooked the river, the town, and the country beyond. The
Potomac was the dividing line between the two State? and the
two armies, and the bridge that once spanned it there had been
burned early in the war.

" It was a bright and quiet day, and from the Virginia cliffs
I saw the enemy's pickets lying lazily along the canal tow-
path or wanc'ering over the fields. Up against the hill I saw
rifle-pits in a field in front of my home, and blue-coats evidently
in possession of it; and then I saw m\' lather come out ot the
house and walk off towards the barn. I saw no one else
except soldiers. It was not a cheerful sight, and I turned
away and down to the river to water my horse. As I rode
into the Si.ream several cavalrvmen rode in on tlie other side;

— 92 —

they saluted me by lifting their hats and I returned their salute^
They invited me, laughingly, to con-ie over, and I, being in-
tensely anxious to hear something irom home, replied that I
would meet them in the middle of t''-c river. They at once
drew out of the water and dismoimted, and so did I and the
courier who was with me. Haifa dozen of them got into the
ferr}'-boat, which was on their side, and we embarked in a leaky
skiff, my courier using a paddle which hr; found at hand. We
met the enemy's man-of-war in the middle of the stream and
grappled it, while it was held in place with poles by its boat-
men. After the first greetings the cajjtain of the gunboat
(he was only a sergeant, by the v>ay) said to me: 'I see you
are a staff-officer.' My blunt courier broke in gruffly : ' Yes, and
don't you think it devilish hard for a man to be this near home
and not be able to speak to his father or mother?'

"This e.xposure of my identity was the very thing I did not
wish. The sergeant looked a little astonished and replied: 'So
you are Captain Douglass, of General Jackson's staff, are you ?
We knew that the old gentleman on the hill has two sons in
the Confederate army, one on the general's staff When I
acknowledged his correctness, he said, with much earnestness,
that I must get into their Iioat and go over to see my family.
I began to protest that it would not do, when one of the others
broke in :' Say, get in, captain ; get iii. If this Goverimient
can be busted up by a rebel soldier going to see his mother,
why, damn it, let it bust/'

"There was a laughing chorus of assent to this that shook
my doubts. I told my blue-coated friends that there was no
officer among them, and that any officer who caught me on the
other side migr.t not recognize their safeguard and I might be
detained. Tlie sergeant replied that all their officers were in
Sharpsburg at a dinner, and, at any rate, this party \\ould
pledge themselves to return me safely. It was an occasion for
some risk and I took it. 1 got into the large boat an ^ my
courier came along in his skiff 'to see fair play,' as he grnni.
said.

— 93 —

"When we reached the Maryland shore, the soldiers on the
bank crowded down to the boats, and soon, Yankee-like, were
in full tide of questions, especially about Stonewall Jackson.
As I had declined to leave our ships for the purpose of going
up to my home, a cavalryman had gone to the house, under
spur, to notify my family of my arrival. My mother soon
made her appearance, very much frightened, for she believed I
could only be there as a prisoner. My father, not being al-
lowed to leave his premises without permission, could not
come. As my mother approached, the soldiers, at a signal
from the sergeant, drew away and sat down on the tow-path,
where they and my courier interviewed each other.

"As this strange meeting gave my mother more anxiety
than comfort, it was a brief one. Nothing passed between us,
however, that could ' bust the Government ' or bring trouble on
the sergeant and his men. When my mother left and took
her stand upon the canal bank to see us safely off, the soldiers
gathered about me to have a litttle talk, but I did not tarry. I
gave the sergeant and his crew of the man-of-war my autograph
upon sundr\' slips of paper, and told them that if the fortune of
war should make them prisoners, the little papers might be of
service to them if sent to General Jackson's head-quarters.

"As we took our leave and got into our skiff, the chivalric,
manly sergeant said to me: 'We belong to (I think) the ist
New York Cavalry^ My parents live on the banks of the
Hudson, and what I have done for you, I'd like some one to
do for me if in the same fix. While I'm here I'll keep an eye
on your home and people and do what I can for them ' (and he
did). And as the skiff moved over the water and took me from
home again_ I raised my hat to my ' good friend, the enemy.'
and they stood along the shore, in response, with unco\'cred
heads; and then I waved it to my father, who stood on the
stonewall which crowns the hill and gazed, but made no sign;
and then to my mother on the bank, who, seeing me safely off
waved her handkerchief with a tremulous flutter, and then hid
her face in it as she turned and hurried away.

— 94 —

" I was glad to learn afterwards that no harm came to the
sergeant for his rash kindness to me. I have forgotten his
name, if he ever told me, but I hope he lived to return safely
to his folks on the banks of the Hudson.

" It is such touches as this that lighten up the inhumanities
of war.

Verifying Letter Pertaining to Crocker s Crossing the River.

Raleigh, N. C, April 26, 1SS6.

My Dear Sir: — On my return home I received your favor of the 20th inst.
I remember well our conversation about the battle on the Virginia side of the
Potomac, after the battle of Sharpsburg, or Anlietam, and I also remember well
the battle, as /was in the attacking party. We never forgot the feeling that ran
through us about the time we got the order to go forward. We had hardlv
started before the bullets began to whiz about our heads, which did not help to
soften the first feeling.

It would give me great pleasure to give you the information you ask for if it
were possible for me to do so. I was then a lieutenant-colonel commanding a
regiment, and knew little of what was going on, except the fighting department,
under orders, and what I could s'.:rm.ise from movements of troops and my maps
of the country ; but I know that Jackson's entire corps was present at the time
you speak of, and almost all of A. P. Hill's division of this corps was in the ad-
vance in the battle mentioned.

Our brigadier (Branch) had been killed at Sharpsburg, and the brigade was
at this time commanded by Lane, the senior colonel. I was standing on the
precipice near the river, and remember well seeing the officer cross the river
with the white handkerchief as a flag, but I do not know who the general officer
was that received him, for I did not witness this. I do not see how I can find
this out for you, erpecially as so many who were there were at'terwards killed ; in
fact, A. P. Hill, and every brigadier-general that belonged to his division. I think,
was since then killed, but one, and he lives in Mississippi. I regret exceedingly
th.it I am unable to get for you the information you wish.

If I had only been acquainted with you the time you were lying at the hospital
wounded, after this battle, I might have done something for you, to have given a
reason for the kind attention I have received from your father and his family ;
but it came without this from me. But I believe I would have treated you well
if I had met you there ; that is, after the fight was over.

It w.ns queer to see how we would shoot at each other, and how friendly we
all v.'(juld be when a fiag of truce was pending.

I am yours, very truly,

(Signed) R. F. Hoke.

To Major Samuel N. Lewis.

Colonel Ilokc was a inajor-g-neral in C. S. A. Ij0.'"ore the war ended.

CHAPTER IV.

FROM SHEPHERDSTOWN TO FREDERICKSBURG.

iK\f^r

HE same ground near Blackford's
Ford, from which the regiment
moved to the fight at Shepherds-
town on the 20th, was its home
until the latter part of October,
when the entire army began an-
other advance into Virginia.

The camp was in the fringe of
timber; a slightly sloping knoll
rose in its front, separating it
from the empty canal and the
Potomac. This knoll was manned
all along its crest by Parrott guns in battery, concealed in
the timber ; there were no artillerymen with them, and the only
support in the immediate neighborhood was the regiment.
The guns were evidently planted to command the plain upon
the other side.

Blackford's house, to which Colonel Prevost and others of
the wounded were carried after the fight, and froni the owner
of which the ford derived its name, was upon the road to the
right of the camp. In the distance, a mile or so to the right,
on the Virginia side, Shepherdstown, with its few red roofs and
single spire peeping up from its grove of trees, was plainly
visible.

It is doubtful whether any of the new organizations were for
so long a time so illy provided with the comforts and shelter
that often make well-regulated camp-life a fair substitute for
homes and firesides. Up to this time there was not a tent

(95)

- 96 - '

or piece of canvas in the command. Unused to exposure and
inexperienced in improvising shelter, quarters constructed of
boughs, trees and bush were but poor substitutes for the tight
and cosy " dog-houses " — such was the famihar name for the
shelter-tents — which whitened the country in every direction.
Houseless and homeless, the discomforts increased through the
chill October nights ; but officers and men were alike incon-
venienced, and all bore it uncomplainingly. Shelter-tents and
gum-blankets were not issued until just before the encampment
broke up.

The pressure of the march had been so continuous, there
had been realh- no opportunity for tactical instruction. Such
a season of relief from^the every-day tramp was much needed,
nor was the occasion neglected. The weather and the grounds
were favorable, and with drills, company and battalion, inspec-
tions, guard-mounting, guard-duty and dress-parades, the regi-
ment left Blackford's Ford a fairly instructed and decidedly a
well disciplined set of men. Much knowledge was also gathered
of the watchful care and individual responsibility needed in the
performance of picket-duty. The regiment picketed the river-
bank, with details by no means light, from the camp up the
river to the piers of the old foot-bridge opposite Shepherds-
town. Part of the time the enemy occupied the other side,
and their proximity demanded unusual alertness and constant
activity.

Most of the wounded from the field of the 20th remained in
the hospitals about Sharpsburg. Their wear}-, lonesome hours
were cheered by frequent visits from their companions, en-
camped so long in the close \"icinity.

Invigorating autumn weather, clear, crisp evenings, good
camping-ground, and some leisure following the stirring times
of Antietam, stinmlated invention to bestir itself for inspiriting
entertainment.

A gentleman beyond middle life had been assigned as a regi-
mental assistant-surgeon. In the command in which his as-
."^icrnmcnt olaccd liim were a briu'lit lot of voung ofticcrs, little

J^Sf^

SUKGCON IIBtm PtNNA. VcLS

. , ■ — 97 —

disposed to restraint when an\- scheir.e was suggested indicat-
ing fun, no matter how extr.ivagant or r.t ^v•hose expense.

These sprigs determined to put ti;e new doctor through an
examination, conducted witii all forn-iH'!:}-. the result of \\hich
was to decide his efficienc}- and deterniine whether his capaci-
ties entitled him to retention. Selectioi; " Speedwell," a fanci-
ful conception, for an unheard-of Mar\-]p.ud town, they located
the head-quarters of the army there, a?i.' published the special
order organizing the board of examiners, dated, " Head-quarters
Army of the Potomac, Camp near Speedwell, Maryland, Oc-
tober 30, 1S62." The order designated the doctor as the only
officer on which it operated and annoimced the detail, which
included the surgeon, as entirely of the ofi^icers of his own regi-
ment. Neither the mythical location nor the fact that officers
only of his regiment, and nr.ne of these :=a\-e one of the medical
profession, aroused suspicion, and the doctor prepared himself
for the approaching test.

He was told his green sash, the military designation of his
professional rank on all occasions of examination, was required
to be worn like an " officer of the day,' across the shoulder in-
stead of round the waist. Accordingl}" on the evening selected,
for the order named the hour for the board to convene as 7 p. M.,
the doctor presented hini.-elf in full u-iiform, with his sash dis-
played as he had been instructed. There sat the promoters of
the scheme — they had named themseh'es as the members of
the board — in a hospital tent that had been suitably prepared
for the occasion, arrayed in all becoming dignity.

The surgeon had been named as president and the adjutant
as recorder. First the quartermaster plied questions on trains,
subsistence, issues and accounts. Tlien the adjutant sifted out
a number of insolvable tactical problciiis. The doctor made
some attempts at answers, but uttered no complaint at the
character of the interrogatories. When the surgeon took hold
of him on his medicai attainments he passed most satisfactcrih'.
The examination over, tlie doctor was politely dismissed, and
when he was far enough av/ay the suppressed laughter was
7

given a vent. After it was over all thoughts were turned as to
how to get out of it, when the old gentleman tumbled to the
situation. It was a long time before he did, and then not until
the excuses of the usual head-quarter's delays had ceased to
satisfy him as a reason for his not knowing the result. Ulti-
mately the chaplain's aid was invoked. He was the doctor's
best friend, and succeeded, after he disclosed how he had been
trifled with, in so quieting his wrath as to prevent him bringing
his persecutors to answer for their escapade.

Reproof they certainly richly deserved. Whether they had
transgressed far enough to be reached by the strong arm of
military law was never determined, because no one pursued
them.

Several times during the stay preliminar}' orders came to
prepare three days' cooked rations, to reduce the officers' bag-
gage to the minimum, and accompanied by an issue of sixty
rounds of ammunition per man. They were too definite and
specific for a reconnoissauce and indicated a general advance.
Their repetition and failure of consummation drew from an ob-
serving soldier the facetious remark, that those in authority
were awaiting another storm for the Potomac to swell again,
as it would never do to push the troops across in good
weather.

But at four o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th of October
doubt and uncertainty vanished, and the campaign began that
terminated on the fatefTd field of Fredericksburg in the follow-
ing December.

The march continued v,-ell into the night and it was ten
o'clock when the bivouac was made at Bryant's Farm, on the
Potomac, near the base of Maryland Heights. Pen and pencil
have been prolific in picture, print and story of the grand and
picturesque in American scenery. The gorge of the Potomac
at Harper's Ferry has not been stinted in the full measure of
its just deserts by artist ami author, who have told of or painted
its grandeurs. Still, when, with the early morning sun, Mary-
land. Loudon and Bolivar Heights, the Potomac and Shenan-

. — 99 —

doah, all burst, in the grandeur of lofty summits, the placidity
of smooth-flowing river and madness of rushing stream, in one
general sweep upon the vision of men who for the first time
beheld them, they left, even upon the least impressionable, recol-
lections never to be forgotten.

In the immediate front Maryland Heights rose abruptly some
thousand feet with their rocky-faced base and sterile boulder,
sparsely timbered slope, grim, barren and formidable. Upon
the right, and over the Potomac a mile and more, bold, round,
green and treeless, stood the Bolivar Heights ; and down the
river a little farther, upon the Virginia side, where the turbid
Shenandoah debouches from the valley and mingles with the
waters of the broad and placid Potomac, Loudon, precipitous,
rocky, wooded, its foliage just taking the golden hues of
autumn, rose frowning in its majesty. Nestled in the angle
made by the two rivers, partly visible, was quaint old Harper's
Ferry, with the tall chimneys and long ruined walls of its
arsenal still standing, the silent witnesses of the little prelim-
inar}- protoplasm from which the big war had grown to its then
towering magnitude. And to the southward, till mountain and
horizon united, the two prominent ranges that formed the boun-
daries of the great Shenandoah valley dwindled into the mist}'
distance. This was the valley whose prolific yield of meat and
cereal supplied the sinews which sustained the strife, until at
last war, cruel war, that in its harsh severities knows no hu-
manity, decreed its utter desolation, so that " the carrion-crow
in flying over the valley from north to south would be com-
pelled to carr}- its own subsistence.''

The distance to the river was but short, and a little after
break of dawn the column crossed the Potomac by a pontoon
bridge ncar^v a mile in length, laid above the dam and opposite
the lower end of the town of Harper's Ferry. Midway in
the stream the grandeur of the view was more comprehended.
Both faces of the Maryland Heights and the piers of the old
bridge were in full view. The gentle, quiet waters of the Po-
tomac fa'.lio'j over the dam-breast were soon lost in the distance

— lOO —

as they dashed in their mad rush below, over rock and stone
and boulder, by Loudon's base on one side and Sandy Hook
on the otlicr. The famed arsenal ruins and the historic engine-
house, where John Brown maintained his midnight siege,
could not be seen except from the ^Maryland side and on the
bridge.

The column skirted through a small thoroughfare running
at right-angles with the river street and was quickly over the
Shenandoah by another pontoon, which held its place tena-
ciously, in spite of the rough and angry waters in which it la}-.
In the bed of the stream were countless rocks, some hidden,
others in view, against which the swift currents threw the spray
about in glcesome playfulness. Pushing on vigorously, the
night's bivouac was made at Hillsboro'.

The army was again bent on its mission of coercion to en-
force a submission to a consolidated Union upon the soil of
the Commonwealth whose deputies inserted in the earliest de-
liberations of our constitution-makers that the fundamental law
must express, and not simply infer, that the strength and power
of the nation was at all times available to coerce refractory
States.

Hillsboro', insignificant in size, a little hamlet in Loudon
county, is a centre where many roads meet ; one, the Leesburg
pike, was mournfully suggestive of the Ball's Bluff disaster.
The country hereabouts is rich in its yield of all the products
of the farm and prolific in poultr}', beef, pork and mutton. It
had not been severely scarred by the devastating hand of war,
and the granaries, barns, heneries and spring-houses paid
handsome tribute to the by no means modest demands of the
soldier, whose penetrating search let nothing escape him. Al-
though Ikirnside's corps had preceded us, and foraged liberally,
ample j-ct remained to satisfy all. The country rolls in gentle
undulations of hill and dale, its highly cultivated lands ceasing
only when the heavily timbered Blue Ridge range, upon the
western boundaiy, bars their further reach. A ubiquitous stream,
known as GoDse creek, seemed to penetrate c\ery nook and

— lOI —

corner of the count}\ Inquiry from the inhabitants as to the
designation of every stream crossed in this vicinity brought
forth the universal response : " Goose creek."

The regiment was in sad need of shoes, clothing, canteens
and haversacks. Requisitions had long been in to meet these
wants, and an issue v.as at last made at this point, but not a
tithe of what was needed.

On the 2d of November the march was resumed, and con-
cluded near Snicker's Gap, with the little village of Snickers-
ville hard by. It was on this day's march that an unwise pig
took it into its head, or its feet, to run through the lines. A
breach of discipline like this, and by a pig, was not to be
tolerated for an instant. A court-martial of one immediately
convened himself, passed sentence, and executed it. Orders
against foraging were very strict. As the bayonet pierced his
side the pig squealed so loudly that the sound brought an
officer galloping down the line to secure the pig and arrest the
offender. Before he could reach the spot the pig had been
divided and concealed, and the men were moving on in excel-
lent order.

The country was still fresh and productive, and toothsome
morsels of poultry, butter and eggs were fitting substitutes for
the monotonous diet of salt pork and hard-tack.

The Massachusetts associations in the brigade developed the
Yankee love of traffic, and the temptation to " barter and trade
a spell " induced some of the Pennsylvanians to negotiate, more
to gratify their Yankee friends in an indulgence of their com-
mercial propensities than with expectation of profit or useful
investment. The little commodities and trinkets which passed
in these ventures were of no great value, but the positive re-
fusal of th: Yankees to recognize a credit system compelled
the men to resort to temporary loans from their officers, whose
purses, though much depleted, could generally accommodate
them to a limited extent.

In a moneyed sense the regiment was miserabh' poor. The
3 1st of October was the bi-monthly da}' ot muster for pay. The

— I02 —

careful preparation of the pay-rolls, and hearty response of
those present in answer to their names, was conducive to a be-
lief that their correct and clerkly appearance and speedy trans-
mittal might induce the sometimes dilatory- paymaster to give
them a prompt consideration.

George Slow was the body-servant of one of the officers and
was quite a noted character in the regiment. He had been the
slave of a wealthy and distinguished Virginia family, and came
"^jomthe Valley, just through
the gap. With ninety others
on the plantation, when the
war began, his " marstef,"
afterwards an officer of the \
Confederate army, set him i

free. He had been prompted *

to this generous act rather *j^

by the belief that his slaves ^

would go their own way any- ^

how, than by the conscious- .

ness that freedom was their .% \ a-

right. Determined to visit ^ ^^ ^

his old home, he braved all
the dangers of the trip and ^\ ,

crossed the mountains to see \^ /

his mistress. She received
him most graciously and load-
ed him with gifts of precious
edibles to bear to those in
whose service he had enlisted. Several pounds of swcci and
savory print-butter, a delicacy unknown to army life, were
especially acceptable.

An instance of George's unflinching faithfulness occurred at
the battle of Fair Oaks. He was then employed by an officer
of the 71st Pennsyhania. As this officer was going into the
action he passed over to George a few \aluables and memen-
tos, with instructions if he did not return to see that they

CLORCF. SLOW.

— I03 —

should reach his family. He did not return and for some time
George supposed him dead. Subsequently ascertaining he had
been wounded and taken to Philadelphia, George set himself
about to reach him. Failing to secure transportation, he started
to walk the entire distance froro the Peninsula. Over wide
streams, with bridges destroyed, he was compelled to covertly
snatch a ferriage. Without supplies, except such as he could cau-
tiously gather from friendly negroes, through a country infested
by guerillas and where every white man was his enemy, he
finally accomplished his purpose. To the astonishment of his
grateful employer, who still lay suffering from his wound,
George suddenly appeared unannounced at his bedside. The
faithful fellow continued to act as a tender and devoted nurse
until the officer had fully recovered. George is now the trusted
servant of one of Philadelphia's prominent citizens, Mr. Joseph
E. Gillingham, with whom he has remained continuously since
the war.

Before the army left the Gap the feast changed into a famine,
and rations of any kind were difficult to obtain. Stacks of
unhusked corn were standing in the field, but even a soldier
could hardly be expected to eat corn off the cob when the corn
had become hard enough by e.\posure to be used for ammuni-
tion. A soldier's life is a life of emergencies. Difficulties must
be overcome. One bright wit took the tin from his cartridge-
box, emptied the cartridges into the box, punched holes in the
tin with his bayonet and grated the corn with this unpatented
grater. The others followed his example, and soon corn-cakes
were being fried, with pieces of fresh pork that came from some-
where, throughout the camp.

The shortening November days makes six o'clock in the
morning a da\'light start. It was at that hour on the 6th,
after the k\v days' stoppage in the vicinity of Snicker's Gap, the
march was resumed.

There was but little personal association with the citizens,
but the farther into the interior the arm}' ad\-anced, the deeper
seemed the bitterness of hate towards the Union soldier. There

— 104 —

was never any deep love for the enemy, nor abiding aOection
for his aiders and abettors, but the feelings never shaped them-
selves into personal antipathies or aroused individual dislikes.
But here the press, the rostrum and the pulpit had taught the
people that every Northern man was to be personally despised,
and his society rudely rejected. Manifestations of sucli dis-
like had gradually bred, probably in a spirit of retaliation, cor-
responding antipathies in the soldiery, and the fevv^ exchanges of
personal courtesies with the inhabitants fell off almost entirely.
The bivouac was made still in Loudon count}', near the little
town of Middleburg, on the farm of one J. W. Patterson, well
kept and in good condition.

On the next day's march the fatiguing and laborious dut>'
of guard to the wagon-train fell to the lot of the regiment.
The trains necessarily require the exclusive use of the road,
and the troops on their flanks, moving through the fields, over
brush, bush and every conceivable obstruction, are obliged to
carve a way for themselves. If the road is free and everything
clear, the gait is rapid, and infantrv' are put to their best en-
deavors to keep pace with their charge. As usual at the start,
the road was jammed and blocked for several hours, the march
annoyingly slow, and the delays very harassing. \Vliei\ the
obstructions were out of the way the speed increased so as to
tax endurance to its utmost. And with all the other ills, a
sudden and unusual taste of winter came along.

It commenced snowing violently. The country was soon
covered with its mantle of white, appropriately connecting the
name of the halting-place, " White Plains," with the general
appearance of everything. Aluch of the afternoon was left
when the halt was made. It was pleasantly passed in enter-
taining guests from the 1 19th Pennsylvania, encamped in the
close vicinity. The generous supplies a prolific country had
furnished had disappeared entirely, and the much-abused army
diet, which, when sufficient, was by no means distasteful, had
become intolerably scant.* So seriously did the larder need
replenishing that the song of" Hard Times, Hard Times, Conic

^' — 105 —

Again No More " was appropriately paraphrased in the follow-
ing refrain :

"'Tis the voice of the hungry, crying o'er and o'er,
Hard-tack 1 hard-tack ! Come again once more.
Many days I have wandered from my little dog-house door,
Crying, Hard-tack ! hard-tack ! Come again once more."

The guests had to be satisfied with what was at hand, and their
providers so impoverished themselves in their entertainment
that nothing was left for the morning meal, save a small allow-
ance of coffee. Societ}^ chinked the gaps left by the character
and quantit}' of the diet and the afternoon waned cheerily.
The 118th and 119th sprang from the same military parent —
the then Gray Reserves, now the distinguished 1st Regiment
of the Pennsylvania National Guard — and there was a hearty,
cordial fellowship for each other, dominant in both organiza-
tions. Regimental, State and number designations do not bear
the same significance to each other as the names of streets and
numbers of houses in large cities. Unlike such associations,
adjoining numbers from the same State is no assurance of
neighborly proximity. So it was here ; the two regiments, as-
signed to different corps, were usually miles apart. Locomo-
tion afoot was slow and tiresome, and the wearisome demands
of daily travel not encouraging to frequent visitations. Such a
rare opportunity for an exchange of courtesies was much ap-
preciated, and the visitors left in the early evening with the
sincere hope that tliey might be shortly favored with like op-
portunity for their return.

On the 8th the march was resumed at seven in the morning,
and the regiment was assigned as rear-guard, a duty not so
distasteful as that with the wagons, but by no means to be
courted. To drive up the habitual malingerer is no disagree-
able duty, but to urge along the honest soldier, fatigued to real
exhaustion, arouses a sympathy which is difficult to conquer.
There happened to be so little straggling on this occasion; and
the dutic:- of rear-guard being correspondingly light, the charge

. . — io6 —

of the ammunition trains was also imposed upon the re^-lment.
Procrastinations and fatiguing delays followed this additional
detail, and it was ten at night when, supperless and exhausted,
the bivouac was made near New Baltimore. Under a soft,
autumn noon-day sun the snow had wholly disappeared.

Detached service was over and it was with unqualified satis-
%^ faction the regiment returned to its place in the column, and,
with the brigade, in comfortable, easy stages, on the 9th, made
its march to Warrenton. Here it remained for several days.
Many of the men were without shoes when they struck War-
renton, and some of the 11 8th left the marks of their passage
to the place in drops of crimson that had oosed from their
bleeding feet. A few of the men who had straggled unneces-
sarily were put upon fatigue duty when they reached the camp.
The then chaplain of the regiment was not reverenced by the
men. The stragglers were ordered to cut down some trees in
the camp. One of them fell over the tent in which the chap-
lain was sitting at a table. It knocked down the tent, the table
and the chaplain. Shortly after this event the chaplain felt that
he was called elsewhere, and went back to his home in New
Jersey.

Warrenton, the county-seat of Fauquier, a most attractive
hamlet, was the home of " Extra Billy " Smith, one of Vir-
ginia's famous statesmen. Water Mountain, a pretentious hill,
belts it upon one side, and upon the other, in all directions,
arable lands, cultivated to the highest attainments of Virginia
farming, were productive of her best results. The residences
indicated thrift and comfort, tastefully adorned with lawn and
garden, their foliage fading and grasses withering in the ad-
vancing autumn. The Warren Green Hotel, the principal hos-
tler>% in name suggested the one in Pennsylvania, notable as
the British head-quarters on the night of the Paoli massacre.
The court-house and jail were substantial structures, in keeping
in their architecture with the other surroundings.

A few miles be\-ond were the Sulphur Springs, a well-known
watering-place, much resorted to for hoaI:h and pleasure in die

— I07 —

ante-bellum days. Its capacious hotel and adjoining buildings
and colleges had in some previous occupation of this region
fallen victims to the flames.

Three of the officers, Captains Donaldson and Crocker and
Lieutenant Thomas, remembering the town as the home of the
parents of Lieutenant J. Rudhall White, so recently killed at
Shepherdstown, paid them a visit of condolence. They in-
quired feelingly of the incidents surrounding their son's demise,
and, though in full sympathy with the enemy, they had still a
deep and abiding parental affection for their unfortunate off-
spring, whose patriotism, none of which he had learned at
home, he had proven to the death in his first engagement.
The visitors were hospitably entertained to the fullest extent
from a much-depleted larder. It was typical of all others in
tliis section.

On the 7th a War Department order, not published until the
loth, relieved IMajor-General McClellan from duty in command
of the Army of the Potomac, and assigned to that duty Major-
General Ambrose E. Burnside. The publication of this an-
nouncement had a startling effect. With armies activeK' in the
field, sentiment is unknown, the emotional unheard of, and the
opinions of others barel}' considered or carelessly dismissed.
But for McCIellan, with the Peninsular army — and the contin-
gent of 1S62 had caught it — there had grown such an enthu-
siasm and affection that a total severance of his authority
savored of disruption. No other commander, principal or sub-
ordinate, ever so captured his soldiers, ever so entranced his
followers. Sweeping denunciation, violent invective, were
heaped without stint upon the Government. Subdued threats
of vengeance, mutterings of insurrection slumbered in their in-
cipiency ; but, restrained by good sense, patriotism and disci-
pline, they never reached consummation in overt act. The
mails teemed with correspondence to friends and relatives at
home * denouncing the action of the War Department, raging

*"A sadder gathcrinij of men couKl not well have been assembled than that of
the army drawn up 10 bid farewell u ils bcluved coiumauder. Our corl>^ w .is re-

■ , — io8 —

at the authorities, and predicting the direst results. Shouts,
cheers and yells greeted McClellan as he rode along the lines
and bade farewell to the army. Men could not be held to their
places, and, breaking from their ranks, gathered about as if in
the agony of parting from their best and dearest friend. But
insubordinate sentiment soon yielded to reason, and the Army
of the Potomac, returning to consistency, was never afterwards
fluttered by the removals of, or disturbed by changes in, its
commanders.

The removal of Fitz-John Porter followed McClellan's on
the 1 2th. He paraded his corps for his farewell review, and
for the last time appeared in authority in any military capacity.

viewed in the morning, and as General McClellan passed along its front, whole
regiments broke and flocked around him, and with tears and entreaties besought
him not to leave them, but to say the word and they would soon settle matters in
Washington. Indeed, it was thought at one time there would be a mutiny, but by
a word he calmed the tumult and ordered the men hack to their colors and their
duty. As he passed our regiment he was thronged by men of other commands,
making a tumultuous scene beyond description. He was obliged to halt in front
of us as Meagher's Irish brigade were pressing on him to that extent that further
progress was impossible. They cast their colors in the dust for him to ride over,
but, of course, that he would not do, but made them take them up again. Gen-
eral , who was riding near McClellan, was forced by the crowd towards

our line and I heard him say to a mounted officer close by th.it he wished to God
McClellan would put himself at the head of the army and throw the infernal
scoundrels at Washington into the Potomac. This is history, and I give it here
to show the wild excitement perv.iding all branches of the service, from the rank
and file to the general officers. At iz M. McClellan met the officers of Fitz-John
Porter's corps at the latter's head-quarters and bade them good-bye, and as he
grasped each otTicer by the hand there was not a dry eye in the assemi)!age. Be-
fore parting he made a short address, in which he said his removal w.ts as much
a surprise to him as it was to the armv. But he supposed it was intended for the
best, and as a soldier he had but to obey. He therefore urged ujion us all to re-
turn to our respective commands and do our duty ti:> our new commander as loyally
and as faithfully as we had served him. By so doing we would pay him the
greatest honor, and, as he had only the welfare of his countr)- at heart, he would
follow with his prayers and good wishes the future career of the grandest army
this continent ever saw.

'• What do you think of such a man ? He had it in his power to be dictator —
anything he chose to name — if he would but say the word, but he preferred re-
tireme.'-it rather \\.::n ambition. Ife w.^s not a Cxsar."

— I09 —

General Daniel Buttcrfield succeeded to the command of the
corps, and the place of General Morrell, who had dropped
away from the division, was filled by Brigadier-General Charles
Griffin. Colonel Barnes still continued in command of the
brigade.

The army had been organized into the right, left and centre
grand divisions ; to the latter, commanded by Major-General
Joseph E. Hooker, the 5th Corps was attached.

On the 15th General Hooker reviewed his entire Grand Di-
vision, and at the conclusion of the ceremonies, at his head-
quarters, where he received the officers of the brigade, took
occasion, with some spirit, to remark that with two such army
corps he felt that he could march anywhere in the enemy's
territory and compel the entire Confederacy to do his bidding.

About this time Colonel Marshall, of the 13th New York,
from his fierce red whiskers, secured the sobriquet of " Red
Warrior." An officer of the regular army, a graduate of the
Academy, he was unbending in his exactions and uncompromis-
ing with mistakes. He had taken opportunity to throw out a
cynical slur, rather at than to the regiment, as he passed it on
one occasion, halted, while his own was moving in column.
The slur, pronounced loud enough to be heard by ever}.' one,
was prompted by the unsteadiness of his leading company/,
which nettled him so that he contrasted them to the ragged
Pennsylvania militia. This was a compliment when compared
with the peculiar phrases which he generously bestowed upon
those in his own command. The alias clung to him as long as
he remained with the brigade. His regiment was a two-years
organization and withdrew at the expiration of its term, about
the time of the battle of Chancellorsville.

Shortly after six o'clock on the morning of the 17th, in a
drizzling' rain, the camp in the vicinity of Warrenton was
broken ; moving through the town, the march continued some
twelve miles to Elk Run. It was a distressing spot, scarce
worthy of a designation, upon a narrow, dirty, muddy stream,
where several creat roads met. Tlie concentration o( a few

— no —

houses 'and barns, and its location upon important public high-
ways, probably established an identity that made it worthy of a
name.

If individual volition had controlled the movement, each
man would have left this wretched spot at a very early hour the
next mornintj. It was otherwise directed. The other divisions
had the advance and high noon came before the brigade was
on its way. The drizzles were drenching rains, and the mud,
deep and loamy, held each footstep with a firm, tenacious grip.
The soil was Virginia's, but heavy as it then was, the indica-
tions were but faint as to what the near future should develop
as real Virginia mud. Soaked and weary, the column found a
bivouac about six o'clock in some unknown, muddy, watery
waste, and on the 19th, after a short afternoon march, halted
for several days at Hartwood Church. In an open, settled
country, the region was in agreeable contrast with that just
passed through. The church, during the occupancy of this
vicinity, became a noted point of stoppage for troops operating
in the localit>^ The dreary* wilds for so many miles around it
made it an especially attractive halting-place when circum-
stances permitted. The interior was without pulpit or seats,
and on the wall, back of the chancel, was a half-finished war-
like sketch in charcoal. The story went that the artist, a Yan-
kee officer, surrounded by a few of his men admiring his skill,
was interrupted by the enemy's cavalry', and he and his au-
dience permitted to continue their operations on the walls of
Libby.

On the 23d the march was again resumed to the vicinity of
Belle Plain, a landing on the Potomac near the mouth of Po-
tomac creek. The gathering of supply and ammunition trains,
the current accepted belief that the enemy was in strength about
Fredericksburg, on the other side of the Rappahannock, indi-
cated a purpose to strike him.

Stuart's cavalry had developed considerable activity about
the rear and flanks of the army, and the brigade was sent on
several wearisome, fruitless tram|>s in the direction ot Hartwood

y , m

Church to overhaul him. The camps flitted about for some
weeks within a few miles of each other between Stoneman's
Switch, Potomac creek and Belle Plain. There were many-
misgivings of disaster if a battle should be fought, and a con-
viction grew that the winter would pass in quiet. The opening
-guns of Fredericksburg proved the convictions erroneous, and
the result sent the stricken soldiery back to their cantonments,
their misgivings fully confirmed.

SERGEANT-MAJOR W.M. R. COURTNEY.

CHArTER V.

FREDERICKSBURG.

THERE had been frequent preliminary orders to be in
readiness to move immediately, to move at a moment's
notice, to mo\e at once, to move without delay. It was the
usual phraseolog-y then so familiar and aroused but little com-
ment, as a soldier was about as ready to move at one time as
another. The>- were accompanied b\' directions to carry five
days' cooked rations, and the orders, following each other so
closely, kept that supply continually on hand.

The thunder of heavy cannonading about four o'clock on
the morning of the nth of December, followed promptly by
the " general," dissipated the flippant treatment with which the
preliminary directions had been received, and, amid some
bustle and confusion, the regiment was v.-ithout delay in line,
awaiting the order to march.

The sun, great and round, rose ominously red. Camp-fixt-
ures were to remain standing and the troops to be equipped in
light-marching order only. The soldiers had not yet conceived
that much was intended beyond a reconnoissance in heavy force.
This', though, was one of those hopeful conceptions to drive off
the notion that there would be a light.

The company coo'ks were metamorphosed ; that is, these
professional gentlemen had been promoted to the ranks, ex-
changed their ladles for n:uskets and cartridge-boxes, and were
given an opportunity to pcjiper the enemies of their country
instead of the bean soup. One of chem, whose rotund form and
unctuous fice made his usual occupation unmistakable, hearing
the boom of the heavy guns, asked what the noise was.

He was answered: " The rebel artillery."

(U2i

113

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— 114 —

"You fellers needn't tb.ink you can fool me. I've heard
that noise too olten i;; I hiiadelphia ; they're unloading boards
somewhere."

Afterward, when the r/ian of pots and pans heard the screech
of the shells and saw tlv.m fallinfr in the river near the eng-i-
neers who were laying- Ll;e pontoons, he went lumbering to the
rear as though he had forgotten something, and his oleaginous
form faded in the distance.

At seven o'clock the column was in motion, not in the
familiar direction towards Hartwood Church, but by the
shortest and most practicable route to Falmouth and the Rap-
pahannock. Evidences were everywhere abroad of preparation
for desperate and bloody work. Ambulance trains were parked
in every direction ; every safe and readily accessible location
was occupied by hospital tents. Stretchers in unHmited sup-
ply were being h.urried to the front for immediate use. Fresh,
clean straw, neatly buivdlcd, had been distributed where the
wounded were to be brought for treatment. The thunder of
the guns continued in uninterrupted roar.

The march was soon accomplished. The whole of the Cen-
tre Grand Division was massed on " Stafford Heights," the
prominent bhuls on the left bank of the river, commanding a
full view of the city of Fredericksburg, the stream and the low-
lands and hills upon the otlier side. Line upon line, shoulder
to shoulder, this closely-packed body of men awaited, in quiet
resoluteness, the order thai should .send them forward to meas-
ure strength and courage with their adversaries. It was a
martial sight.

The stream, inconsiderable in width, is navigable for steam-
boats. The water-front of the city extended about a mile.
with streets at right-angles, lined with substantial brick and
stone buildings reaching back from the water about half that
distance. The city lay on a plain away below the heights which
overlooked it. At the distaace of half a mile arose a formidable
hill, of easy, gentle slope, then modestly known by it? owner's
name as Marye's Heiglits. It was to become famous as the

_ 115 _.

scene of most desperate and valorous assaults. Marye's Heights
were lined with earthworks, planned and constructed by skilled
engineers, defended by soldiers tried in battle, mounted with
guns handled by the best artillerists. They appeared almost
impregnable. The enemy's cannon answered in active response
to the Union guns. All this was in full view, and as the column
passed over the bluffs and down to the bridges, all those
"thinking bayonets " could not but conclude that a direct as-
sault would be hopeless.

Whilst the infantry massed about the heights suffered but
little annoyance from the enemy's artiller}% the engineers and
pontooniers were at a difficult and perilous task. Every house
on the river-bank had its riflemen, and small earthworks had
been constructed for others whom the houses could not shelter.
Each attempt to lay the boats was met with terrific and fatal
volleys; the loss was appalling. In sheer desperation, the
afternoon well spent, the engineers, resting from their labor,
had sought such shelter as could be found at the foot of the
bluffs and on the edge of the river. The pontoon boats, dis-
mounted from their wagons, lay useless on the shore. Sud-
denly bodies of men, pelted as relentlessly as were the engineers,
rushed to the shore. With commendable precision, regardle^^s
of their terrible loss, they took the places allotted them in
the boats and pushed them into the stream. They were rapidly
pulled across, the galling fire continuing until a landing effected
upon the other side in a measure silenced it. This brilliant
achievement of the 7th Michigan and 19th ^Massachusetts, in
the presence of the large audience on the bluffs, crowned these
regiments with enduring fame.* The laying of the bridges

♦There was, prob.ibly, no such fighting done during the war in the streets of a
city as the 19th M.x-^sachusetts did in Fredericksburg on the night of December
II, 1S62. Palfry's ".\ntietam and Fredericksburg" contains a most graphic de-
scription of it by Capt.^in Hall. The following letter, sent to one of (he pajiers
by the lieutenant-colonel of the 19th Massachusetts, shows the part that regiment
tiiok in the assault :

"A member of the old lighting loth handed me a copy of the August Cfntury
Containing General Coach's article on " Sumner's Riglit Cirand division, " and, piac-

— Ii6 —

mm^.

— 117 —

soon followed, but it was late in the afternoon before they were
fitted for a passage.

It did not fall to the lot of our division to cross that night,
and about five o'clock it retired a mile or so for a bivouac near

ing his finger on that portion of it where the crossing of the river in boats is spoken
of, said, in tones of bitterness : 'A twinge here,' pointing to what was left of a once
good leg, 'reminds me that the old 19th was around at that time, and I swear it
does seem too bad that we should not at least receive a little credit from our com-
mander at that lime.' It may have been an oversight or forgetfulness on the part
of General Couch, but the incidents of that crossing, so far as the 19th was con-
cerned, will bear repetition, if for no other purpose than to make history correct.

" During thebombardment of the morning of the I ith, volunteers were called
for to lead what seemed to be a forlorn hope — to cross the river in open boats un-
der fire from an opposing litre of infantry under cover on the opposite bank of the
river. Two companies of the 7th Michigan were the first to feiry themselves
across, followed immediately by the 19th Msssachusetts. The Michigan com-
panies charged up the river bank, captured some twenty or thirty rebels, and re-
turned. The 19th charged up the bank by companies, and went on till they
reached the main street of the town, called Caroline street, and there formed in
line of battle. Soon after an aide from General Burnside ordered Captain H. G.
O. Weymouth, commanding the regiment, to fall back with his regiment to the
river-bank, leaving one company to hold in check any rebel advance of skirmishers
or sharpshooters. Company D, Captain Moncena Dunn, was left in Caroline
street, and the remainder of the regiment fell back. The aide, when leaving, told
Captain Dunn what was expected of him, and said : ' If it gets too hot for you, fall
back to your regiment.' It was here, while Company D was engaged in resisting
the rebel advance, that the lamented Chaplain Fuller was killed ; and a reference
to his ' Memoirs' will explain fuliy the position at that time.

" The 19th Massachusetts was, with the exception of the sortie of two companies
of the 7th Michigan, the only force that had up to that time advanced beyond the
crest of the river-bank. While Company D was in Caroline street in action. Com-
panies E and K of the 19th advanced a second time. Company E, Captain Ma-
huny, filed out to the left of Company D ; Lieutenant Hodgkins, with Company
K, crossed the street to an open lot surrounded by a tight hoard fence and dis-
covered the rebel line of battle advancing and reported the same to Captain Dunn.
The three companies then fell back to the regiment. The 20th Massachusetts
.soon after coming up on the left of the 19th, the two regiments advanced, the 19th
ill line of battle, the 2cth in column of companies. The rebel line was met on
Caroline street, and the 20lh Massachusetts, being in close mass, suffered a fearful
loss of life. Had that regiment been deployed as was the 19th, the loss would
have been much less. There is no desire to detract one iota of the mea.sure of
praise t.i any who were p.^rticipaiits in that g diant action, \'M only to >;ive a C'^r-
rec: veriijn." — Af.ur^n.i Dunn, Listti^nunt-Cclor.tl \c)th ^[LUsa^!r.ls^tti.

— II8 —

a spot designated as "White House;" but whence it derived
its name is inconceivable, as no settlement was thereabouts and
nothing observable but a solitary whitewashed shant\'.

Mr. Henry K. Jewell, a well-known citizen of Philadelphia

and an acquaintance of many of the officers of the regiment,

"opportunely appeared during the afternoon. He was con-

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19TH MASSACHUSETTS FIGHTING IN" THE STREETS OF FRKDERICKSBURG.

nected in some civic capacity with the Commissary Depart-
ment. The soldier rarely knows much that is reliable, except
what is occurring immediate!}' around him. He gathers his
information afterwards when the newspapers reach the front.
Mr. Jewell said the cause of the delay in attacking Fredericks-
burg was the non-arrival of the pontoons, and also told of

— 119 —

General Sumner's demand, through General Patrick, on Gen-
eral Lee, to surrender the city, and its refusal. The story of
both circumstances subsequently appeared fully in the news-
papers, and is now historically recorded. The delay in for-
warding the pontoons has been the frequent subject of severe
comment and harsh criticism, and it has fallen mostly upon
General Halleck, on whom it was alleged the responsibility
rested.

Jewell was a thoughtful fellow. Heliad loaded himself with
canteens, all he could carry, filled to the brim with an excellent
quality of ardent spirits. He freely and cheerfully distributed
this among his friends who had the conveniences at hand to
carry it. It was carefully husbanded, and proved a priceless
j'tzuel in the next day's engagement, when it was judiciously
dispensed to many a wounded sufferer.

At eight o' clock on the morning of the 1 2th the regiment
returned to the same spot it had held on the day before. All
day long the big guns on the bluffs and the field-batteries tore
away persistently at the enemy's works on Marine's Heights.
The roar was continuous, but apparently little damage followed
tlie cannonading ; certainly none to the entrenchments, though
it probably caused some loss among the soldiery. Smoke \a
great volumes hung over ever\'thing, lifting occasionally, when
there was a lull in the firing, to permit a cursor}^ observa-
tion.

All day long Sumner's Right Grand Division was pouring
over the pontoons amid a storm of the enemy's shells. The
enemy seemed to have a pretty fair knowledge of where the
bridges were, and were tolerably successful in securing the
range. So close, indeed, did the shells from the Confederate
batteries fall to the pontoons that the crossing soldiers were
frequently splashed with the water that flew up from the
places where they struck the river. It was cooling, but not
refreshing.

From the Phillips House, a most pretentious mansion, which
was General Hurnside's head-quarters, staff-ofriceiS, at irightlul

— I20 —

pace, were continually coming and going. Night settled
before things were in complete readiness, and the regiment
rested where it was, awaiting the breaking of the portentous
morn.

Saturday, the 13th, dawned in an almost impenetrable fog,
so dense that it, with the smoke of the battle, made objects
close at hand scarcely distinguishable. It was of such density
that there was a fear that in a close engagement friends might
be mistaken for foes. To avoid such a contingency the very
unusual precaution of a word of recognition was adopted,
and the watchword " Scott " was given to be. used in such an
emergency.

Between nine and ten o'clock the fog lifted a little, and un-
folded a scene thrilling in its inspiration and awful in its terror.
The streets of the city were literally packed with soldiers.
Glistening rifle-barrels, sombre blue, surged in undistinguish-
able columns, pressing for the open country to seek some re-
lief from the deadly plunge of cannon-shots dealing mercilessly
their miseries of wounds and death. But the same batteries on
Marye's Heights were again encountered, more frowning and
formidable than ever, and wicked in their renewed determina-
tion to punish the temerity that dared assault these formidable
entrenchments. With such gunnery, fog and smoke settled
again and the scene was lost to view from Stafford Heights,
the continuing noise alone indicating the progress of the
battle.

Amid all these stirring scenes four officers of the regi-
ment indulged in a game of euchre. Intent upon their amuse-
ment, they were lost to the terrors around them, and apparently-
heedless of the greater dangers they were soon to face when
it should be their turn to be active participants in the pend-
ing combat. As the game progressed and the interest in-
creased it was suddenly interrupted by orders that started the
command on its way to where the battle was the hottest. The
game was resumed from time to time at the frequent halts that
occur in the movements of lar^"e bodies of troops across narrow

121

bridgeways, and it was not completed until the near approach
to the action stiffened every nerve to its highest tension.

Then the custody of the deck became a subject for considera-
tion. Every one of the quartet tried to convince every other
one that the best possible thing for him to do was to carry it.
Unanimously, and finally, it was concluded that, as they were
fighting for the existence of a republic, it would not be seemly,
should they fall, to have it transpire that they had been taking
care of kings and queens. Royalty and knaver>' were, conse-
quently, allowed to float down towards the sea on the waters
of the Rappahannock.

In these peaceful days, and to those unacquainted with army
h'fe during an active campaign, this amusement in the face of
danger might seem stolid and reckless indifference. Not so.
It passed away the wretched time of waiting, every minute of
which would otherwise seem an hour, and quieted the nerves
which would be thrilling with excitement if the mind had
nothing to dwell upon but the possibilities of the pending battle.

About one o'clock the regiment was called to attention and,
with the division, began the movement to the bridges. It was
tedious, halting and hesitating. The bridges were crowded
and the streets jammed from the slow deployments under the
withering fire which met the fresh victims fed to the slaughter.
as the troops in advance reached the open country. It was but
a short distance to the bluffs and then the battle in all its fury
was spread out to view. Upon the slope of Marj-e's Heights
were long lines of blue formed with regularity, moving with
precision, disappearing as speedily as they were seen before the
furious cannonade and the deadly musketr}'. Thought was
rife and expression free with the selfish hope that some effective
ser\-ice might be done by those already in to save others from
the terrible ordeal, revealed in ghastly horror everj'-where,
into the ver}' jaws of which the regiment was about to plunge.
The futility of open assaults was manifest. The disasters
which had been plainly seen to follow each other so rapidly
were v.ofuily dispiriting. But ail such hopes were vain.

''-"^

^ 122 —

About two o clock tlie regiment entered the town. It had
been reported that $65,000 worth of tobacco, in boxes, had
been thrown overboard from the wharf near the pontoons.
Some of the men belonging to the regiments already in the
town were diving for and bringing up the tobacco, which they
sold to their comrades by the box or in job-lots to suit the
pocket. A cool transaction in December and under the enemy's
fire. Sergeant Conner, of G, invested $25 in these speculative
"job lots," and, placing them in his knapsack, essayed to earn,'
his purchase until a fitting opportunity was afforded to realize.
But his venture proved unsuccessful, as he abandoned his knap-
sack when the regiment assaulted the heights beyond the lines.

The view from the other side of the river gave but a faint
conception of what was within the town. On even.- hand were
ruin and pillage. The city had been rudely sacked ; house-
hold furniture lined the streets. Books and battered pictures,
bureaus, lounges, feather-beds, clocks and every conceivable
article of goods, chattels and apparel had been savagely torn
from the houses and lay about in wanton confusion in all direc-
tions. Fires were made for both warmth and cooking with
fragments of broken furniture. Pianos, their harmonious
strings displaced, were utilized as horse-troughs, and, amid all
the dangers, animals quietly ate from them. There was a mo-
mentary, irresistible desire to seek some shelter from the havoc
of the guns in the deserted houses. It was manfulh' conquered
and the men heroically held to their places.

The march was continued under all the dreadful shelling
along what was apparently the main thoroughfare, which ran at
a right angle to the river, to a street that crossed it parallel
with the stream, and on towards the farther edge of the city.
Turning into this street there was a halt for some time in line
of battle, closed v.-oU up to the sidcwall:. Upon the side of the
street nearest the enemy some protection was afforded from the
shower of death-dealing missiles that had poured down so re-
lentlessly from the moment of entering the town; but bricks,
window-shutters and shin j-les, struck b\- the sl^ells and solid shot.

^'S
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ADVANCE THROUGH THE STREETS OF FREDF.KICK5FURG.

flew arounii unccasinc;-!}-. Opposite the centre, in the rear,
was a house tiiat had been must rouehi\' handled. It was

— 124 —

evidently the residence of some person of culture and refine-
ment. Several solid shots had passed through the upper rooms
and a shell, bursting in the library, had made bricks, mortar
and books a heap of rubbish. A tastefully bound copy of
" Ivanhoe " which had escaped the wreck tempted the literary
tastes of an officer, and he picked it up, intending that it should
help to while away an hour of loneliness in some quieter time.
Light as was the load, he soon b..v.ame weary of it and his
book was abandoned.

The dashing charge over the level plain, the determined ad-
vance against breastworks lined with threatening bayonets, the
splendid resistance to columns of assault, are tests of courage
and endurance of frequent occurrence. It is seldom, however,
that the metal of men is tested in column in the crowded
streets, where there can be no resistance, into which, from un-
seen positions, the artillery strikes its rapid, telling blows, and
will not and can not be silenced. Courageous men, well fitted
to meet in a conflict, the purpose of which is seen, an adversary
behind his own entrenchments, at his own guns, may well quake
when submitting unresistingly to continuous punishment in mass,
where their manhood is lost and their power sacrificed in ap-
parently hopeless confusion. So, when the soldiers of the
Right and Centre Grand Divisions passed through such a bitter
experience of war in the streets of Fredericksburg, and then
valiantly assailed the formidable heights bej-ond, they proved
that the Union soldiery possessed a tenacity and courage equal
to any standard vaunted in Anglo-Saxon song or story.

There is scarcely any situation which, however serious, can-
not sustain the ludicrous. Never do colored servants, e.\cept
in rare individual instances, follow when soldiers are exposed
to such dangers as the regiment had passed through, and which
still surrounded it where it had last halted, near the outskirts.
A romping, rollicking little darkey, who had been christened
Scipio Africanus, because his qualities were the ver}' opposite
of those of that distinguished Roman general, was standing upon
a door which had fallen from its hinges and lay upon the pave-

— 125 —

mciit, and \vas grinning and chippering, expcing his pearl-white
teeth till they resembled, embedded in his ebony jaws, chalk
-^'non a blackboard. He was in full view of the entire com-
mand, who were hugely enjoying his guffaws, wondering
whether suca unusual hilarity, in such a trying situation, was
not assumed. Suddenly a solid shot whizzed wickedly over
head, struck the front of a brick house upon the opposite side
of the street, glanced, flew up into the air and, returning, struck
violently the other end of the door upon which the boy was
standing. Up, away up, bounded the darkey, unhurt, but
scared apparently beyond the recollection that aught was left
of him.

It was a ridiculous sight. Shouts and laughter from the
whole line greeted him as he landed some ten or fifteen feet
from where he started. He waited for no comments, but, with
his face changed almost to a deadly pallor, evidently with no
conception that he was yet moving of Iris own volition, disap-
peared somewhere to safer quarters, not even catching the
quaint remark which followed him as he flew away : " What's
de matter wid you, honey ? You's been foolin' wid a torpedo,
ha ? "

The same shot upset a wooden step and platform in front of
a house and exposed three small boxes of tobacco that had
been hidden underneath. There was an instant rush by tlie
men to secure the plunder.

During the halt Colonel Gwyn exercised the regiment for
some time in the manual of arms, at the conclusion of which it
was ordered to load.

The crucial moment was fast approaching. The brigade
moved off, passing its brigade commander, w!io was intently
observing the temper and bearing of liis soldiers, back into the
main highway from which it had been withdrawn for a little
rest and less exposure. The head the column must have been
seen ; the rapidity of the firing increased : the roar was deafen-
ing; shot and shell screeched in maddening sounds ; they fell
thicker and f^bter, dropping with wonderful accuracy right into

'^ — 126 —

the midst of the column. Every gun seemed trained upon this
ver>' street ; and so they were, for it was afterwards learned that
batteries, specially planted for the purpose, raked every high-
way leading from the river. Soldiers, some malingerers, some
skulker- , others demoralized, stood behind houses at the corners
watching the column. Some had been in and had withdrawn
discomfited and dejected ; others were of the class who gen-
erally manage to elude danger. Sullen and silent, their con-
duct was no incentive and their presence no encouragement to
those not of the sterner sort, who had not yet felt the hot blast
of the musketry. Two brass guns in action at the end of the
street were pounding away vigorously and effectively at the
enemy, the gunners holding heroically to their places in spite
of the severe punishment tliey were receiving.

The Confederate shells performed some curious and fanciful
g)-rations. One in particular fell obliquely, striking in the
centre of the hard, solid roadway, then ricocheted, struck a
house, flew up the wall, tore off a window-shutter, then crossed
over to the other side, striking the house opposite, down again
into the street, passed back to the other side over the heads
of Company H, and finally fell upon the steps of the house it
had first struck and lay there without exploding. This was
fortunately the case with much of their ammunition, which ap-
peared to be remarkably faulty.

It is not to be supposed that the column moved upon the
highway with the steadiness of a parade occasion. There was
hesitancy and some unsteadiness, but no dropping out, no
skulking, no concealment.

Avoiding the middle of the street, where it was soon ob-
served the fire was the most direct, and closing to the pave-
ment, the men held their places with reasonable accuracy and
moved under the trying circumstances with commendable pre-
cision.

As the regiment debouched from the town, upon the edge of the
closely-built thoroughfare, was a sign, in large black letters:
" Van Hau'jen's Varietv Store," It had scarceK' come into view

— 127 —

when a shell burst and tore it to fragnnents. The pieces of the
shell and sign fell into the ranks of Company K. Their loss
was not so serious as that of the ist Michigan, in the rear,
where, at about the same time, another shell burst, killing or
maiming some sixteen of its soldiers, whose startled shrieks
could be heard above the din and roar of the battle. The
column now plunged into and waded through the mill-race.
This was done as quickly as possible, for the Confederates had
trained a batter}.' on this spot. In the mill-race were noticed very
many solid shot and unexploded shells, which had evidently
rolled back into the water after striking the side of the embank-
ment. Private John Mensing was carr}-ing his piece at *' arms
port : " a shell struck and shivered it to fragments, but beyond

S$^l'/ '/j^

STONE W.\LL .\T FREDERICKSBL'RG

a severe cut on his right hand he was not injured. Another
tore off the right arm of Private John Fisher just below the
elbow and knocked down four sergeants in one company.
They were more or less bruised and hurt, but none of them
seriously.

The right of the brigade had now reached an open level space
on the left of the road, some four hundred yards in width, as
well as observation could estimate it. At its farther edge the
ground rose abruptly, as if the earth had been cut away. This
perpendicular rise or cut was the extreme base o{ the slope
that approached and terminated in the gun-capped Marj'e's
Heights. The artiller}' played with unintermitting vigor.

— 128 —

The usual rotations brought the regiment on the right of the
brigade, on the 13th. It had about covered its front from
where the right first struck the open plain, where by the " for-
ward into Hne " the left was extended into the plain. It was in-
tended that the right should rest on the road. There was some
confusion attending the formation, but a line was ultimately
established pressed close up to the edge of the abrupt rise, over
which and beyond to the top of the hill ever\'thing was in full
view. Beyond the summit was another elevation, and just be-
low it a stone fence, lined with rebel infantry, whence the
musketry rolled unceasingly.

A board fence, with some of the boards displaced, others
torn from the top, stood between the abrupt rise and the stone
fence, nearer to the latter. It had evidently greatly retarded
the previous advances and what was left of it was yet in the
road to impede others.

Humphrey's division had just charged up the hill, and, al-
though they had failed to carry the heights, hundreds of men
lay prone upon the ground in fair alignement, apparently too
spirited to withdraw entirely from their futile effort. It seems
scarcely credible, but a closer inspection showed all these men,
apparently hundreds in number, to be killed or too seriously
wounded to move.

The regiment still hugged the ground closely where it had
first established its line. Instincti\-ely, in taking up a movement
indicated by an ad\-ance by another portion of the line, for the
terrible roar drowned the voice of command, it began its des-
perate work of assault. Under the appalling musketry and
amid great disorder, the advance was maintained with reasonable
regularity to a brick-yard,* with its kiln standing, through which
tore shot and shell, and from which bricks flew in ever\' direc-
tion. The little shelter afforded by the kiln had enticed the
wounded within its reach to crawl to it for cover, and their
mangled, bleeding forms lay strewn ever}-where, closely packed

♦John p. Kui-/.c'i.

i-\'>-(/.<!5''.,'W

MAP OF FRKDKRICKSHURG, SHOWING POSITION OF THE IISTH.

— 129 —

together. Sweeping by this, right into the very mouth of the
cannon, upward and onward the advance continued to the board
fence. The fence was about five feet high, of three boards, with
intervals between them. Opposite the centre and right, the
boards had been torn off down to the one nearest the ground.
The fatality that had followed the delay in their removal was
marked by the bodies of the dead lying there, one upon
another. To the left, the boards still remained ; the men hero-
ically seized and tore them all away, some climbing over.
Thinned out, exhausted, with energies taxed to their limit, in
the face of such fearful odds, instinctively the line halted.

Major Herring here received a ball in his right arm. He
was sitting on his horse at the time. As the ball struck him,
some one said, " This is awful ! " " This is what we came here
for," quietly replied the major, as he dismounted. Subse-
quently, another ball passed through his left arm, and buck-
shot through his coat. At nightfall, his wounds needing sur-
gical attention, he was forced to go to the hospital for treatment.
He made several efforts to reach the front again, but his
strength failed him. It was feared amputation would be nec-
essary', but he insisted upon conservative surgery, and it saved
him his arm. The absence of his strong directing mind at
such a critical time was a serious misfortune.

From the place of the halt to the stone fence, behind which
belched the deadly musketn.', was between two and three hun-
dred feet. . At that distance, halted with little or no cojrer, such
punishment was unbearable.

There was still about two hours of daylight. Some two hun-
dred yards to the left, but no greater distance from the stone
fence, there was decidedly better cover, and to this undulation,
broad enough to include the entire regimental front, the com-
mand was moved within a few moments from the time it had
halted. Colonel Barnes, commanding the brigade, rode the full
length of the line before it started, calling to the men to fall in.
Although in full view of the Confederates, and the target for
their shots, he escaped injury.

0

— I30 —

It seems remarkable that men could live at all that close to
the enemy's lines, but there the regiment remained all that
night, all of Sunday's daylight and well into the night, suffering
but kw casualties, and those happening principally when neces-
sity forced exposure, or temerity prompted rashness. But
safety was only found in hugging the ground as tight as a
human body could be made to hold on to the earth. Dark-
ness was a relief from the stiff and uncomfortable postures,
but during those ten or twenty hours of that winter's daylight,
there was no safety except with bodies prone and flattened to
their fullest length. A raise of the head, or a single turn not
unfrequently proved fatal.

Just as the day was closing a regiment advanced immedi-
ately to the rear of where the command lay. It had been or-
dered to charge the works, and had got thus far on its mission,
but had no one to conduct it farther. All its officers had disap-
peared ; its men, hopeless as was their task were even yet anxious
to fulfil it. Colonel Gwyn, informed of its situation, and under-
standing its anxiety to still go forward, valiantly stepped to its
front and centre, and gallantly tendered his services to lead it
on. Colonel Barnes, comprehending the fruitless purpose of
the undertaking, forbade it, and ordered the regiment to retire
to some convenient shelter and await the further directions of
its brigade commander. This it was not disposed to do, but
mingled with the others on the front line, and remained with
them until they were withdrawn.

The combat ceased with the night. Its lengthening shadows
were gratefully hailed as a relief from the terrors of a day of
suffering and death.

In getting to the front, one of Company H's men had been
severely wounded, but had managed to crawl up to his com-
pany. After nightfall some of his comrades got a stretcher
and carried him into the town. Leaving him at one of
the improvised hospitals, the men started in search of quar-
ters, intending, for one night at least, to sleep with a roof over
their heads. A corner store, with a dwelling above, seemed a

— 131 —

suitable place. But doors and windows were fastened. An
-. entrance, by the aid of a couple of bayonets, was soon effected.
A newspaper was produced and lighted, dropping pieces of half-
burned paper as the party passed through the store into the
back room, searching for a candle. One was found in a candle-
stick, lighted, and a reconnoissance in force was made, to dis-
cover what the enemy had left. Returning to the store, the
party found, right in the track of the burned paper, an unex-
ploded shell. The precious thing was picked up very care-
fully, and put tender!}- awa\' in a closet. An iron teakettle was
found in the house, a well in the yard, and clapboards on the
building. These helping, a steaming pot of colTee was made
and drunk. Then, alternately mounting guard, the party in-
dulged in a luxurious sleep, with bare boards for feathers, and
starting betimes, reached the front again before daylight.

Sunday morning broke bright and clear. Just as the day
dawned the men at the front, who had been sleeping as best
they could, rose and walked up and down briskly to warm their
chilled blood. The whole line seemed to be in motion. Sud-
denly, without the least warning, the Confederates poured in
upon them a hea\y volley. Every man promptly dropped to
the ground. In one place they were crowded together too
closely for comfort. Beyond, a man who, with the cape of his
overcoat over his head, was apparently asleep, there was room
for two or three.

" Wake him up, and tell him to move along," some one cried.
The soldier next to him gave him a shake, and said:

" I can't, he's too fast asleep."

" You must."

The soldier pulled the overcoat cape back, intending to give
him a vigorous shake. As he uncovered the head, the color-
less side-face, and a triangular hole in the neck told the tale.
He was sleeping his last sleep. He must have been struck by
a shell the day before, and fallen just where he lay, and some
comrade's hand had thrown the cape over his head to hide the
ghastly wound.

— 132 —

If there was remembrance of the Christian Sabbath, there
was no recognition of its religious observances. There was no
peah"ng organ, chiming bell, nor tuneful orison. The city was
a charnel-house, its churches and its dwellings hospitals, and
its streets rumbling with vehicles and crowded with stretcher-
bearers carrying the wounded sufferers. Save where the words
of prayer ministered to the ebbing life of the dying soldier,
there was naught to indicate that the day was the Lord's, set
apart by Him for His people's rest and the observance of His
holy ordinances.

The cannonading ceased. The cannon, that for three days
had thundered so incessantly, had opportunity to cool, and the
gunners rested from their unceasing toil. The quiet — there
was no noise save from the occasional discharge of a musket —
was in striking contrast to the continuous roar that had pre-
ceded it.

Fortunately the rigors of winter weather had not yet arrived.
Save from the constrained position of their bodies, and the
want of water, the men of the regiments in the front line suf-
fered no discomfort and but little loss. There was still sufficient
in the haversacks for nourishment, but all looked longingly for
the night to come. There was scarcely any firing from the
Union side, save where .some one more daring than his fellows
would rise in hij place, discharge his piece, and quickly seek
cover again. They frequently suffered for their exposure.

Sergeant Geo. \V. Stotsenberg, of Company K. turned the
cartridges out of his box into his cap, loaded, knelt upon one knee
waited, and. whenever a head appeared above the stone wall,
blazed away at it, and reloaded. He kept his position for more
than two hours, and though the bullets sang about his ears and
ploughed little furrows in the ground before him, he was not
even touched.

Captain Crocker could not long brook this forced restraint.
He had suffered greatly from his close confinement. Angered
beyond endurance at tlie foe who kept him thus confined, he
threw a taunting menace in their teeth. About noon, saying

— 133 —

naught to any one. he rose suddenly from his place, seized the
colors, advanced with them a few paces to the front, and
jammed the staff well into the ground, shaking his fist
angrily and firing a round of epithets in no polite or cultured
strain. His greetings were responded to in language equally
cultured, accompanied by a volley of balls. His temerity lost

< ^

CAPTAIN LEMUEL L. CROCKER,

him nothing except the empt\'ing of his canteen, which was
struck. Lieutenant Kelley, who was close beside him, observ-ed
the contents escaping to the ground, and before Crocker was
aware of what he was losing, rose to his knees, placed the hole
to his lips, and drained whatever remained to the dregs. Kelley
got a " ball," if Crocker did not.

— 134 —

Captain Eankson was not to be outdone by this daring feat
of Crocker's, and he followed with one of like temerity. He
left his place, proceeded to where the colors had been planted,
seized them, waved them several times defiantly at the enemy,
and then returned. A similar salute of musketry greeted him,
but he, too, escaped unharmed.

It has been observed that the human voice was sometimes so
drowned by the din of battle that the utterance of commands was
useless. Successful obedience only followed close observance
and apt attention. Any inattention or failure to comprehend what
was likely to be done frequently separated the best of soldiers
from their commands. A misunderstanding resulting from
this condition of thmgs happened in the regiment at its halt just
beyond the board fence. The attention of some was momenta-
rily distracted, more particularly by the casualties that there
befell some of the best men. In what appeared but an instant,
the regiment had moved by the left flank to a position three
hundred yards away, where it remained during the rest of the en-
gagement. Those who had not observed the movement were
left where they were. The first conclusion was that the regi-
ment had withdrawn entirely. Tlierewas considerable confusion,
and the soldiers of one command intermingled with others.
Nor was it possible to distinguish organizations, as the men
were flattened tight to the earth, with their faces downward.
They might recognize any one standing up, especially because
few were in such position, but for one who stood to recognize
those who were lying, was an impossibility. This impossibility
of recognition was a further difficulty in the way o{ removing
the conviction that there had been a formal withdrawal.

In the full assurance that their belief was well founded, those
who had been left retired for a better cover to the rear of the
brick-kiln. There, rumors from the town that the regiment had
been seen in the cit\' confirmed their belief, and the\' remained
awaiting a favorable opportunity to rejoin it. To attempt it just
then was an invitation for a volley, and a great personal risk,
which, as the regiment was believed not to be engaged, the oc-
casion did not seem to demand.

— 135 —

As the detachment lay behind the kiln, an officer was noticed
approaching them, obhvious to all the dangers around him,
shot at by volleys, aimed at singly, coolly stopping to examine
the faces of the dead he passed, moving with deliberation and
ease. He finally safely reached the cover of the kiln wall. It
was Lieutenant William Wilson, of Company A. He reported
that as the regiment left the city he had become separated from
it, and had ever since been employed in a hopeless search for it.
He was told of the misfortune which had happened to the
detachment, the conviction that the regiment had been with-
drawn, and the apparent confirmation by the stories that had
come from the town, and he was advised to remain where he
was. This did not, however, satisfy him. He said he had met
a number of the men, but had not yet seen the field-officers and
colors, and as he had pretty faithfully hunted the city, he was
determined to prosecute his search further at the front.

In a few moments he left and was again exposed to the same
startling dangers. Volleys upon volleys greeted him. but alone,
bold and erect, a most inviting target, bent upon his purpose,
he continued his errand and disappeared from view still unhurt.
It was an exhibition of splendid heroism. By mere accident
he reached the position which the regiment occupied, but was
unaware of it until he was recognized and hailed by his name.

That the others, liad they been convinced that the regiment
was still at the front, would all willingly have faced every
danger and rejoined it, was never doubted. Their mistake
was their misfortune, and no adverse criticism was ever made
upon the officers and men who composed the detachment by
their more fortunate comrades whose better fortune kept them
with the colors. Their disappointment, when they discovered
where their mistake had led them, bore upon them weightih%
and the reflection that they had not shared all the glories of a
Well-fought fight was only tempered by the consciousness that
a misunderstanding, and not their purpose, had prevented it.

As has been noticed, when the brick kiln was passed on the
advance, wounded, more than could be covered, were in indis-

— 136 —

criininate confusion about it, and since then the number had
sensibly increased. If there were any on hand to administer re-
lief the force was wholly inadequate to the occasion. Strangely,
large numbers of blocks of ribbon were scattered around.
How they came there was inconceivable, nor was there any dispo-
sition to inquire. Their usefulness was soon apparent. Gener-
ous hands quickly unwound the blocks, and tenderly, it may be
awkwardly, applied the ribbon to wounds gaping, exposed and
yet untreated, and bandaged hurts, possibly nearing fatality
from want of care. But whether life was saved or not, it was a
comfort and consolation for kindly hands to minister to those
pressing needs.

During the time the detachment was at the brick-kiln another
advance appeared, moving up the hillside. One regiment, with
its commandant gallantly riding in its front, maintained a most
excellent alignement. It preserved its shapely formation until
just in rear of the brick-yard, when the commanding officer
fell seriously wounded. Three of his soldiers bore him away
and his command then seemingly disappeared entirely. The
organization whose splendid line had attracted such universal
admiration was the 5th New Hamipshire ; the commandant
who had fallen so valiantl}^ at its front and centre was its col-
onel, Edward E. Cross, who, wounded at Fair Oaks, had re-
turned to add to the laurels he had won on the Peninsula.

With this advance appeared a battery of twelve-pound Na-
poleons. It had scarce unlimbered before every horse and
rider fell. The men left without firing a shot. The officers
reniaincd a moment gesticulating \'iolentl\-, apparently endeav-
oring to enforce the return of their men, and then they too dis-
appeared and the deserted guns alone remained. No guns could
.be ser\ed at such a point and no gunners could live in such ex-
posure. It seemed madness to have ordered a batter}' in action
there.

Among those who fell from the oftlccrs of the brigade was
Captain J. Benton Kennedy, of the 1st rNlichigan. A solid shot
terribly shattered his thigh, and, lingering a few dj.ys, he died

— 137 —

in a house In the cit\\ He was generous, courteous and
courageous. On intimate terms with the officers of the iiSth,
his loss was deeply regretted.

The detachment at the brick-kiln gradually drew off to the
city and collecting about the outskirts moved after dark to the
river-bank, where it bivouacked for the night. After da\-light
communication with the front was again wholly cut off and it
was impossible for them to rejoin their fellows; nor was it
necessary, as the fight had subsided to an indifferent sort of a
skirmish, with no prospect of an assault L^- the enemy. The
bivouac was consequently maintained until the command was
retired from the front line.

Shortly before ten o'clock on Sunday night the regiment
was relieved from its perilous and trying post at the extreme
front and withdrawn to the bivouac on the river-bank, where
the missing detachment was. Here it remained during ]\Ion-
day. A little after noon General Burnside and his staff rode
down to the bridge and passed over. There was always a
kindly feeling for Burnside, but now his presence stirred no en-
thusiasm ; his appearance aroused no demonstration. It may
have been a coincidence that, as he rode by, he drew his hat
further down over his face. Unuttered thoughts were rife that
somebody had seriously blundered. But sadly and silently the
men viewed their commander, with the deepest consideration
for the anxiety and solicitude which at that moment must have
almost overwhemed him.

At dusk the brigade started for the front again. It took a
position on the highway at the farther end of the city, as it was
subsequently learned, to cover, with other troops, the with-
drawal of the entire army to the other side of the river. Abso-
"lute quiet was cautioned and conversation forbidden. That
silence might be maintained strictly, the rattling of the tin-cups
was prevented by removing them from the belts. It was a
weird and woful night. The wind blew a gale, fortunately
directly from the enemy, and, with the extreme quiet prevail-
ing in our lines, voice and noise were distincth' audible in

- 138-

theirs. Window-sli utters banged and rattled, and shots rang
out frequently on the picket-line. An attack was momentarily
expected and ever\' one was ready to resist the anticipated
assault.

In the rear of the centre of the regiment was J. H. Roy's
drug store. Within all was impenetrable darkness, but there
came from it continually the sound of breaking glass. All the
dangers could not deter the pilfering soldier. Groping about
for. something desirable, a whole shelf of be ties would fall at
once, creating a tremendous rattle, penetrating in the extreme
quiet, scattering their contents in every direction. Repeated
orders were given to arrest these purloiners, but the seizure of
one would speedily be followed by the approach of another
in the darkness readily eluding the guard. His presence would
soon be known by another smashing of glassware. An officer,
annoyed beyond restraint, rushed in himself and seized a ma-
rauder with a bottle in his hand. Violently shaking himself
loose and escaping, the man left a bottle in the officer's hand
which, on bringing to the street, he discovered to be labelled
"Ayer's Cherry Pectoral." This he put in his pocket, but,
soon forgetting it, resumed his place on the cellar-door, where
he had been previously resting, and shivered the bottle to frag-
ments. The contents, of a sticky consistency, soaked his
clothing.

About four o'clock in the morning there was a sudden call
to attention and a rapid movement to the lower end of the town.
The officer who brought the order to retire indicated the wrong
direction. Pretty much everything had been withdrawn and
all movements required alacrity, but. reaching the river at the
point where the officer conveying the order directed, the bridge,
which liad been there was found to have been removed. The
brigade was the last to cross ; daylight was close at hand and
the mistake threatened disaster. The column was counter-
marched with amazing rapidity and headed for the centre
bridge. It, too, was in course of removal, but the engineers
hurriedly replaced tlie planks and, in the midst of a drenching

— 139 —

rain, which then began to fall, the column crossed to the other
side. Day was just breaking when the movement was com-
pleted.

Fredericksburg was fought and lost. The Army of the Po-
tomac, battered about and abused, had become indifferent to
results. A victory, where the enemy was pursued, routed or
brought to terms, it had never been theirs to achieve. After a
battle it therefore accepted a withdrawal or advance with equal
complacency, maintaining the consciousness that it had done
all men could do to accomplish a designated purpose. But
always before it had administered punishment commensurate
with what it had received. There was a conviction, at least
with the troops thrown against the works on Marye's Heights,
that such was not the result at Fredericksburg. It was too
apparent, even to the obtuse observ^er, that the heavy sufferers
on that fatal hillside were the soldiers who assaulted, and not
the soldiers who defended. It was too plain that for the multi-
tude of dead and wounded who covered its slope no corres-
ponding number of disabled soldiery lay behind the powerful
entrenchments.

There is no need of any comments, only such as suggest
themselves to any soldier. Burnside is dead. We all admired
his frank and manly character. His assumption of all blame
for the defeat is worthy of him. But it will not atone for the
slaughter of so many brave men.

After this battle there remained in the army little confidence
in his capacity for this command. He has since been reported
as saying : " No one will ever know how near I came to
achieving a great success," and to this we will add, "No one
ever ivill."

The loss of the Federal army was I, I So killed, 9,028
wounded, and 2,145 niissing, and on the part of the Confed-
erates it was 5,509 killed, wounded and missing.

CHAPTER VI.

WINTER-QUARTERS — RICHARDS FORD
RECONNOISSANCE MUD MARCH.

\^ ./«^,.^ N the cold, heavy winter rain the

- ■^ regiment returned to its old camp-
ing-ground. Roaring fires blazed
in the woods, the wind sang cheer-
lessly through the tall, sombre pines,
and the fatigues of disastrous Fred-
ericksburg were mellowed by the
stories of personal experiences that,
in the multitude of incidents, had
escaped general observation.

Invigorating, inspiring winter
weather followed the storm, the
cheery sound of axe and hammer
resounded through the timber, and
a well-planned military town of sub-
stantial, roomy log houses, with roofs of canvas, took the place
of the irregular village of narrow and contracted shelter-tents.
Quartered on the southerly slope of a hill-side in a tall,
clean-limbed "' pinery," e.xposure to storms and wintry winds is
tempered to a sort of drawing-room softness and fireside warmth.
The soldiers fortunate enough to be so located, had a decided
advantage over those on the bleak hill-tops or open plain.
Such was the good fortune of the command in the location of
their house and home for the winter of 1862 and spring of 1863.
The timber was free from underbrush, the sod was smooth, the
ground even, and over it the falling pine needles had woven a
soft, springy carpeting.

(140)

^*sr^^^**"

— 141 —

To the rear was the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
Railway, that bore the supplies from the Acquia creek landing
to the front near Falmouth. The frequent movement of the
trains was a daily reminder that, although hidden away in deso-
lated Virginia, it was an easy, speedy journey to civilizing so-
ciety and cultured homes. The majestic bridge across Potomac
creek, that flowed by the rear of the encampment, was in full
view. This was a marvellous piece of enterprising engineering.
A trestle lOO feet in height had been rebuilt in two or three
days, of pines placed one upon the other, firmly and securely
braced together. It stood the test and did the work without
break or accident from December, 1862, until June, 1S63.*

Evergreens and boughs were skilfully utilized for decoration.
They lined walks and avenues through the camp, and fenced
yard-like enclosures about the officers' quarters. Pines and
boughs bore the name and number of the regiment. Within
the enclosure, all things were attractively arranged for true
comfort and convenience.

* General Haupt s.iys : "I cannot give the date of the building of the first
bridge across this stream, but it was just before Jackson's raid in Shenandoah
valley and McDoweil's movement in pursuit of him to Front Royal. The bridge
was finished about 12, midnight. Early next morning President Lincoln, with his
Cabinet, passed over it to hold a conference with McDowell at Falmouth. On his
return, he remarked to members of Congress that he had seen the most remarkable
structure that human eyes ever rested upon. ' That man General Haupt has built
a bridge 100 feet high and 400 feet long across Potomac creek, upon which the
trains to supply the army are moving ever)' hour, and upon my word, gentlemen,
there is nothing in it bnt bean-poles and corn-s'alks.' I was present at the con-
ference at Falmouth, in at least the latter fKnnion of it. McDowell said to the
President that Shields' corps had just come in from the valley, but were without
shoes and clothing, which could not be issued before Saturday (about two days
ahead), and that the movement against the enemy could not be commenced before
Sunday, but knowing the objections of tlie President to initiating military move-
ments on Sunday, he would defer to his judgment and allow him to fix the time.

" The President sat in silence for a few minutes and then replied : ' Well, Gen-
eral, I'll tell you what to do; take a good ready, and start early Monday morning.'
It was so ordered, but Jackson's raid changed the programme, and on Monday we
were moving by fcjrccd n;arche< en Front Koval to intercept him. The Potomac
creek bridge wa-i destroyed and rebuilt several times."

— 142 —

Wood was abundant, and each hut unsparingly supplied its
huge open fire place, when the severity of the weather de-
manded it. At first the camp was surrounded by a far-reaching
forest. Day by day the line of trees receded, as they were
felLd to supply the enormous demand for building and for
fuel, until, before the spring weather set in, the chopped wood
had to be carried fully a mile. The quarters of the men were
all of the same general design and appearance, but their interior
comforts and ornamentation were excellent or indifterent, as the
occupants happened to be handy or careless. The wide, open
fireplace, with timber-chinked, clay-lined, and barrel-topped
chimney was universal ; its cheery light and roaring blaze, a
generous welcome from the cutting blasts and furious storms
that were frequent through the season. Occasionally one of
these chimneys, none of which had been built according to
specifications or examined by the inspector of buildings, would
take fire from a " defective flue," and become an object of interest
and pleasure to all but the occupants. Old story — total loss;
no insurance.

Amusements, if not varied, were plentiful and attractive. A
lonely female, by name if not in person, was in constant attend-
ance. Though continually addressed, she never seemed to
appear, but the response to the frequent calls for " ante " kept
the game going on. and the participants were doubtless better
satisfied than if a real auntie had responded to the summons.
But she was coy and coquettish, and when too frequently sum-
moned without a corresponding replenishment from a successful
" draw," would silence her unlucky nephews and return them
to their quarters broken and despondent, their season of recu-
peration to be the intervals between the visits of the paymaster.
The credit system, which was generally introduced, prevented
total abandonment of such amusement ventures, and a reason-
ably fair rating enabled the discomfited operator to borrow suf-
ficient to continue his speculations until his depleted exchequer
was rcplcted by the coming of the ever-welcome little black
safe of tlie pay department.

— 143 —

The " pack " and " deck " had use and purpose in many other
forms, where the absence of the " ante " did not require accom-
modation from the " uncle." In fact, cribbage, wliist and
euchre, games of more culture and less risk than "poker," had
decicodly the larger following.

But other resources were at command. Literature, in-
structive and entertaining, was readily attainable, and books,
song and stor\- varied the monoton\- of the manipulation of the
ever-present " pack." Courtesies to dine and sup were fre-
quently interchanged, and postprandial speech and humor did
their full share to speed along the rapidly disappearing winter.
Menu, service and table furniture, naive and original, equalled
the occasion, and the warm and hearty sympathies of host and
guests for each other and the cause, supplied the absence of
more cultured appointments.

All the time was not for pleasure. It was only the long
winter nights, and days too stormy for outdoor exercises, when
the pleas-are-seeker subordinated business to his amusements.
The winter's instruction was prolific of much good. No oppor-
tunity was lost for open-air exercises in drills by company, bat-
talion, or as skirmishers. The rudiments, which had been
hurried through in the urgency of active operations, were now
most thoroughly instilled. Minor details, which had escaped
attention in the forced preliminarv' training, were intelligently
taught and successfully remembered. The importance of a
strict observance of the delegated duties and responsibilities
belonging especially to non-commissioned ofticers was properly
explained, and when the season was over, each knew his duty
thoroughly and did it well.

Nothing better promotes discipline than the maintenance of
military etiquette. It secures the necessary distinction between
the officer and en!i^ted man, but while essential to secure
respect and sustain authority, it neither ele\-ates the one nor
degrades the other.

Surprising progress was made in this essential. The military
salute was unriinchingl)' exacted, courteous and prompt response

— 144 —

to interrogation always demanded, and commissioned officers
were rarely addressed by subordinates except when invited or
permitted. These and all other minutire of a like character,
after careful training, were readily accepted and understood as
essential rudiments in the successful maintenance of a military
establishment. A novel incident, the result of these teachings,
happened to an officer. He found it necessary to make a cum-
bersome purchase from the sutler. In the absence of some one
to carry his burden, he selected a time when ever\' one was
likely to be housed, and took an unusual route to his quarters,
so as to av-oid nieeting any of his men, who he was satisfied would
force him, with both his arms loaded, to return their salute.
One compan}- street seemed wholly deserted. Freighted as he
was, he boldl\- entered it. His movements had been carefully
watched, and the entire company suddenly emerging from their
quarters, arranged themselves standing at " attention," each man
extending the customar\' salute. There was no alternative; the
salute must be returned ; so deliberately depositing his burden,
the officer assumed the position of a soldier, acknowledged the
salutation, again resumed his load, and the men still retaining
the attention, he passed beyond their view and reached his
destination without further interruption. The spirit prompt-
ing this action was an intimation that, as men were at all
times required to be in suitable shape to exchange cour-
tesies, ofiicers themselves should be careful to observe like
conditions.

The process of weeding out incompetents, after trial liad
shown their inefficiency, usual with all organizations, was
severely pursued in this. Some who volunteer from purest pa-
triotism will, from pliysical cause, from distaste for the labors, or
from a total incapacity to accommodate themscUes to the usages
and habits of a soldier-life, become a burden to the service and
useless for the purposes of war. Others, drones and malingerers
from the beginning, are not wcTth the cost of their maintenance.
While others still, who with honest and faithful intent try to
overcome their fears, cannot command the courage of the battle-

^%.

/

A

^'"TJso.,

Hox. A. O. C^vrTi:Li.. (

— 145 —

front. The services of these, and all such as these, were dis-
pensed with, and the better element alone retained.

To march with precision, manoeuver with accuracy, to step i:i'
soldierly length and cadence, with body erect and shoulders
square, in the ranks or out of them, in gait and carricTi^e, alwav .^
to show the results of a soldier's tuition, are acquirements whicli
patience, study, time and attention must accomplish. But whctv
men have passed the years when aptitude for new teachings ii-
not so great as in earlier days, and previous instiuction Iiai
been limited to a few months amid the frequent interruptions of
storms and bad weather, the difficulty was much increased, and!
there still remained to be instilled a thorough comprehension'
of discipline and obedience.

These appeal more directly to the intelligence of men thar.-
the physical exercises of the drill and the manual. When i'm
encampment at Stoneman's Switch terminated, the Corn Ex-
change had acquired a degree of excellence in soldierly accom-
plishments that rated it for tactical knowledge, discipline,.
courage and endurance, as a standard organization of American
volunteers. To attain that eminence, in such a bod}-, was no
mean acquisition. The American volunteer, whose generou.-;,
impulsive patriotism strengthens as his service lengthens, whose
difficulties are overcome by his patience and obstacles su'-
mounted by his endurance, who has never yielded his ground
or lost his line except to soldiers of his own race, is tl.e
typical soldier of modern civilization. It was such a standard
the llSth Pennsylvania Volunteers had deservedl)- attained;
this high distinction it had justly earned.

The terrible wound received by Colonel Pre\ost com-^
pelled him to be absent until just before the battle of Chan-
cellorsville. During his absence, Lieutenant-Colonel Gv.yit
had continuous command. Colonel Gw\-n was intelli-
gent, of fair tactical acqm'rements, and ambitious to secure
for his regiment the reputation it earned. But he ^vas unhap-
pily liable to be influenced by violent and unjust t^rejudice-^.
While he was courteous and obliging to his iricnds, lie too oCen.
lo \

-^.

— 146 —

acted oppressively and with Avholly unwarranted severity toward:?
others whom he conceived to be unfriendly to him. Some
of the most manly spirits in the regiment were crusl ed by tlii-^
oppressive conduct. They submitted uncomplainingly to iii-
ju tice and oppression, rather than bring disgraceful criticisni
upon the command by an exposure of its internal disorders.

The 5th Corps covered the right flank of the army, during
the winter, and the average distance from the camps to the
picket-line was some ten miles.

The picket head-quarters was a grand old Virginia mansion,
with houses for the servants near. Its occupants boarded the
officers commanding the line, and the preparation of tlic family
dinner was something wonderful to Northern eyes.

In the first place there was the fireplace, broad and deep,
like Virginia hospitality. Then there were the Dutch ovens,
of all sizes, of the same pattern as those in which the dinners
of the Stuyvesants and Van Dams and Vander Bills and their
Dutch ancestors were cooked. As the stout and dignified
black cook began the preparation of the varied dishes intended
for the meal, a colored boy, whom she confidential!)' told her
auditors, in his absence at the wood-pile, " w^asn't wuff noffin'
since dem Yanks come," piled about twenty heavy sticks of
cordwood upon the massive andirons, threw son^c dry light-
wood on the coals beneath, and, by the aid of a pair of bellows
and a line or two oi a negro song, blew the fire into a brisk
blaze. While the logs cracked and snapped and roared the
cook and her assistant were busy cleansing, stuffing and tru.ss-
ing the chickens, getting the mutton, vegetables, corn-por.c^
and bread and all the other necessaries and dainties of a dinner
ready. As stick after stick of the hickory wood cracked in
the centre, the ends were put on the fire by the boy, until liie
centre of the fireplace was a mass of li\'!ng coals. Some of
these were raked out, by means of an iron rake, upon the great
brick hearth, and over them the Dutch ovens. littL- and big,
were set. One contained corn-brea^.i. another mutton, another
chickens, and so on. The covers were put upon the ovens,

— 147 —

and shovelfuls of coals heaped upon the covers. The dusky
presiding genius seemed to know just the right moment
to turn, or baste, or take up ; and while a French clicf might
wriggle himself out of shape through horror at so primitive a
met. od of cooking, her sable majesty could have given him a
number of useful hints upon the preparation of appetizing
dishes.

Some privates in the army prided themselves on being cu-
linary artists, and they did the business by wholesale. These
chefs cooked the salt pork, the beans, the fresh beef and the
coffee of their comrades in the company, and occasionally,
when one of them received a pressing invitation to that effect
from the commanding officer, shouldered a musket, went forth

A

■ vM I

..^^ti^PKii%a#i

"A CHEF AT $13
^ MONTH."

M}M:Z::^M-M&

into the prevailing unpleasantness, and cooked the coffee of
some unfortunate Johnnie who happened to stand in front
of the bullet that had popped out of his gun.

No caterer to the appetite of a Vanderbilt or an Astor
could have been stuffed fuller of professional pride than these
gentry of the mess kettle, who pandered to the appetites of
men capable of digesting anything tliat an ostrich could
assimilate.

-— 14S —

On one occasion the iiSdi rclicwci . :.;-unc regiment. The
inventive spirit of the Yankee had found vent in the con-
struction of a number of water-wJ^ee's out of peach-cans, etc.,
along the banks of a httle stream wriich flowed near the Hne.
:. Written requests had been k:ft askinp; the reheving regiment
not to disturb them, as the regiment txnccted to return soon.
Pennsylvania enjoyed the handiwork 0: I\Iaine, but, of course,
complied with the request.

Picketing in the daytime, v. hen the c)es can be used to ad-
vantage, is not an unpleasant thing — tialess there is rain or
snow. At night, when the silence is oppressive and the world
seems dead, it is another tiling. Tiv: faintest sound comes
through the darkness mull:i[.lir:d in stivrr^lh and intensity. As
an instance : one dark nip;ht, while crouciiing in some bushes
in the edge of an open field, a picket the u'iTht he heard the faint
clanking of a sabre at some di.'^tance In front. He stole softly
up to the next man and conimunicrLtuii liis suspicions to him.
They listened and both of them heard the sound distinctly.
One of tliem moved cautiously to a third man and told him to
watch carefully, while the nr.^t two reconnoitered. and, if he
heard any scuffling, to warn the pickets by firing. Side by
side, on hands and knees, the two crept stealthily forward,
stopping now and then to c.itch the sound, and then moving
on again towards it. About tvvent)'-h\'e feet beyond the line
the sound seemed close at hand, and -.'.-as soon found to be
caused by a broken weed, uhich, as the wind swayed it, scraped
against another weed.

In pleasant weather the picket excursions partook somewhat
of the nature of a picnic. In stormy or bitter cold weather
they did not. A snow-stgrrn came on one morning about five
o'clock, and b}' eight, the hrur fc)r calling the relief, thej' were
snowed under, the form of each man, as he la}' upon the ground
rolled in his blanket and covered with snow, looking like a
white gra\e. "Turnout! I'all in !" jelled the sergeant. As j

they turned out the snow fell in. There were as many dif-
ferent ways of recei\'ing it as tliere were disj)Ositions among
the men.

— 149 —

Conversation at night on the picket hne, especially when it
fronted near woods, was limited to a few words in low tones,
lest the enemy might be lurking near, and thus gain a knowledge
of the position of our men. For, while the picket, gun in hand,
with alert eye and ear, watched and listened for any sight or
sound that might indicate the presence of a foe, his thoughts
were off busy with books that he had read years before ; or
with the companions of his boyhood, recalling the fun they had
had, and the not always innocent tricks ; and these remembrances
naturally led to his home in the city, or the farm house on the
hillside or in the valley, where the years of his childhood,
boyhood and young manhood were spent, the home which, to
him, was the very heart of his life. And now, in thought, he
went along the old road, with its ruts and thanky-marms, —
blackberry and elderberry and sumach lining its sides, — past
the old red chicken-coop of a school-house, through the apple
orchard that spread both sides of the road ; he opened the gate
up the end of the lane, lifted it up after he had passed through,
that the latch might fall into its place, walked on beneath the
great trees whose branches interlaced over his head, swung the
garden gate upon its hinges, trod the old well-beaten path, the
scent of bergamot and heliotrope filling his nostrils, and stood
by the window next the porch, looking in upon those whom he
had left with tearful faces and sad hearts, when he started for
the front.

Every room in the house, ever\- familiar object in the rooms,
every loved and familiar face and form passed before him. He
could see his father reading carefully the list of killed and
wounded in the paper, while mother and sisters gathered round
in hushed eagerness. He could see their gladdened faces and
almost hear his mother's sigh of relief when father had finished
and found that his son's name v.-as not there. And then came
that gliastly, strange feeling called h;)me-sickness, which so
many have felt, and so few have attempted to describe: a
longing, that will not clown, to stand in the old places, to look
in the faces, gra-^p the hands, hear the voices and touch the lips
of the absent ones — if for onlv a moment. Not cowardice, not

— ISO

weakness, but true manliness, in such moments, has made many
a heart quiver with pain, brought a tremor to the h'ps, and
forced tears from eyes that were not wont to be moist.

"It is but a step from the subh'me to the ridiculous," was ht-
erally and humorously illustrated by an incident that happened
at one of the dress parades of the regiment. As all soldiers
and most civilians know, the " evening dress parade " is as stiff
and solemn an affair as a president's reception, and the least
breach of military etiquette on the part of any one, while the
performance is taking place, is rebuked by the severe punish-
ment of the offender. It commenced with " parade-rest " and
" troop beat off." Statue-like stood every man as the drum-
corps, playing, moved down and up the line. Colonel Gwyn,
with his fine soldierly presence, his arms folded, his body
straight, head erect, and right foot thrown to the rear, stood
steadily opposite the front and centre as
the " troop " beat off, assuming this po-
sition as the adjutant commanded,
"guides, post!" That portion of the
ceremony concluded, he deliberately
unfolded his arms at the command
" attention ! " and resumed the position
of a soldier. The sublime colonel faced
the regiment. A long step in his rear,
stood the ridiculous Scipio Africanus.
Every movement of the colonel was
imitated and caricatured by the mimick-
ing Scipio. He also puffed out his chest,
folded his arms with an exaggeration of
calm deliberation, and stood immo\'able
as the " troop " beat down and up the
line. Then, assuming the "attention,"
he mov^ed his body and arms, and drew
an imaginary sabre, in time and unison with the commandant.
As the colonel received the parade and the adjutant took
his post, so did Scipio receive his invisible parade. At the

SCIP."

— 151 —

command " shoulder, arms ! " he opened his extensive mouth,
showing his large, white teeth, and moving his h'ps, appar-
ently repeated this and all the following commands, contin-
uing until the dress-parade was concluded. Of course the
colonel remained ignorant of the fact that he had a darkey
double a few feet in his rear.

At first the discipline of the men overcame their inclination.
But eventually fun proved more powerful than discipline, and,
as one movement followed another, the contrast between the
towering colonel in full uniform, with his soldierly carriage, and
Scipio's dwarfed stature, with his extravagant imitations, drew
from the men half-suppressed smiles and chuckles ; then broad
grins and outbursts of laughter spread along the line. Colonel
Gwyn was furious. He interrupted the manual, announced the
names of one and another of the sergeants, and summarily
reduced them to the ranks. One commissioned officer was
ordered peremptorily from his post to report to his quarters in
arrest.

The parade dismissed, the officers were received with a stiff,
unusual formality. Scipio continued his mimicries. This time,
though, unaware of the stern countenance of the commander,
he fell into error. His greeting was graceful and easy, and his
smile pleasing and bland. With much feeling, the colonel
called attention to the shameful behavior, inquired whether
anything peculiar about his dress, appearance or manner had
induced such improprieties, and continuing in an indignant
strain, was finalK- interrupted and his attention for the first time
called to Scipio.

Scipio had evidently counted the cost, and received his pun-
ishment meekly. He was bared to below the waist, and tlie
lash, represented by a ramrod, vigorously applied. Then he v,-as
tied up by the tliumbs and, with occasional intermissions, so
remained until he had promised, with no expectation of fullfil-
ment, to thereafter conduct himself with more propriety. Mrs.
Colonel Gwyn, a lady for whom the regiment entertained the
fircatcst respect imd most kindlv feeling, was tlicn on a visit to

— 152 —

the camp, and at her intercession the colonel proclaimed an
amnesty.

It began to be apparent from rumors and indications, shortly
followed by direct orders, that this well-appointed, permanent
encampment was not to be enjoyed without at least temporary
interruptions. ^

At noon of December 30th, with three days' rations and a
full supply of ammunition, the brigade was assembled on the
color line. There was no intimation of the object of the move-
ment, and its purpose was well concealed. At the same
time the other two brigades appeared ready to follow as
a support, "it was said, if necessary. A batter}- and twelve
ambulances made up what was apparently an expeditionarv
force, intended for fight or reconnoissance as occasion should
demand. As Colonel Barnes rode out in front of the troops,
he reined up opposite the regiment and laughingly inquired
" whether they liked this being picked out for sharp work."
" It's all right," was the general responsive ; " we don't care,
when you lead us."

It was well into the afternoon before the column started, and
near dark — after passing the pickets, astonished at the sight of
such a force going beyond them — when it resumed the familiar
direction toward Hartwood Church. But the destination was
far beyond the old church. It was passed in the darkness, and
a bivouac made at eleven at night in a dense wilderness, broken
only by the timber that had been recently cut by the enemy,
who evidently not long before had, in some force, occupied the
country' in that vicinity north of the Rapnahaimock. In their
abandonment of the country, they had felled timber across the
roadways for the purpose of obstructing and delaying the
march of a column intended to pursue them, which must neces-
sarily take one of the ver\' few passable highways in any move-
ment it might make in that general direction. They were
reasonably successful. The infantry managed to climb over
and move around the obstructions, but no end of delay followed
in effecting their removal for the passage of the artiller}- and

— 153 —

ambulances. The night was stinging cold, with no indications
of an enemy except the obstructed roadway, yet fires were for-
bidden. Had they been permitted, the tempting supply of fuel
would h?,ve caused them to be so large that their flame and
smoke could be seen for miles, telling the enemy of a move-
ment that was intended to be secret.

The 31st was a cold, dull morning, and shortly after five
o'clock, after a hastily prepared morning meal, the column was
in motion again. Timber and other obstructions still encum-
bered the roadway; its removal was temporarily suspended and,
leaving the arti!ler\'and ambulances to be brought up afterwards,
the infantr}' continued its march through the woods.

About eight o'clock, a halt was ordered and strict silence
enjoined. Except that the general direction was toward the
Rappahannock, nothing had yet occurred to disclose the pur-
pose of the expedition. Nor was their close proximity to the
river as yet known to the men. Berdan's sharpshooters hur-
riedly passed on toward the right and were soon lost to view in
the almost impenetrable forest. "Attention!" was called in a
subdued tone, and the men ordered to load as quietly as pos-
sible.

In the depths of the sombre wilderness, the dull gray light
of the winter morning covering everything with a leaden pall,
the death-like stillness was painful.

The order to load had brought nerves up to a battle tension ;
all through the woods were colunms of blue, in marked con-
trast with the dull, gloomy pines, and the men, stiftencd for a
contest with some unknown, unseen foe, stood in anxious wait-
ing, in utter ignorance of their own position and that of their
enemy. They had been buried in these forest wilds since early
the night before, and none knew when or where they would end.
But the anxiety was soon over, the inspiration soon ceased.
Suddenly, through the forest gloom, on the still, wintry air there
rang out the penetrating sound of muskctr\- close at hand. The
previous silence intensified the sound, and the roar was deaf-
eniiiLT. It lasted some ten minutes.

— r54 —

Richards' Ford — the men knew nothing of its proximity, —
on the Rappahannock, was scarce a hundred yards from where
the head of the column rested when the halt was made. It was
to this point the sharpshooters had hurried. Their attack dis-
i^ lodged a cavalry picket on the thither side, and the ford was
open for crossing. The column immediately resumed the
march. The regiment led the brigade, and was the first to
enter the water. The ford was waist deep. There was much
splashing and floundering in the hurry to reach the other side,
the intense cold accelerating progress. Man\- novel methods
were resorted to to avoid a wetting, notably one by the sergeant-
major. He rolled several logs together and attempted to ferry
himself across ; when in mid-stream, they turned under him
and he was plunged headlong into the water. His discomfiture
was received with shouts of derisive laughter. The troops were
scarcely out of the water, before all their clothing was frozen
stiff and became a weight to carry. On the other side, the
countr>' was open. The advance was continued with skir-
mishers deployed in front, the troops following in line. Rebel
cavalry watched the movement from a distance, but disappeared
expeditiously as the skirmishers came within range. Just on
the edge of the ford stood a fine old Virginia mansion, occupied
by a farmer and his three daughters. From the windov.-s. the
enemy had replied to the Berdan sharpshooters. In passing
one of the windows, in search of a place of safety, one of the
daughters was severely wounded in the thigh. It was pro-
nounced by the surgeons as likely to prove fatal. Since the
war, however, it has been learned that the lady fully recovered
without an amputation, which at the time it was believed would
be necessar\-.

The cleared land covered but a limited space, and then tl'ere
were several miles of dense forest, and agam, for a short dis-
tance, more arable country, and so it interchanged from forest
to farm through the whole march, the forests decidedly pre-
dominating. Upon the farther edge of the clearings, the
enem\-"s ca\alr}- always showed itself, and llankers or 5'<r-
mishers gave tliem parting ^llots as tliey rapidl}- rode av.-ay.

— 155 —

There were but few houses along the route, their occupants
decrepid old men or superannuated women. They were not
molested, disturbed, or even spoken to. One sprightly dame,
rather better favored than the rest, was suddenly surprised, re-
turning from the spring, by the approach of the skirmishers.
Not at all discomfited, she dropped her bucket, placed her arms
akimbo, and in sneering silence viewed the soldiers until they
had all passed out of sight. No one paid any attention to her,
or even addressed her. Their reception of her was as quiet
and undemonstrative as hers was of them.

A couple of hours had rolled by without incident of note,
when suddenly a single shot rang out piercingly on the extreme
right and rear. The column was brought to a temporar\' halt.
A horseman, miscalculating the distance, or having no faith in
the marksmanship, had essayed to dash boldly by the flankers.
He was, indeed, between 500 and 700 yards away, but the aim
was excellent and, wounded in both fore-knees, his horse fell,
pinning his rider to the ground. The man was but little hurt.
His anxiety to get out of the road was accounted for, as he
proved to be a mail carrier, and his bag, loaded with mail mat-
ter, was a valuable and unexpected find. He was retained until
his release would furnish no information.

Indications of the recent presence of the enemy, in camps
and bivouacs apparently hurriedly abandoned, were frequent
towards the end of the march, but developed nothing further
than that the enemy had been about in some strength. Seeing
nothing except the debris of camps and a few straggling caval-
rymen, after the brigade had moved some ten miles on that side
of the river it was turned again towards the Rapnahannoclc, and
recrossed it about three o'clock in the afternoon at Ellis's Ford.
This ford was also waist-deep, nor had the noonday sun raised
the temperature. The men floundered, splashed about, some
stumbled and fell, to be soaked all over, the clothing froze again,
and the discomforts of the morning were renewed in the after-
noon.

By the ford was a house occupied b_\- an antiq'iatcd couple,

■ - 156-

bemoanin;^ the fate of the lady who had been accidentiilly shot
in the morning, and desperately berating those who had caused
the disaster. It was strange how the news had reached them,
unless borne by some of the enemy's cavalry who had been
circulating in our rear.

Anticipating the return of the brigade at this ford, the other
two, ordered up in support, had bivouacked near it, and in, the
vicinity the wet, hungr\- and fatigued troopers of the recon-
noitring party, amid roaring fires, found some comfort after
the labors of the day. Besides the information gleaned of the
recent location of detachments of the enemy, and the topog-
raphy of the country, the reconnoissance resulted in the capture
of three cavalrymen, the mail-bag and its contents, and the
wounding of the girl. There were no losses.

The old year went out without note of its passing away,
and the new one began away off in the lonely wilderness, with
no opportunity for the usual observance of 1st of January
festivities.

It was twenty-two miles home, and the first day of the year
1863, up to three o'clock, was devoted to the journey. About
eight miles out from the ford, jogging along at a comfortable
route-step, the head of tha-column abruptly halted. The atten-
tion of Colonel Barnes was suddenly called to glistening ob-
jects in a thick copse of timber some mile in advance, which
strongly resembled moving musket-barrels. The ground had
been gradually rismg for some distance, until the rise culmi-
nated in a well-defined ridge. Beyond, for a mile at least, was
a broad, open plain. Then the road descended a little, enter-
ing a batch of thick undergrowth, which skirted the edge of a
forest, in which, when he reached the ridge, the brigade com-
mander first discovered the bright, moving objects that had
arrested his attention. The men crowded the crest and the
glistening which had called the halt was distinctly observed by
all. It was scarcely conceivable that the enemy had crossed at
the lower ford and deliberately thrown himself across the line
of march of the returning reconnoitring party, and between it

— 157 —

and the main army. As such temerity was possible, it was
deemed best to investigate it, and two companies, deployed as
skirmishers, were intently watched as they moved out rapidly
over the" open plain and, disappearing first in the underbrush,
-were finally seen to enter the woods. No sound followed,
neither shout, yell nor shot. The mystery grew apace, when
suddenly a great flock of ducks rose from their cover and
moved off gracefully towards the river. The deception had
come from their flitting about among the timber, their wings
appearing brighter as reflected against the darker tree-trunks,
and the birds, who had thus innocently delayed a marchmg
column of United States infantry, disappearing, the movement
was continued to the destination without further hindrance or
incident.

On the return march flocks of crows continually hovered a
mile or two to the rear. They would rise in great numbers,
float about for a while, move on some distance and then settle
again. This they continued to do for many miles. It was the
impression that a light force of the enemy's cavalry were main-
taining a pursuit for observation, and, as they would move
along from place to place, the birds, disturbed in their feeding,
would rise, hover, and settle again when the interruption
ceased.

A most cheering greeting was at hand on the arrival in camp.
Boxes from home, toothsome remembrances of friends and
relatives, had arrived, a ton or more of them. If the 1st of
January festivities had been interrupted, there were New Year's
gifts at hand to make the second joyous and gladsome in fitting
substitution. Parents, wives, friends, relatives, maidens fair,
and the liberal Corn E.xchange Committee, all had subscribed
in everything transportable and preservative for choice eating
and drinking, and for a week or more all revelled in the lu.xuries
of their contributions.

The sigh.t and enjoyment of the material comforts led to
loving, tender thoughts and visions of home and its inmates,
and over many a stern, sun-browned and storm-taimed face

- 158 -

stole a soft, gentle expression that was not wont to be
there.

In packing the boxes the affectionate senders had not for-
gotten the particular, and in some cases peculiar, tastes of the
recipients. One of the men opened his box and, to the joy of
his heart and the fulfilment of his expectations, and afterwards
to the disturbance of his nerves and the nerves of others, found
it full of whiskey. A dozen quart bottles, carefully packed.
Ecstatic bliss glowed upon his face and shone in his eyes, as,
with a bottle in one hand and a glass held to his lips in the
other, his nostrils received the pungent odor and his throat the
fiery warmth of his old acquaintance. He drank the health of
the Corn E.xchange, of his friends at home, of the colonel, the
major, and the captain of his company ; also that of the sergeant
of the guard, when he came to warn him not to be bois-
terous and insisted that the " non-com " should drink his own.
Then he commenced with the members of his company, al-
though they numbered sixty-five, and would have toasted them
separately but that he fell asleep while yet occupied at that
labor of politeness. In the morning, finding all the bottles
empty, he sadly reflected that all earthly pleasures are fleeting.

The Richard's Ford reconnoissance was but a prelude to the
Burnside winter campaign of January, 1S63, now historically
recognized as the famous " Mud March." The cold, unusual
for the latitude, continued for several weeks. The ground was
firni and solid, the frost deep and the roads better than ever
before in the army's experience in a Virginia winter. If the
freezing weather had held on a little longer there would doubt-
less have been another issue to the unfortunate afiair ; there
would at least have been a fight.

Repeatedly orders were issued for the movement and as
often countermanded, until, on Tuesday, the 20th of January,
it was finally begun. It was a crisp, bright winter day. A
flaming general order, indicatin^^ prospective success, intimating
a surprise, appealing to the strength and valor of the soldiery,
and assuring a hopefulness in a speedy termination of the war,

159 —

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— i6o —

was published to every regiment just before its march began.
The Army of the Potomac had become a stolid set ; stirring
appeals had lost their effectiveness ; what was to be done they
considered had better be done and talked of afterwards. De-
monstrative language, deiiant music, were thought to be akin.
When the bands of the two armies would taunt each other vvith
rival patriotic airs, it was invariably followed by defeat or with-
drawal; and written promises and urgent appeals it was thought
would have kindred results. Yet there was willingness and
readiness, and the men moved off with a cheerful alacrity, a
gait and carriage that implied that what they were put at they
would accomplish if others could.

It was'one o'clock before the movement, which started in the
other corps at early dawn, reached the brigade. After but a
five-mile march a halt for the night was made in an extensive
oak forest. A fatality attended the enterprise from its incip-
iency. The cold weather was over; the both ended it. The
temperature rose perceptibly through the day, and during the
night a pouring, pelting rain set in, an undoubted indication of
the commencement of the usual January thaw. The wind blew
a gale ; rest was out of the question ; the effort was to keep
reasonably dry. Huge fires were built, and most of the wet
and gloomy night passed in " marking time " in front of
them.

At daylight on the 2 1st the incessant pour still continued.
The leading corps had reached Bank's Ford, one of the desig-
nated points for crossing the Rappahannock, and there they
remained massed. The 5th was virtually held fast. All the
hard, solid ground had disappeared, and in its place, on the
roads and in the fields, there was mud of a depth and consis-
tency that held tight whatever penetrated it, so that release
without assistance was almost impossible. It seemed scarcely
conceivable that less than twenty-four hours should produce
such a surprising change. The feet of men and animals, the
wheels of gun, caisson, limber and wagon had so stirred and agi-
tated the pasty substance, -.hat, as the nature of the soil varied,

— i6i —

• ^\0'

in one place it was a deep, sticky loam, and in another a thick
fluid-extract. Twelve horses could not move a gun. The
wheels of vehicles disappeared entirely. Pontoons on their
.carriages' stood fixed and helpless in the roadway, the wheels
out of sight, the boats in mud and water sufficient to float them
if they had been free. Human skill, strength and ingenuity
were exhausted in the attempt to get forward the indispensable
artillery, ammunition and bridges. Men were put to aid the
animals, and the woods were resonant with " Heave ! ho,
heave ! " as if sailors were work-
ing away at "the capstan. When
night came on the regiment, which
had started in the early morning,
had heaved itself along a distance
of about three miles, when it biv-
ouacked in the heavy timber and in
the still drenching deluge; again
" marked time " until the morning.
There was no improvement on
the 22d; further progress was im-
practicable, and the command re- ^v.^^
mained fastened to its uncomfortable
bivouac. It was quite evident the
intended operations had been aban-
doned. The 5th Corps was to have
crossed at Ellis' Ford, familiar from
the recent reconnoissance. On the • '

other side the enemy had erected large boards, on which were
displayed in letters plainl) discernible taunting phrases. On
one : " Burnside stuck in the mud ; " on another :" Yanks, if
you can't place your pontoons over yourself, we will send you
a detail." They had impressed all the ploughs in the neighbor-
hood, and could be seen turning the sod in every direction,
intending to assist the elements in their purpose to stop the
progress of the army. They needed no such aid; their pur-
pose had been fully accomplisiied unas.-^isted.
II

vmw

— l62 —

About noon, abandoned to inaction, the commandants of the
Il8th and 25th New York, who were in most friendly relations,
fell to bantering each other as to which of their pioneers could
the sooner fell a tree in a given direction. The challenge ac-
cepted, Daniel Oakley, of Company B of the 118th and a
broad-shouldered fellow of the 25th were chosen for the com-
petition. Oakley's tree was down in the designated direction
in less than ten minutes. The New Yorker was far behind,
and when his did fall, it dropped entirely away from the direc-
tion indicated. The friends of the defeated man bore his dis-
comfiture most ungraciously. As Oakley wiped the perspira-
tion from his brow one of them deliberately seized the axe with
which he had done his work, charging he had stolen it. A
struggle at once ensued. This belligerency, encouraged by a
plentiful ration of whiskey issued during the morning, soon
became contagious, and a free to all hand-to-hand conflict re-
sulted. Inadvertently two officers were dragged into the melee.
Captain Crocker and Lieutenant Wetherill. Crocker fought his
way through the 25th, threw his brawny fists about him, be-
labored and punished his assailants severely; then he fought
his way back again, returning badly abused in his clothing but
otherwise unscathed. Wetherill, on a visit to a friend in the
22d Massachusetts, volunteered his services to subdue an
insubordination over there, but was fiercely set upon, badly
abused and compelled to hastily withdraw. In his hurried
flight he unwittingly fell among the rioters of the 25th just as
Crocker was in the midst of his extravagant gyrations. Here
again he met resistance, but neither so apt nor strong as the
massive Crocker, his adversaries found him the easier victim
and administered a harsh punishment. The 25th, severely
worsted, flew to arms. The excitement was intense ; the
situation threatening. By this time the entire brigade had
their pieces. A battery- was now brought up and the guns
trained on the combatants. Still the belligerents would not be
quieted. Two regiments were sent to its support and the guns
ordered to be sliotted v/ith cani;.-ter, but it was not until t!ie

— i63 —

lanyards were in the hands of the gunners that the rioters
ceased their contentions and stampeded precipitately to their
camps. The disgraceful scene ended in mutual apologies by
the respective commandants, and the regiments were separated

Bumside' s Mud March.
Now I lay me down to sleep
/ S^^^o In mud enousrh to make one weep.

^^'^^i^^'^If I am gone wlien you awake,
^-^j^ ^r~^Tust grapple fjr me with .nn oyster rake.

GETTING READY FOR INSPECTION.

by a considerable distance, that their anger might cool and tlie
whiskey subside.

A little reflection rearoused the ire of the two commandants.
The apologies were withdrawn, hot words iollowed, the lie was

— 164 —

given direct, and it was believed honor demanded a hostile
meeting. A challenge, presented with all the formalities of the
code, passed from Colonel Gwyn to Colonel Johnson. It was
promptly accepted, seconds chosen, weapons selected, time and
place of meeting fixed. Friends interfered, the scene ended,
apologies were renewed and all the wrongs and insults of the
hour buried in the exhilarating bowl.

On the 23d it was officially announced that the campaign
was abandoned and the troops were ordered to return to their
former camping-grounds. Such directions were eas\' to pub-
lish, but their execution not so easy. The army was fairly
fast where it was — literally stuck in the mud. It was some
twelve miles back to the nearest camps. Pontoons, artillery
trains could not be moved. Subsistence was exhausted and the
Army of the Potomac felt the pinch of hunger. To relieve this
pressure and get out of this sorry plight, the whole army was
set to road-making, and by night a very creditable corduroy
road was completed all the way to the rear. Over it during
the night all wheels were successfully moved. The troops
followed on the 24th. the rain for the first time subsiding.
Before evening the brigade was back to its old quarters, not to
be disturbed until bud, blossom and flower had indicated that
the elements had ceased to war with man, and that, freed from
their interference, man might again war against himself

CHAPTER VII.

CHANCELLORSVILLE.

..^^". |0L0NEL PREVOST, still dis-

-^'^^ij"-.^ abled and suffering from his Shep-

/^ herdstown wound, returned on the

-^ 19th of April, and at once assumed

r'l command.

Intimations were rife, and or-
ders frequent through all the
month of April, indicating the
opening of the spring campaign. But the lingering winter was
still abroad, and on the 5th an all-day snow-storm covered the
ground to the depth of several inches. Later, there were days
of continuous rain, and with the recent experience of the dis-
astrous consequences of attempting a movement at such a time,
the month was nearly spent before it was certain that the
weather had adjusted itself to the season.

The army was in splendid health and buoyant spirits, secure
in the knowledge of its strength, confident in the ability of its
leaders. General Hooker, soon after he relieved General Burn-
side, popularized his administration by giving special attention
to the commissariat. He directed a diet which in quantity,
quality and variety was captivating, appetizing and nutritious.
He also wisely permitted a judicious allowance of leaves of
absence to officers, and furloughs to enlisted men. There
were few officers who had not been home once, at least, during
the winter, and no enlisted man who chose to attain an excel-
lent soldierly record in all things — the standard of merit upon
which their furloughs were granted — who had not enjoyed a

— i66 —

like privilege. Coming to the command of the army with a
brilliant record for his splendid fighting qualities, General
Hooker had the prestige of tenacious courage and superior
judgment, securing him the unbounded confidence of his
soldiers. His unremitting care for their needs, his liberality in
permitting their occasional absences had attached them to him
warmly. Jealousies, cabals, dissensions were over. Intriguers
and plotters had been relieved, troops were in sympathy with
their commander, chieftains in unison with each other. There
was an assurance of success in the temper of things, and the
campaign opened cheerily.*

* The feeling of the men is best illustrated in the following song, which was
popular in the 5th Corps on the march :

The Union boys are moving on the left and the right,
The bugle call is sounding, our shelters we must strike,
Joe Hooker is our leader, he takes his whisky strong.
So our knapsacks we will shng, and go marching along.
Chorus: — ^Joe Hooker is our leader, he takes his whisky strong.

So our knapsacks we will sling, and go marching along.

Marching along, marching along,

With eight days' rations we'll go marching along.

The soft-tack days are over, our beef is on the foot.
The pork, hard-tack, and coffee we've in our knapsacks put;
The extra clothes are heavy, but on our shoulders, strong.
We'll sling our eight days' rations, and go marching along.
Chorus: — The extra clothes are heavy, but on our shoulders strong.
We'll sling our eight days' rations, and go marching along.

Our overcoats and dresscoats are strewn along the road.
They crowded them upon us — we couldn't tote the l^ad,
Contractors put the job up, and we must foot the bill ;
But, Sam, our dear old uncle, we know it's not your will.
Chorus: — Contractors put the job up, and we must foot the bill;

But, Sam, our dear old uncle, we know it's not your will

The graybacks are on us, increasing each day,
Heavy are our rations, hut small is our pay;
Our spirits are light, but our cause it i.s strong,
With eight days' rations we go marching along.
Chorus: — Our spirits are light, but our cause it is strong,
With eight days' rations we go marching along.

— 167 —

The frequent premonitory orders had prompted the de-
struction, or other disposal, of the vast accumulations unsuit-
able for carriage in active operations, which gather while in
permanent quarters. Eight days' rations had been for some
.ime continuously on hand, and when the " general " sounded
on the early morning of the 27th of April, the response was as
ready as if the troops were starting from a night's bivouac.

The heat was unusual for the season, the load of eight days'
subsistence and sixty rounds of ammunition heavier than usual,
and the men soft from a long winter's housing.

Nor were these all. The men had got through the winter
as best they might for clothing. Now, upon the eve of a
march, with an extra load to carry in the matter of food, an
order was issued that every enlisted man must have a full
supply of clothing ; that is, an overcoat, dress-coat, blouse, a
change of underclothing, two pairs of socks, blanket, and
shelter-tent. The men could not check their baggage. There
was no alternative ; they must take the articles, pay for them,
and throw them away. It may be asked, Why did not the

The Virginia hills are high, and the mud roads are long,
But we'll liven the way with a bit of home-made song ;
Then join the chorus, comrades, with voices full and strong.
While with our eight days' rations we go marching along.
Chorus: — Then join the chorus, comrades, with voices full and strong,
While with our eight days' rations we go marching along.

The Johnnies are before us, ihe;r bullets buzz like bees.
They're down among the brushwood, and hid behind the trees;
Now, keep cool, boys — there ! steady ! just give it to them strong !
And when the fight is over we'll go marching along.
Chorus : — Now, keep cool, boys — there I steady ! just give it to them strong !
And when the fight is over we'll go marching along.

The war won't last forever, some day we will be done
With drill, and march, and battle, and cartridge-box and gun.
We'll tramp up North from Richmond to drum and fife; and then.
Oh, won't our folks be tickled to see us home again I
Chorus : — We'll tramp up North from Richmond to drum and fife; and then.
Oh, wont our folks be tickled to see us home again!

— i68 —

men carry their clothes ? If an}- man of ordinar}' health and
strength wishes to answer the question satisfactorily to himself,
let him load up with se\'ent>' pounds in addition to his own
avoirdupois some fine day when the flowers bloom in the spring,
.and march from six in the morning until mid-day. Long before
noon he will find that the grasshopper is a burden, and Avill
know the reason why the men threw their clothing away.

The roads were lined with abandoned clothing from the corps
in advance, and the first day out found the soldiers stripped to
the absolute essentials only, blanket, gum-blanket and single
piece of shelter-tent. It was noted with satisfaction that the
route indicated no direct attack on the formidable Fredericks-
burg, but clearly pointed to a movement around the enemy's
left. The road was the very familiar one towards Hartwood
Church, and by seven o'clock the acquaintance with the little
chapel and its attractive surroundings of forest and field, leafing
and sprouting in the early spring-time, was again renewed.
The soft air, the easy march, the moon glimmering through the
massive oaks, made musings and meditation as restful as real
repose.

It was half-past one on the 2Sth before the column started,
and then the march continued uninterruptedly and without in-
cident for some eighteen miles, when, at 9.30 in the evening, the
night's bivouac was made in the vicinity of Kelly's Ford, on
the Rappahannock.

On the 29th the early dawn was announced as the time to
begin the preparations for a march, but it was seven o'clock
before the column was in motion. The progress was slow,
impeded by the jams and halts necessarily following the pas-
sage of streams, whether by bridge or ford. The men were
cheery, full of fun, and anxious to get forward. They became
enthusiastic when from the bluff overlooking the river the long
line of blue, well closed up, solid, compact, moving with swing-
ing, earnest gait, could be seen stretched out, serpent-like, for
miles, its right lost entirely in the distance.

At noon the crossing was effected, at Kelly's Ford, on canvas

— 169 —

pontoons, and then the march continued, steady and uninter-
rupted, to Ely's Ford on the Rapidan. The stream was waist-deep
and rapid, and in crossing it the extra ammunition, haversacks,
knapsacks, and cartridge-boxes were carried on the head, and
held lA place by the rifle, pressed upon them and grasped in
both hands. At 7.30 the men bivouacked near the river.
Wood being plentiful, huge fires soon lit up the countr>\ Frol-
icsome and joyous, yet edging up to the impending battle, the
command dropped off into welcome slumber.

When the army left camp a member of the regiment who had
been lame with rheumatism for months determined to go with
the men rather than be sent to the hospital. He managed to
keep up, or catch up, somehow, and after crossing the Rapidan,
suffering acutely, thoroughly used up and thoroughly soaked,
he wrapped himself in his blanket, lay down by one of the fires,
and forgot where he was. When he rose in the morning he
was astonished to find not a vestige of his rheumatism left.
Nor did it trouble him again until after his return to camp.

The Rapidan was at no time a sluggish stream. Its width
varied, but at Ely's Ford it about equalled the Schuylkill at the
Falls. A tributar}' of the Rappaliannock, its waters joined that
river about two miles above United States Ford, the uppermost
of those on the Rappahannock, the crossing of which would
permit an advance into the enemy's territory, without necessi-
tating the crossing of the Rapidan.

It was the first time the Army of the Potomac had pushed
so far. Meetmg no opposition, and passing successfully two
such water-barriers as the Rappahannock and the Rapidan
without resistance, the soldiers had fairly reached the conclu-
sion, as it was shortly afterwards announced in general orders,
"we now have the enemy in such a position that he would
either be compelled to leave his entrenchments and fight us or
ingloriously flee." Their belief went even furth.er; they be-
lieved he had ingloriously fled, and must be pursued to be
fought. Hence the huge fires, the unusual enthusiasm, the
universal exhilaration. There was a lirni conviction that bv

— 170 —

superior tactics, and wise strategy, the enemy had been dis-
lodged from a position believed from experience and obser-
vation to be invulnerable. How sadly this conviction was dis-
sipated history has told. How speedily the belief that the
enemy had fled disappeared, and the joy and enthusiasm van-
ished, will soon be apparent.

The early beams of the morning sun, on the 30th, were just
tinging the lofty tree-tops when everything was astir about the
bivouacs. The morning's promise of a bright, clear day was
fulfilled, and a bracing temperature set ever\' one aglow with in-
vigoration and expectancy. It had been announced the night
before that the brigade would have the advance, and it was
expected the regiment would lead. The column lengthened
into the road about eight o'clock, the brigade leading, with the
regiment on the right, as was anticipated. The march began
with brisk, active gait, but its alacrity was soon checked as the
road entered a dense wilderness. The skirmishers were much
delayed in forcing their way through the thick underbrush, and
their halts affected the movement of the whole column. The
men kept well closed up, ready for instant deployment. It was
the advance of the whole army, and General Griffin, the division
commander, gave it his personal supervision and direction. In
the rear, some half a mile, were the other two brigades of the
division, with two batteries of artillery. Such was the unusual
enthusiasm, that the hope was general that the enemy might be
struck before other troops should come up. There was a preva-
lent belief that the division could dispose of any reasonable
force, and gather laurels for itself alone.

Nearing the Chancellorsville House, a most pretentious man-
sion, now so famous, the skirmishers were brought to a tem-
porary halt in front of a line of earthworks seen from the edge
of the timber. Their appearance indicated a hasty construction.
The brigade was promptly depIo_\-ed ; the skirmishers and the
line again moved forward. General Griffin, obser\-ing the de-
ployment, hurried forward the other two brigades, and as their
pace increased to the double-quick, the echo of their SLcady
tramp resounded through the timber.

— 171 —

As the skirmishers left the woods and entered the clearing,
they speedily mounted the earthworks, as the enemy were
leaving them. A few laggards were captured, and these, with
a number of the pickets who had been taken during the march,
indicated by their conversation and appearance such astonish-
ment at the unexpected presence of an enemy, as to assure the
soldiery in their belief that they had really effected a complete
surprise.

It was about eleven o'clock when a halt was made in front
of the Chancellorsville House. It was a house of the Southern
type, belonging to a well-known family of the neighborhood,
still occupied by the women, and stood there alone, in a clearing.
It was a large, commodious, two-story brick building, with
peaked roof and a wing, and pillared porches on both stories in
the centre of the main building, facing the Fredericksburg and
Orange plank road, about twelve miles from Fredericksburg
and about six from Banks's Ford. Its large size and number of
rooms seemed to indicate that it was designed for a summer
boarding-house. As a fact, it was intended to be the central
structure of a village not yet built, which, it was proposed,
should be located around it. Hence its name of the " Chancel-
lorsville House," as distinguished from the Chancellor House,
sometimes known as Dowdall's Tavern, a roadside inn a few
miles beyond, kept by one of the Chancellor family, and de-
riving its name from its proprietor.

Upon the upper porch was quite a bevy of ladies in light,
dressy, attractive spring costumes. They were not at all
abashed or intimidated, scolded audibly and reviled bitterly.
They seriously condemned the stoppage, urged a more expe-
ditious mov^ement, and stated they had assurances from General
Lee, who was just ahead, that he was there anxiously awaiting
an opportunity,' to extend the " hospitalities of the country."
They had little conception of the terrors in store for them, or
that they were to participate in this bountiful hospitality-. They
saw all the horrors of the battle, felt the hot blasts of shot and
shell, and, before another day was o\-er, pitifully pleaded to be

172 —

carried to a place of safet}'. The gallantry of the distinguished
chief of staff of the army would not permit him to be resentful,
and having seen them safely quartered in the cellar, subse-
quently rescued them through its windows when the flames,
sroke and falling timbers of the burning building had brought
them to the ver^' presence of death.

General officers with their staffs, as their troops approached
the vicinity, gathered about and occupied the porches. It was
a lively and inspiriting scene in the midst of such surround-
ings, the presence of the ladies adding a spicy sprinkling of
society and domestic life.

^he march was shortly resumed towards Fredericksburg,
out the old turnpike road, and continued in column without
incident for about two miles, when it was again interrupted at
the foot of a piece of high ground, towards the top of which
and from the direction of the enemy, a single gun w'as seen to
move at a rapid rate. The drivers furiously lashed their horses,
clouds of dust almost obscured them, and the gun reaching the
eminence was swiftly wheeled into battery and unlimbered.
Strangely, it did not lire a shot. As quickly the brigade began
a rapid deployment, and by the time the gun was in position it
had nearly completed its line, well concealed by the timber and
ready for an immediate advance. Meanwhile our skirmishers
had struck the enemy's. There they stood lacing each other,
close enough for conversation in ordinary tones, grim with de-
termination, neither firing, and no one .speaking. The word
had been passed for those of the Union side to halt. It seems
inexplicable iiow men of war, meeting at the opening of an
engagement, could hesitate to fire. After days of useless-
slaughter, the unauthorized truce was by no means unusual.
But there they stood, steady and silent, gazing, the one in ap-
parent wonderment, and the other in real surprise at the unex-
•pected situation. One of the enemy presented a striking atti-
tude. He stood rigid, apparently in the position he had as-
sumed when he first observed his foes. Plis countenance mdi-
cated that ho considered himself in an awful predicament. His

— ^73 —

right foot was thrown forward, his right hand grasped a tree as
if for support, while with his left he held his piece nearly at a
trail, grasped firmly at the middle band. And so he remained
until he, with the rest of the line, continuing to face to the front
an '. stepping backwards, gradually drew off, disappearing finally
in the thicket without firing a single shot. Nor did the Union
h'ne, halted by direction, attempt to disturb the withdrawal.
They remained silent; not a piece was discharged. But there
stood the important eminence, apparently utterly abandoned,
only awaiting occupation. The dullest could see the necessity
for its seizure, and could not understand the failure to accept
the invitation to occupy it.

General Griffin soon made his appearance, and he and Gen-
eral Barnes were seen in hurried, earnest consultation. There
the brigade rested for a long time awaiting instructions from
the corps commander. General Meade, to whom the situation
and opportunity had been speedily communicated. Conceiving,
as far as their limited opportunities would permit, that this ridge
was apparently the key of the position, if a battle was to be
fought in the vicinit)', the soldiers waited in earnest, anxious
readiness the direction to occupy it. It was cleared land, and
out of the wilderness. Beside the incalculable advantage
of controlling such a point, it was believed its crest com-
manded a view of much of the countr\' beyond. But it was
decreed otherwise, and the spot that was the scene of the
bloodiest, severest fight in the ne.xt day's struggle was per-
mitted to remain in the then loose, unstable grip of the enemy
from whom, at that moment, it could have been readily wrested.
General Meade's orders were positive and imperative not to
bring on an engagement.

After several hours of impatient waiting, in buoyant ex-
pectancy of a promised success, the whole division was with-
drawn to the rifie-pits near the Chancellorsville House, over
which they had charged the enemy in the morning. There
they remained in bivouac for the night. The soldiers were as
discomfited as if thcN' had been chocked bv a serious repulse.

— 174 —

All enthusiasm vanished, all the bright hopes of success disap-
peared. The belief that had grown to conviction that the cam-
paign would culminate in the utter rout of the enemy was
changed to sullen disappointment. The spirits of at least the
advance of the Army of the Potomac were sadly broken. They
-had witnessed a lost opportunity, and slept that night near the
morrow's battle-field convinced that, before the discharge of a
single gun, before the firing of a single shot, somebody had
again blundered.

Both Generals Griffin and Barnes were much chagrined at
the peremptory order to stop. They made earnest appeals for
the revocation of the directions, entered potent objections against
their enforcement. From those who were in position to over-
hear the loud and angered tones of the conversation, it was
reported that some hot, plain, determined words were spoken.
General Griffin, filled with soldierly enthusiasm and justly con-
fident of his ability to take and hold the eminence, offered to
surrender his commission if his attempt should prove a failure.

Just as the line was formed at the foot of the rise, much mer-
riment followed the performances of the division surgeon. Dr.
Owens, oblivious, meditating possibly how " pill opii " or " pill
hydrarg " could be made panaceas for all ills, failed to observe
the deployment, and continued his course leisurely along the
road. Nor did he fully realize his position until a rifle-ball from
the enemy brought his horse to its haunches. The disabling
shot rudely disturbed his meditations and, speedily discovering
his lonesomeness, he sought cover with commendable celerity.
He soon found his associates, and concluded he would there-
after conduct his musings at a more convenient season. This
shot, intended solely for the doctor or his horse, was the only
one fired during all these singular proceedings.

All the surrounding country was filled with troops. During
the afternoon they concentrated in great numbers, indicating a
purpose to mass heavily in this vicinity. At the invitation of
Colonel Prevost, Captains Donaldson and Crocker accompanied
him to army head-quarters, about being established near by.

.;

— 175 —

They were courteously received by Colonel Dickinson, the
chief of staff, who excused his chief, busily engaged elsewhere.
He presented the party to a general officer who, in broad-
brimmed hat and corduroy hunting coat, without insignia of
rank, was sauntering leisurely about on foot. He received
.hem with his usual affability, and graciously extending his
hand in acknowledging the introduction, expressed his regret
at his inability to extend the hospitalities also ; and turning to
Colonel Dickinson, whom he familiarly addressed as "Joe," in-
quired what he could do for the party. The Colonel explained
that the head-quarter wagons had not yet arrived, and he was
without the exhilarating beverages usual on such occasions, but
producing a bottle of Drake's plantation bitters as a fitting sub-
stitute in the emergency, with the customary " here's how," it
was passed " by word of mouth," until all had partaken at the
Colonel's expense. It was too busy a time for a lengthy stay,
and the visitors shortly withdrew.

Before night General Hooker's famous order, so eloquent in
its rhetoric, was published. It was doubtless, when indited,
justified by the first grasp of the situation, but was sadly unfitted
to the circumstances when it reached the soldiers.

Head-quarters Army of the Potomac.

Camp near Falmouth, Virginia,

April 30, 1S63.
General Orders, No. 47.

It is with heartfelt satisfaction the commanding general announces to the army
that the operations of the past three days have determined that our enemy must
either ingloriously fly, or come out from behind his defences and give us battle on
our own ground, where certain destruction awaits him.

The operations of the 5th, iith and 12th corps have been a succession of splen-
did achievements.

By command of M.a.jor-General Hooker.
S. Williams, Assisiani Adjutant-General.

Through the night the gloom was pierced by the doleful
screech of the owl, the plaintive cry of the whippoorwill, and
the buzz and clatter of a multitude of insects. Different .species
of the latter, not content with making night hideous, sought to

— 176 —

investigate the strange change that had come over their usually
quiet haunts. Rig black ants wandered up and down among
the hard-tack in the haversacks, stopping occasionally to re-
fresh themselves with a lunch. Thousandleggers crawled over
the necks, faces and hands of the sleeping soldiers. Stag-
beetles, or horn-bugs, nipped wherever they alighted, and were
crushed out of existence for their temerity. They were fitting
substitutes for a nameless entomological pest oftentimes a fami-
liar companion. This pest disappeared with the winter
frosts, but, apparently indigenous to the vicinity, was ready
with renewed life and untiring activity when the accumulations
of dust and dirt should restore it to its sportive playfulness
and itching ways. In its season of active operations it revived
sorrowful memories of the backsliding Egyptians whom
Moses punished, when he directed Aaron to lift his rod, smite
the dust and let a plague fall upon the land of the sphinx and
the pyramid.

At early dawn on the 1st of May the melodious notes of in-
numerable birds filled the air, and, notwithstanding the invasion
of their forest home, they kept up their cheerful songs far into
the day. But the frightened deer found safety from the ad-
vancing hosts in the depths of the wilderness ; the foxes sought
their holes and the rabbits their warrens. Now and then an
inquisitive squirrel looked down from his hiding-place far up
in a tree upon the warlike men beneath.

There was no movement of the division nor incident of note
until about ten o'clock, when suddenly, without warning of
artiller),' or picket-firing, prolonged and hea\y musketrs' was
heard to the front, rapidly increasing to a continuous roar.
The artillery soon added their deafening thunders and the
sound, intensified in the timber of the wilderness, was appall-
ing. The blue smoke rose through the thicket and hung like
a curtain over the combatants. Both sides were evidently
taking punishment where they stood, no yell or cheer indicat-
ing either an advance or retreat. The scene of the conflict
was the eminence which General Griftin had been refused per-

. — "^77 —

mission to occupy, and the troops so manfully struggling to
secure it were General Sykes's division of regulars.

The fight raged fiercely, and while its furies were still un-
abated, at eleven o'clock, Griffin's division, for some undisclosed
purpose, was moved off in the direction of Banks's Ford. The
; .?ute lay entirely through the desolate, uninhabited timber,
and continued for some five miles, to within sight of the ford.
Here there was nothing that seemed to require attention ; no
enemy was or appeared to have been in the vicinity, and, after
a lengthy halt, the column retraced its steps and brought up
again about five o'clock in the vicinity of the Chancellorsville
House.

While at the ford a captive balloon floated about in the air,
its mission and purpose doubtless futile, as all observation of
roads, trains or troops was evidently impossible in the dense
forests in which ever\-thing was hidden.

A line of battle was formed in the clearing and pushed for-
ward into the timber. The movement was believed to be to
the front, but distance and direction were so lost in the inter-
minable thicket that both were, to those of the line at least,
mere conjecture. Some distance was accomplished, when the
line was halted at a spot where the underbrush was of less
density. Troops had occupied the ground before, and indica-
tions were significant of a hurried preparation for the charge.
Knapsacks, half opened, the contents most easily transported re-
moved, and torn papers from the cartridges distinctly marked
the place from which the charge commenced. The troops had
disappeared ; there was no evidence whether in advance or re-
treat, nor of who they were, except that a Bible from one of the
knapsacks showed it once belonged to D. C. Thompson, of
Worth, Mercer county, Pennnsylvania. Company H, 134th
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. This knapsack also con-
tained some very neat, clean, well-made underwear, and though
the Bible was abandoned, from the scraps scattered about it
was evident that Thompson had not forgotten his tobacco.

Darkness was fist approaching, and after a still further tur-
12

- 178 -

ward movement in the same general direction, the hne again
halted and pickets were established well in advance. There
was an anxious, uncertain look upon the countenances of the
men. Thrown out apparently in the air, night approaching,
with a certainty that they were without support, with no knowl-
fii edge as to whether they were to make an attack or receive one,
with vivid remembrance of the mismanagement of yesterday
and the struggle it had caused to-day, the sturdiest spirits be-
came sullen and gloomy. Just as the twilight was passing
into total darkness, General Barnes rode up to the regiment.
He informed Colonel Prevost of the result of General Sykes's
fight in the morning. He had been roughly handled, but had
secured an advantageous ridge which commanded the open
country beyond, and which had been immediately occupied in
strength by other troops that had not been engaged. In the
face of urgent appeals and stern protests against sacrificing
such opportunities, presented by several of his most eminent
generals, General Hooker, to the astonishment of his men and
the wonder of the enemy, had ordered the abandonment of this
entire line. He subsequently altered his determination, but it
was too late; before the revocation reached its destination the
order had been executed, and the enemy had occupied the
heights in such force as to destroy any hopes of their present
dislodgement. General Barnes also cdvised the colonel that
his brigade was alone and then far out in advance of the army ;
that the orders for the advance to this position had not been
countermanded, and that at any moment he was liable to be
.attacked by overwhelming numbers ; that if orders were not
' 5oon received he would retire on his own responsibility.
When such orders were received the withdrawal must be made
directly to the rear, in silence and with extreme caution. The
pickets must be abandoned, unless an officer would volunteer
to communicate to them the instructions to withdraw. Captain
Donaldson hearing this remark promptly tendered his services.
As he was receiving the specific directions from General Barnes
how to proceed to execute his mission, a smgle cannon shot

— 179 —

p.isscd over, followed immediately by a tremendous and furious
shelling. The red streaks of fire from the fuses, the vivid flash
of the bursting shell, the hissing shriek of the flying missile
were startling in the gloomy darkness of the lonely timber. All
movements were at once suspended. There were no guns with
the advance and the punishment which continued several hours
was endured without reply. Without awaiting directions the
men set about to fell and slash the timber on their front, antici-
pating such active practice would be followed by an advance in
force.

Scipio Africanus again appeared. Wherever he was the
ludicrous was dominant. This time, though, he had not de-
signed to furnish his usual contribution. It was never his pur-
pose to seek a perilous place, but the fear of being forgotten
entirely had prompted him to stroll along, until he inadver-
tently fell upon the terrors then surrounding him. He was lost
completely and knowing neither his right, left, front, or rear,
plaintively appealed to the officer nearest at hand to be directed
to a place of safety, pitifully indicating his desire to be shown
the rear. Guided by the light of the flash from a bursting shell
the officer designated the general direction of the haven he
sought, and with all the speed his tremulous body could com-
mand Scipio dashed away towards it. He had disappeared but a
moment when a shell, passing over him, burst in the path he
was pursuing right in his front. In his wild excitement he had
no other conception than that what appeared before him must
have been discharged from something in front of him, and
turning suddenly back, with arms beating the air, eyes dis-
tended and hair, on end, a picture of fright beyond reco\'ery,
yelled in a wail of utter despair, — "Captain, dar is no rear!
captain, dar is no rear!" His familiar voice was heard above
the noise of battle, and shouts of laughter greeted his an-
nouncement. But he found his way out eventually and turned
up in a few days with his exuberant spirits still unimpaired.

Shortly after ten o'clock the cannonading gradually subsided
and Caotain Donaldson started on his niirtsion to withdraw the

— i8o —

pickets. He was soon lost to any idea of direction except as
he was guided by tl.e sounds coming from the enemy's lines.
He plainly heard the creaking of the wheels of the gun-carri-
ages as the batteries which had been in action were apparently
being withdrawn ; then the driving of stakes and cutting
wood in preparation of a rest for the night. The voices of the
enemy in conversation were distinguishable and then they sang
right merrily, to a banjo accompaniment, a ditty to the tune of
the " Other side of Jordan." This indicated that he was in
front of Louisianians. It ran thus, —

" The Louisiana boys air a coming,
Never mind the Yanks but get upon their flanks, —
And you'll send them to the other side of Jor — dan."

Followed by a shouting chorus of

"Ho! ho! ho! Ha! ha! ha!"

While noting the various sounds which had guided his
direction he still kept slowly and cautiously m motion, all the
while descending a sharp declivity. At its foot was a bog be-,
yond which evidently was the corresponding rise to the descent
which he had been following. Everything hidden in the im-
penetrable gloom, he judged this rise to be the enemy's line,
and concluded, but with no warrant except supposition, that it
was probably the eminence Sykes had taken and from which
he had so summarily withdrawn. Confronted by this obstruc-
tion so near the enemy and with nothing yet to indicate he
could accomplish his mission, he ventured in guarded tones to
call "Where is the picket line?" " Which picket line?" anxiously
responded a familiar voice. To assure himself he had not
mistaken it, the cautious exclamation, " Is that ycu, Crocker? "
brought the welcome " Yes," and pushing through the jungle
a {cvf feet they were together. Why he had come — it was
almost anticipated — was quickly told. The delicate man-
oeuvring necessary to assemble the detail without arousing

-- I8l

attention was slowly and successfully accomplished. They
were all assembled at the point desic^nated, and with their
march directed by the same
officer whohad borne the in- ■
structions reached the com- I
-■mand about two o'clock in [
the mornins:, still in the r
same position in which he '
had left it. The whole force
was then immediately re-
tired, and after a toilsome --
march, wearisome from the
many exciting clianges of
the day, bivouacked to- •
wards daylight somewhere !
on the road leading to
Banks's Ford. ^.^

All these vacillating and apparently mysterious movements,
with the knowledge of the further abandonment of the emi-
nence, the occupation of which the soldiers who knew of it still
felt assured was essential to success, had in no way restored
confidence.

The desultory operations of the previous day, indicating first
a disposition to attack, and again a desire to await assault,
ceased entirely the next morning, when it was quite apparent
that all purpose of assaulting the enemy had been wholly
abandoned, for at early dawn on the second the troops were set
to work to entrench. The earth-works, with a parapet some
three feet high, were substantially revetted and covered as far
as could be .seen, the distance of about a mile. Not completed
until the middle of the afternoon they were skilfully constructed
but poorly located. The disappointment at the evident intent
to receive instead of give battle was increased by observing the
unfortunate selection of the ground where it seemed to be the
purpose to receive it. The line was untenable. In front,
plainly in vie\".-, iiighcr ground commanded nearly all the dis-

— l82 —

tance directed to be fortified, and the work of construction was
prosecuted in a sullen, disapproving silence.

The day passed with occasional sounds of engagements else-
where about the lines, but, relieved from the noise of battle and
the excitement of rapid marching, the masterly inactivity was
a subject of comment. The timid, panicky operations of the
two previous days it was believed had encouraged the enemy
to assume the offensive, and their aggressive manoeuvres it was
thought would soon force the leaders to find the surest way for
a safe withdrawal if they were not already contemplating such
a movem.ent.

Towards the extreme right of the army, just before sunset,
there was considerable firing. At dark it had culminated in a
continuous roar, and, accompanied by the roll and thunder of
the artillery, indicated an active engagement. There were but
few moments of suspense. The human voice can be heard
above the sounds of battle. The piercing shriek of the unmis-
takable Confederate yells, without a corresponding retort of
Union cheers, told too plainly that the right had yielded.
Shortly, as the yells ceased entirely, the firing slackened
noticeably.

While the engagement was at its height, just as night closed
in completely, the division abandoned the position it had held
during the day and was rapidly moved towards the Chancellors-
ville House, where it was thrown into earthworks vacated the
moment before by other troops that had constructed them.
It was subsequently ascertained that the army was extending its
right to recover its lost lines. Then commenced a series of
unauthorized, demoralizing, and dispiriting tactics. Directions
were first passed along the line from man to man, to spread out
and cover more ground ; then by the same means of communi-
cation to turn the visor of the cap to the rear that the rays o(
the moon might not reilcct on it; then they were cautioned to
keep perfectly still ; then to lie down ; then to stand up and
come to a ready, and then to sit down. And so these and
various other like instructions, frcqucntl}' repeated and all

- 183 -

communicated from one to another in "whispering, quivering"
tone, continued until the men were so nervous and unstrung
that to estabHsh confidence many of the officers seized rifles
and followed literally all the movements with them.

The engagement on the right was over and the annoyance
had ceased, when, about nine o'clock, near the right of the
regiment, General Howard appeared, followed by a part of his
discomfited corps, who, as it was then learned, were the forces
which had so speedily crumbled at the first shock of Stonewall
Jackson's onslaught, over on the right, where the sounds of
battle had but recently died away. They moved along silently,
continuing to pass for over an hour. Their condition did not
indicate need of much repair, but they were evidently to be
placed, for the present at least, well out of the reach of danger.
An impressive silence followed. The insect world was hushed
and the night birds were voiceless. The breaking of a twig was
a volume of sound, and the faintest whisper startling. Gentle
breezes were whistling winds, and falling boughs the tread of
men. Soldiers heedless of sentiment viewed the quiet as omin-
ous, men insensible to fear looked upon the stillness as porten-
tous. The moon, then in the full, shone brightly, its glimmer
through the tree-tops occasionally fading as swiftly moving,
fleecy clouds covered its brilliant disk. The pale, changing
light and the death-like stillness made everj'thing seem unreal
and ghostly.

A slight flutter in the immediate front strung every nerve to
a still higher tension, and piercing glances sought, through the
uncertain shadows, to ascertain the cause. As the sound grew
to recognition, a voice cautioned the men to hold their fire, and
General Griffin, who was returning from an observation of the
ground his position commanded, passed through the line.
General Griffin, an officer of unquestioned skill and untiring
energ}-, beside the implicit confidence had the unbounded
respect of every soldier in his division. His presence was
assuring, and demonstrations were only restrained by the neces-
sity for perfect quiet.

— i84 —

Once more the awful silence reigned, soon disturbed again as
by the distant rumble of the coming of a mighty tempest. To
the experienced ear this indescribable whir and sigh as if the
distant winds were increasing their velocity had another mean-
ing. It was the hum and buzz and tramp of large bodies of
men in motion, the rattle and jostle of arms and equipments.
Nearer and nearer it approached, and louder and louder it
swelled and spread until the veriest t^TO could not mistake it.
Disciplined battalions were massing for assault, and then dis-
tinct and audible came the voice of command, its tone loud,
its volume ringing, as it rolled out the " Battalion " — " halt" —
" front " — " on the centre, dress," and then a pause, — " battal-
ion " — " right shoulder shift arms," and still another pause, fol-
lowed with increased vigor by the " forward " — " guide cen-
tre " — " march." Other operations elsewhere seemed to dis-
tract the enemy's attention. At once the stillness vanished, the
quiet disappeared. Off to the right and front, instantly every
rifle flashed, eveiy gun thundered and that portion of the Union
army was hotly engaged in the furies, terrors, and uncertainties
of a most determined night assault. Under such wicked gun-
nery and persistent musketry, intensified by the darkness, the
trees seemed to shiver, the earth to tremble and shake. It
brought every man to his feet and roused the men of the 6th
Corps, quietly sleeping miles away in their bivouac beyond
Fredericksburg. The memorable assault at Chancellorsville
on the night of the 2d of ^lay, 1863, is not confined in rec-
ollection to the troops who immediately took part in it.
Every participant in the great battle will ever vividly recall what
was then believed, except by the troops 'engaged at that particu-
lar point, to be a repulse of the enemy's assault, but which his-
tory shows to have been, as it has been aptly stj-Ied, " Sickles
fighting his way home again."

The moonlight battle subsided during the early morning
hours, and Sunday, the 3d, opened a clear bracing spring
day. Gossip dwelt on the details of the i ith Corps disaster,
as it was enhu-ged by exaggenition and the o[)portuae arri\'al

- i85 -

of the 1st Corps, and concluded with a venture of opinions
upon the general further contraction and concentration of tiie
lines.

The officers' supplies were completely exhausted and the
men's rations were thinned out to a few crackers and a scant
allowance of coffee. Some who had never before used tobacco
found it temporarily effective in satisfying the cravings of
appetite.

Lieutenant Batchelder, a man of strong nerves and unflinch-
ing courage, of exceptional firmness in time of peril, took the
opportunity of a iitrle quiet to communicate to one of his friends
that he had labored all night with a harrowing presentiment
that during the day he would certainly be killed. Given to no
superstition he had struggled to banish the phantom, but it
would not down, and he had thus sought relief in reluctantly
communicating his burdensome thoughts to another. Before
the campaign opened and frequently during its operation he had
been haunted with horrible dreams of frightful gaping wounds,
so shocking and repulsive as to be beyond the reach of surgical
skill or careful nursing. He would awake amid shrieks and
pains of death and wounds, and rest again only to have these
distressing scenes repeated. He would not be persuaded
that all this was the result of some local physical disturb-
ance, but insisted, with his usual deliberation, upon giving
directions as to the disposition of his worldly affairs, and that
the time and place of his fall should be delicately broken to his
family. It was suggested to him that if he did not e.xpose him-
self so needlessly and recklessly in the future as he had in the
past, the catastrophe he dreaded might be averted. Such caution
was useless. Nevertheless, he survived Chancellorsville and
other battles, and is still prosperous and diligent, as may be
incidentally disclosed hereafter.

At a ver^' early hour Sunda\' morning the brigade was with-
drawn from the line it Jiad previously held and moved to the
road leading to United States Ford. There it remained for
some time, l.altcd in order ot battle near General Svkes's com-

— i86 —

mand. Wicked fighting was waging fiercely in the front on
the left. The timber concealed the combatants, but the blue
smoke hanging over and lingering in the tree-tops indicated
the lines, and the frequent whir and zip of the balls told of their
close proximity'. There was no lull, no cessation : it was awful
punishment. The smoke increased to clouds : the sun, shining
brightly, was dimmed and darkened as if by an approaching
storm. The regiment, alone, was then moved on the line and
put to building breastworks, as subsequently shown not
for their own occupation, but for the accommodation of the
regular division. They set about their task manfully, regard-
less of hunger and the fatigue from the many sleepless nights.
This work completed, after a short interval of rest, about noon
the entire brigade was removed, on the road towards Chancel-
lorsville, to the extreme left of the White House. Approaching
this point the battle seemed to wax hotter, bursting shells
filled tlie air and the yells of the Confederates were incessant.

The Chancellorsville House itself was not in view. The
location was a piece of open, cleared land, so difficult to secure
in the neighborhood, which, by a flank to the left and rear, had
been entered by Griffin's and other batteries that were now
heavily engaged, while to the rear of the batteries, and just
within the timber, was located the general and field-hospital.
The conflict had approached the hospital uncomfortably close.
The troops, still hotly at work on the outer lines, were resisting
assaults preparator}' to retiring to the interior ones then in the
course of preparation, and gradually the hospital had been
drawn within range. The heavy and increasing casualties had
crowded its grounds beyond their capacity ; the medical force
was entirely inadequate to the exacting duties thus imposed
upon it. Several of the surgeons and attendants had been
killed and wounded, and the panicky sensation following opera-
tions and attention under fire had materially interfered with a
prompt and ready service. There was no discrimination and
the shells tore through these grounds relentlessly. To the
miseries and sufferings already at hand wore added others, and

- i87 -

some of the wounded, as they lay helplessly about, were either
more frightfully mangled or killed.

As a result of the concentration the Chancellorsville House
eventually fell into the possession of the enemy. But before
it was completely theirs the flames had done their work effec-
tually and the building was a blackened ruin.

The attack of the Confederates was so fierce and persistent
that General iMeade ordered General Griffin to put in his divi-
sion. He asked permission to use the artiller\' then concen-
trating in the vicinity, saying: " I'll make them think hell isn't
half a mile off" Permission being granted, he ordered the
gunners to double-shot their pieces, let the enemy approach to
within fifty yards, " and then roll them along the ground like
this," stooping in imitation of a bowler.

The immediate duty of the command was the support of the
batteries thus engaged. The enemy's firing was terrible and
practice accurate. No other phrase will fairly meet it, except
that there was a rain of shell and solid shot. The men stood
it handsomely ; few availed themselves of the privilege of ly-
ing prone ; the majority assumed a crouching posture with head
erect, eyes strained and musket upright as if for instant service.
An officer of a regiment in the brigade, l\'ing upon his back
reading a newspaper, was struck in the stomach and instantly
killed. The artillery continued to arrive, either to go imme-
diately into batter\' or remain parked in the vicinity. But
gradually the fire slackened to desultory discharges.

Batchelder had forgotten his morbid sensitiveness, and, deaf
to suggestions, was again recklessly exposing himself An
abandoned limber-chest seemed to be a point of attraction, and.
heedless of all danger, he had selected it as a suitable place of
observation. He stood upon it, conspicuous, closely observing
with a pair of fic'd-glasses, drawing the enemy's fire directly to
him, but so elated with the splendid view it ga\-e him of the
battle that he declined to retire at the earnest solicitation of
those around him, and remained until Colonel Prevost peremp-
toril}' ordered him to return to his post. It was a reluctant

— i88 —

obedience. He withdrew, grumbling that it was shameful to
deprive a man of such an opportunity, as he probably wouldn't
have another such chance in a lifetime.

There were other points of observation equally available and
less exposed. These were resorted to by several of the curi-
ously inclined. At an angle in the breastworks lately con-
structed stood the White House before referred to, the property
of one Burns. In front and to the left of this house there was
excellent opportunity for a view of the activ^e combat. The
few points in this thickly-wooded region to designate localit>'
has brought this unpretentious dwelling into distinguished
prominence. In its rear a large tent had been pitched for the
use of army head-quarters. The flaps open, its occupants and
their doings were plainly in view. General Hooker, in reclin-
ing posture, still suffering from the blow he received from a
falling pillar of the Chanceilorsville House, was surrounded by
a number of general and staff-officers. The libations, in view of
the character of the surroundings, were quite imposing, and the
beverage luxuriant and expensive. The light wines of France
were apparently the exclusive tipple. The many abandoned
bottles, the broken and empty baskets, the frequent and sug-
gestive popping of champagne corks indicated a free and
liberal allowance of this intoxicant, just then so exclusively
confined to army head-quarters. An impertinent fellow, en-
viously overlooking the scene, observing General Hooker as
the only one of the party not upon his feet, inquired the cause.
A volunteer reply was made by an officer near by to the effect
that he had been shot. " Shot in the neck," quickly responded
the inquirer. Fearing the consequence of his levitj' he quickly
hid himself in the crowd, but not before the restrained smile
with which his response was received assured him in his belief
that he had not sJiot ven,' far from the mark.

■ There were other scenes about these head-quarters interest-
ing, startling, significant. Officers were coming and going in
hot, important haste, some with reports, others with tlirections.
Guns hurried to position vrere crashing to tlieir places and

— i89 —

quickly unlimbering. Hundreds of men without organization
were passing to the rear. Riderless horses, many of them
badly wounded, wandered helplessly about. One with the
blood spouting from a wound in the chest was galloping aim-
lessly in every direction, with pleading, suppliant look as if for
some intelligent direction where to go and what to do. A
mounted officer, observing his hopeless condition, fired two
pistol shots to relieve his sufferings, and then rode rapidly
away as if he did not care to see the dying agonies. But
his shots were ineftectual ; the poor beast struggled again
and again to regain his feet, and then was forgotten amid other
quickly accumulating, harrowing scenes. The battle still raged
fiercely, each determined onslaught being each time heroically
resisted.

Active participants see but little of the battle. To those
who chose to take the risk of observation from the position in
front of the White House about this time it was a rare and
thrilling sight. The open ground in front covered about one
hundred and fifty yards, dipped slightly in the centre and
terminated in a sparsely-wooded crest.

In the timber on the crest was a Union line of battle, hold-
ing its regular formation, firing and loading with deliberation
and slowly retiring. Be\'ond. waving battle-flags, butternut
uniforms, gleaming muskets were gradually advancing. Tiiey
were firing as they moved forward, their ramrods flashing in
the sun as they executed the motion of draw and return
rammer and ram cartridge. On they came, undeterred by the
close and terrible fire punisliing them. The Union line stood
the shock commendably. Then came the desperate moment
of impact; the mingling of the blue and gra\' ; the exchange
of bayonet-thrusts and shouts of defiance, cheers and yells of
victor}', shrieks and groans, and, in a confused and shapeless
mass, friend and foe broke madly for the guns — the one for tlieir
capture, the other for protection. The peculiar, piercing \'ells
of the rebels seemed for a moment to drown all other sounds.
But before ail the Union line had found the f;iendl\- .shelter of

IQO

their cannon the guns belched forth their death-deaHng can-
ister; the enemy's yells of delight were changed to wails of
disappointment; his impetuous advance was broken; his lines,
confused beyond recover}- after leaving the timber, disappcarcfi
entirely, and of those who did leave the timber few ever returned.
Most of them found death and wounds on the open ground
which the determined impetuosity of their onslaught and their
conspicuous daring had prompted them to enter. This attack
fell upon Tyler's brigade of Humphrey's division, sent tempora-
rily to reinforce French, of the 2d Corps. After an hour's
desperate and gallant fighting their ammunition was nearly
exhausted, and they were struck as they were about to execute
the order to retire.

One poor fellow fell under the fire of our guns just as he had
reached them. After the affair an attempt was made to dis-
cover his identity. In the confusion he had become separated
from his comrades, and there was neither name, mark nor sign
about him to indicate who he was or where he belonged. He
was buried where he fell, another of the rapidly-increasing
patriot army of the unknown dead.

It was nearly two o'clock when the Chancellorsville House
was abandoned, but the tremendous artillery firing and des-
perate, hard fighting all day checked the enemy's ad\'ancc all
along the lines. Flames and fire were added to the other
terrors. The woods had caught from the artillery and the
wounded and dying in their midst were be\-ond the hoi)e of
rescue. This was a truce of itself, and apparently by general
consent there was a lull in the hostilities as the exterior lines
gradually melted away behind the troops holding the interior
lines.

Before the engagement in front had wholly ceased uproarious,
lusty shouts and cheers attracted attention towards the left.
As the cheering grew nearer there appeared a crowd of men
dragging several pieces of cannon ; one had the muzzle bh>wn
away and all looked as if they had seen rough usage. They
were a battery of guns abandoned by our iorccs, which !iad

— 191 —

just been brought in amidst a galling fire under the direction
of a gallant officer of the Ii6th Pennsylvania, and General
Hancock had ordered them dragged along the lines by their
captors as an evidence of special gallantry and an incen-
;■* tive to other acts of heroism. The whole line joined heartily
in the shouts of welcome to the men who had thus so notably
distinguished themselves.

Towards the middle of the afternoon the regiment was tem-
porarily withdrawn a short distance for an opportunity to pre-
pare coffee. It was rather tantalizing; the diminished supply
made the opportunity available only to those who had more
carefully husbanded their stores, while the others who could
neither borrow nor beg nibbled at crackers and strolled about
in the few moments of leisure and offered their services and
attentions to the wounded. One strong, powerful fellow with
his foot badly shattered had just been placed upon the tempo-
rar\' table. He fought stoutly against the operation, and at
first forcibly resisted an effort to chloroform him, but persuaded
it was for examination only, gradually yielded his conscious-
ness to its soothing effects. The knife was applied by Dr.
Joseph Thomas, our regimental surgeon, whose skill in opera-
tive surgery was alwaj's recognized by his detail in battle to the
general field-hospital. The flaps were made; the bone severed;
the arteries adjusted with prompt and skillul precision, and,
recovering consciousness, tiie patient, as he was removed to
the ambulance, joyfully remarked that he was verv glad the
examination had resulted in the conclusion that amputation
would not be necessary. The poor fellow had not yet realized
his loss, and, knowing nothing of what had transpired while he
remained insensible, still labored under the pleasing deception.

Great enthusiasm prevailed during the afternoon on the re-
ception of the news of the capture by General Sedgwick of the
formidable works at Mar}'e's Heights and his successful move-
ment out the plank-road toward the main army. The subse-
quent disaster that attended his operations, although it had
aircad)- happened, was not yet known.

— 192 —

The command was soon returned to the lines at the White or
Burns' House and set about strengthening the earthworks,
which had been but illy-constructed affliirs from the beginning.
The bodies of the dead horses in the neighborhood were put to
practical uses for the elevation. With earth heaped and well
packed around them they answered the purpose of solid works
of earth and saved much labor in digging.

Thus closed this eventful and exciting Sunday, a day fated
with disaster, but big with valorous deeds and heroic sacrifices.
The same lines taken up by the brigade on the 3d continued to
be held by it during all of that and the succeeding days while
the army remained in position facing the enemy. It was the
general impression that hard fighting was about over and the
night's rest was most refreshing.

The 4th dawned with every indication of the continued
uninterrupted clear weather. Crocker, who had pitched his
shelter-tent, rose grumpy and discomfited. The ground his
canvas covered, uneven and yielding, had afforded him no spot
where his body could be brought to anything like a comfortable
position. Making search for the cause with the earliest break
of day, he discovered he had spread his canvas in the darkness
over a new and hastily-made grave. The obstructions he had
been tugging at to remove during the night were the exposed
nose and fingers of its partially-covered occupant, and the soft,
yielding body was the cause of his couch's spongy uneasiness.
Crocker shook, spit and coughed a little, but his momentary
discomfiture soon gave way before his usual buoyanc}-.

The picket-line held the edge of the timber that bounded the
open space in front of the woods. The enemy's sharpshooters
back in the woods, hidden from view in the tree-tops, had
secured a ver\- accurate range of the troops occupying the
breastworks, and with the earliest dawn they began their prac-
tice. ExDOSure was useless and the men were enjoined to
seek the cover of the works. Any one standing or on horse-
back was an excellent mark and inmicdiatcly drew the fire.

Homer Lancaster, of Compimy B, was lying on the ground

A '■■;!■

1

^4!

■■■^Ji•,■

Si

1 i/ ,t;

>^f:

MAP OF VICINITY Of CHANCELLOKSVILLE, SHOWING POSIilOX OF 118th.

;-iej& -■--l%.■

'■^:^j^'^r-'k /c. -.:- i.S. A ■"•*#'■ ^ •' 'flS- '.wx- ■ '

, .^>,_^_iatSr^??«5ftSak .. '^^

"thf.v will nlvek fight Ar.AIX."

— 193 —

asleep, face downwards, with his knapsack and rolled blanket
on his back. A bullet from the sharpshooter went through his
blanket and wounded him in the neck, but not severely. Lieu-
tenant Thomas, struck in the shoulder, was felled to the ground,
but the ball had nearly spent its force and did no injur}'. It
was picked up and found to be of the elongated pattern, the
ammunition used by Berdan's sharpshooters. The enemy
were either supplied with the terrible globe-sighted weapons
of that or similar make, or had been fortunate in the capture of
some.

About two o'clock General Whipple, whose division of the
3d Corps lay in the vicinity, while inspecting the lines in his-
neighborhood, appeared leisurely walking his horse in rear of
the works. Unfamihar with the surroundings, recognized as a
general officer, he was politely cautioned that liis exposure
brought him in imminent peril, as the enemy had complete
range of every living object they could get their eyes upon.
Indeed this was scarcely necessar)', for he was almost imme-
diately opened on, but, heedless of the caution and regardless
of the firing, he continued his movement without accelerating"
his pace until he had reached the right of the regiment. There
he deliberately halted, faced to the front and sat intently gazing
in the direction of the other side. In a moment the dust was
seen to fly from his clothing and he fell headlong to the ground
Hurrying to his assistance it was found the ball had entered
through the stomach and passed out at the small of the back.
He must have instantly known his wound was mortal. Al-
though conscious he betrayed neither emotion nor anxiety,,
and without speech or moan seemed to stolidly accept his fate
with true and determined heroism. Stretcher-bearers bore him-
to the cover of the timber in the rear, and apparently he died
from hemorrhage while the surgeons were examining the
wound; but he subsequently rallied and survived until his re-
moval to Washington.

There were other less distinguished sufferers from the bullets
of the Confederate sharpshooters, and one of them was Fercr
13

— 194 —

Haggerty. Peter's head was so large, or the army caps were
so small, that he could never get one to fit him, and the unfit- |

ness- of things was still more clearly exhibited by his persistent
habit of wearing the peak of his cap at the back of his head.
The summit of Peter's person was filled with recklessness and
he' did not know what fear was, because he had no real knowl-
edge of what there was to fear. An hour or so before General
Whipple was shot Haggert>' was standing on a stump, shaking
his fist towards the rebel lines and doing about every other
foolish thing he could think of Cautioned to get down and
keep out of harm's way, he cried out: "Ah! there's no rebel
bullet made" that'll touch me." A few seconds after there came
from him a howl that, for volume and intensity, was sufficient
mourning for all his ancestors from the days of Brian Boroihme .
down, and the descendant of the Haggert}.'s was dancing and
limping round as if he had been the recipient of the attentions
of a circle of mules. He had been hit in the leg by a spent
ball. Farewell, Haggerty. His head was never seen in the
regiment again.

As it was about time this particular sharpshooter should be
silenced, a lieutenant belonging to Berdan's sharpshooters passed
through the regiment, and the skirmishers beyond, and felt
his way through the woods towards the spot whence came the
annoying fire. He found him up a tree. He left him on the
ground. A rifle, a fox-skin cap, 31,600 in Confederate mone\'
and $100 in greenbacks the lieutenant brought back with hiin.

Except the booming of cannon in the direction of Sedg-
\vick's force and the uninterrupted vigilance of the sharp-
shooters, there was nothing of stirring moment until about four
o'clock in the afternoon, when the 2d and 3d Brigades of the
division began preparations for an advance.

At five o'clock they moved out, and the 1st Brigade, extend-
ing its intervals, covered their ground and its own. They were
a shapely body; their colors fluttered defiantly, muskets glis-
tened brightly, and elbows touched lightly. Preserving their
alignments with precision, with a ringing cheer they covered

— 195 —

the intervening open space at the double-quick, and were soon
lost in the timber beyond. Their disappearance was almost
instantly followed by startling \-olleys of musketr}-, and then
again by their reappearance. The warm reception showed a
determined occupation, and their purpose accomplished, they
were at once returned to the line and the 1st Brigade resumed
its proper position.

Active hostilities were continued in the direction of Fred-
ericksburg. The artiller}.' firing increased in volume, and did
not subside entirely until some time after dark. Alarms on the
picket line occasionally disturbed the night, another day closed
' and the vexed question as to who would maintain control of
the situation was still an open one. Great battles are said to
conclude with violent storms. So far the inference had failed,
and the 5th opened with the usual bright inspiring sunlight.

Shortly after dawn the desultory picket firing assumed a
scolding tone, and continuing for some time a persistent
advance broke the picket line in front of the ist Michifjan,
and the pickets fell back to the main line. The enemy pursued,
advancing be}'ond the cover of the timber. He was permitted
to enjoy his temporary advantage until the field was cleared of
the retiring pickets, when several well-directed rounds of can-
ister sent him quickly to his cover again.

It was necessary to speedily restore the broken lines, and the
duty devolved upon details from the 1st Brigade, one hundred
and sixty of whom,'with a proper complement of officers, were
allotted from the iiSth. Captain Donaldson was assigned to
the command of the entire brigade line ; Lieutenants Batchel-
der and Thomas were also detailed from the regiment, and Cap-
tain O'Neill, at his own request, was permitted to accompany
the detachment as a volunteer.

O'Neill was a quaint character. He was the ranking captain
of the regiment, but on this occasion, craving some excitement,
freely yielded his grade, for, as he oddly expressed it, he " was
divelish tired of marking time behind the breastworks." He
reported with overcoat, haversack, and shelter tent, equipped

l.r;' vj n.j ;

\:j VI

bill.

' ' ' K .' i

» . . -^ 196 —

for a length}- march. When his attention was called to the fact
that his tour of duty would probably be short, and he would
likely soon return to his place in the line again, he persistently
declined to relieve himself of his burden, remarking, in defence
of his position, " There is nothing like always being in chune"
(tune). Translated, he meant that it was better to be prepared
for an emergency. He was selected for the prominent place of
senior captain, as he had seen sen'ice with the British Indian
contingent, and delighted to condemn all American arm}- usages
which he could not be made to understand, by the sweeping
denunciation that " that was not the way they did it in Injee,
when he served with her Majesty's 39th foot." What his
Indian service was was never fully understood, nor did he
vouchsafe to boast that his regiment, besides bearing upon its
banners the evidence oi' its achievements in the Peninsular
campaign, bore upon them also the still prouder distinction
"Priuius in Indus," for its eminent services with Lord Clive at
Plassey. His quaintness, his oddity, his national mannerisins,
his brogue and his many mistakes, which he had a happy way
of gilding, ever supposing they had passed unnoticed or been
forgotten, had secured him the sobriquet of " Owld Teddy."
Yet with all his want of knowledge of militar}' manoeuvres,
his intuitive Irish humor, his natural hard honest sense, his
fierce bravery, his unsparing bitterness against the encni}-, and
his intense desire for fight had caused him to be much
respected. It was this disposition not to miss a fight, so com-
mon to Irishmen, that doubtless prompted his volunteer service
on this occasion.

General Griffin personally supervised the movement. His in-
structions were, that in ca.se of a failure to reach the timber, the
pickets should form in the depression about half way across
the open space, that the artillery might fire over them, to aid
their further progress. Tlie signal for the advance was to be
the dropping of a red flag in one of the batteries. The deploy-
ment was made in rear of the works with shortened intervals.
and the men were personally cautioned as to tb.eir duties

'■i— -

'J ! ^

— 197

and responsibilities. Tliey seemed to be in special humor for
their task, and determined that nothing should stay their
advance before they reached the timber. They felt that that
once gained, their dislodgement would be difficult. O'Neill
was assigned to the right, Batchelder to the left. At a con-
certed signal the flag was dropped, and responsive to the
" double-quick, charge," given by Captain Donaldson and vo-
ciferously repeated all along the line, the men at once rushed
from_ their conceal-
ment and gallantly
breasted the storm
of bullets that met
them as they passed
out inthe open plain.
Encouraging shouts
and cheers from the
'brigade greeted the
movement, and
nerved the men to
an accomplishment
of their purpose.
Batchelder, who, as
always, was per-
sonally in front of
his line, with sword
slashing the air, and -"^^^

shouting loudly, kept

his Icft^ continually captain f. a. Donaldson.

in the advance. But the centre and right, not to be out-
done, were promptly up, and the whole line, without hesitat-
ing at the tempting cover the depression invited; and facing
the blaze of musketry that flashed from the timber, had soon
pressed the enemy's fire from its edge, and were in full occu-
pancy of the abandoned line. O'Neill and Ijatchelder, regard-
less of their instructions, in the excitement of the venture, thus
far so succeb.srul, were .still urqini: tlieir men forward. Their

— 198 —

loud vociferations were necessarily restrained. Batchelder
quickly subsided, but O'Neill, in anger or excitement, contin-
ually bearing in mind a man in his company, Tom Scout, whom
he especially disliked, incensed at the restraint, continued to
shout, " Out, Scout, bad luck to yez, why do yees stand mark-
'ing time? Go forward, every one of yees."

When these officers had been quieted and the point effectu-
ally secured for the establishment of the line, as is not unusual
with the best of men there was some competition for trees.
Choice ones of large circumference had been each seized by
three or four. As the man in front of the group was the only
one who could use his rifle, the others were reluctantly forced
to seek other cover or take the risk of open exposure. All,
however, stood their ground and maintained their fire, and the
enemy, who had it all their own way while the troops were
crossing the plain without firing, were compelled also to find
protection and shoot onl}' as opportunity offered. Lieutenant
Thomas, meanwhile, had been sent to report the successful
occupation, and, returning with entrenching tools, individual
rifle pits were constructed for an extended stay. Shortly after
their completion the enemy fell back and their fire slackened,
and an occasional slouch hat bobbing up and down among the
bushes was all tliat could be seen of them.

Thomas, an eminently brave and excellent officer, fond of his
creature comforts, always secured the best advantages attainable
for their satisfaction. Opportunity for rest, entertainment or
reflection, if not interfering with his duties, he habitually man-
aged to enjoy, if at all within reach. Dangers or exposure in
no way interfered. He managed to have constructed for him-
self a more commodious jjit than the others, and, quietl)-
ensconcing himself under its protection, selected a I/'rrvv/r
Magazine from among other literature of a like character that
had been abandoned b}' some of the previous occupants of the
locality, and was soon lost to the surroun^lings absorbed in an
entertaining story.

Aleanwhile, O'Neill had again been heard from. As his

— 199 —

activity had been restrained in checking his advance, he was
determined not to be entirely inactive, and had opened an
unauthorized communication with the enemy, looking to a
temporar)' cessation of hostihties. He conducted his truce
with some degree of diplomatic skill. Intimating by signs he
desired to hold a parley, his invitation was accepted, and the
officer of the Confederate pickets met him at a log about half
way between the lines, which they had both indicated as the
point for the conference. There they seated themselves, and
proceeded with deliberation to discuss the purpose of their
mission. O'Neill cautiously parried all attempts to ascertain
his name or his command, and the strength and position of our
forces. Save that his badge showed he belonged to the 5th
Corps, and the number in his cap that he was of some llSth
Regiment, nothing was disclosed. They freely interchanged
views on the subject of picket firing after troops had occupied
the same position upwards of twenty-four hours, in, as O'Neill
expressed it, " a bit of a talk." The Confederate officer was
firm in his convictions that, under ordinary circumstances, it
was a useless exposure and a waste of ammunition. O'Neill
agreed with him and, although not in command, assumed to
act for his commanding officer. They parted with the under-
standing that the firing should cease, and that timeh' notice
should be gi\'en if either side was ordered to open again ; or if
cither should be relieved, and the troops relieving them should
not agree to continue the truce. O'Neill's agreement \\"a5
tacitly accepted, and the understanding was faithfully carried
out until that detachment was relie\'e(l.

The firing was still maintained acti\el\- on the immediate left.
Some of the bullets after passing beyond the line exploded. Such
cartridges, unknown to our use. had usuallv been considered
the English explosi\-e ammunition, imported througli blockade-
runner-^. About eleven o'clock a small party appeared in that
direction, accompanied by a mounted officer bearing a flag of
truce. The\' passed through the Ifn--. nnd as the fire gradually
slackened and fiualK- ceased a:LOL'"::tr.'jr, ii indicated that the

— 200 —

flag had been respected. Its purpose was said to be the
recovery- of the body of Major Chandler, of the 114th Penn-
sylvania. As it did not return within the reach of observation,
it was not ascertained whether the mission was successful.

The firing in the timber had somewhat subsided. It was at
a distance from this locahty. The unburied dead, thickly
strewn everywhere, indicated the vicinit}- had been the scene
of some most serious fighting. The Confederate dead predom-
inated, their scanty clothing and poor equipments in marked
contrast with the more substantial and better appointments of
the Union men. A notable peculiarity was the unaccountable
difference in "the positions of the bodies of the Union and the
Confederate dead. The former were all upon their sides or
faces, with their knees draw n up, while the latter were all flat
upon their backs, their legs spread out, and their hands
clinched convulsively, mostly grasping a twig or bough.
Sev^eral attempts were made to account for this noticeable
difference, but none seemed satisfactory. From the Union
dead all the haversacks had been removed. It was evident,
short as his supplies had run, the scant)- portion remaining was
some relief to his more famished adversary.

The rations had not been replenished, and, though the old
supply was now entirely gone, other comforts were measurably
increased. The many blankets scattered about the field were
gathered, and fifteen or tw ent}- appropriated to each pit. Such
an agreeable couch was most unusual.

'The quiet afforded opportunity to ascertain the losses.
Quite a number from the regiment were wounded in the ad-
vance across the plain, and several had been hit on the line but
refused to leave their post.

The prediction of the battle storm was verified before the
day closed. About two o'clock dense clouds suddenh' appeared
:n every direction, followed immediately by sweeping torrents
of rain. It v/as not a shower, but a storm of strength and
force, meant to discharge all the accumulations that had been
gathering unseen for the sever.il previous day<. The pits soon

— 20I —

filled with water and were untenable, and everj'thing but ammu-
nition soaking wet.

The lowering clouds brought on darkness early, and with it
came an intimation trom the enemy that they were about to be
relieved by Mississippians. Not conversant with the notions of
the relief on the subject of picket firing, they suggested the
propriety of seeking cover and watching sharply. The temper-
ature had fallen, the mud had deepened, and the pits, with
water still rising, were almost overflowed. Mindful of the
terms of the truce, the men set about bailing their dug-outs,
and sought the cover their damp and muddy walls afforded.
The warning had come none too soon, as the relief, with no
disposition to test the temper o{ their adversaries, immediately
opened an angr\' skirmish fire. Besides, they were a wicked.
designing crew, continually through the night conceiving pro-
jects to harass. The one generally practiced was to cau-
tiously creep close to the works, then suddenly rise, flash a
lantern, fire a shot and disappear. This manoeuvre resulted in
several disabling wounds. These active hostilities permitted
no interval for bailing out, and the pits were again soon waist-
deep. It was one satisfaction to know the enemj- were equally
uncomfortable, and another to feel that the punishment they
were inflicting was being vigorously applied to them.

But O'Neill must not be forgotten. Just as the storm began
he had conspicuously pitched his shelter-tent in full view of the
enemy. Plentifully supplied with blankets, protected from the
stofm, he was hugely enjoying his comforts, whiling away the
time with a newspaper. Meanwhile, with the darkness, the
firing was resumed, but not to O'Neill's discomfort. He
had come provided with all appliances for a lengthy stay, and
audaciously proceeded to light up his den and adjust his candle
to continue his reading. His form was plainly visible under
the can\-as, and there he la}- pursuing his readings, utterly heed-
less of the many bullets that fell about the lighted target he so
conspicuously displayed. Once only did he seem disturbed, as
he rose, mumbling imprecations, to stop with a newspaper a

202

bullet hole throuc;h which rain was dripping, much to his
annoyance. To repeated directions to extinguish his light he
returned the answer that he " didn't care a divil for the firing,
as he would as soon be shot as drowned entirely." As his
candle was noticed to be flickering in its socket, he was per-
mitted to retain it until it was wholly extinguished. He never
afterwards explained how the light in any way aided the canvas
in affording protection from the storm, and why he would not
have been just as lilccly to be preserved from drowning if he
had depended wholly upon it and abandoned his candle. So
it was generally believed that, without directly asserting it, he
meant to use some of his own aphorisms that would convey to
him, if it did not to others, the indifference with which he
usually accepted the presence of danger.

The rain had so covered the open field between the pickets
and the main line as to throw over it uncertain reflections, and
induce a belief that objects, real or imaginarj', were occasionally
moving across it. About one o'clock one of these objects
assumed sufficient reality to prompt a challenge from Captain
Donaldson. The repK', " a friend," followed by the click of a
pistol trigger, removed all doubts and the soldierly form of
Major Herring, whose voice had been recognized, loomed up
through the darkness. Assured that he was among friends, he
approached and made known the obiect of his visit. The storm
had dispelled any idea of further operations, if there had been
any, and all wheels excepting a few batteries had, during the
afternoon, been sent to the other side of the river. The works
had been rendered untenable b_\' the openings necessary to dis-
charge the water. The army had commenced to withdraw at dark,
and the movement thus far had progressed successfully. He
had been assigned to command the rear guard, witli instructions
to bring off the pickets, or abandon them as the necessity or
(Opportunities demanded. Colonel Ha\-s, with the iSth Massa-
chusetts, who, at his own request, had been detailed to support
the pickets if their withdrawal was found pi-acticah!o, was just
then in line of b.ittle between ihe nicket line and the works.

— 203 —

Major Herring had been floundering about in the darkness,
vainly searching for the pickets for an hour or more, and was
utterly lost and bewildered when he came upon the iSth Massa-
chusetts, bound upon the same search. He at first believed he
had fallen upon a body of the enemy, and approached with some
degree of caution, but, discovering ultimately the organization
and its purpose, he induced Colonel Hays to remain outside the
works and await his return from a further search.

The withdrawal of the pickets, if it could be accomplished,
was to take place without delay, and when Major Herring
returned to the breastworks there were still some two hours of
darkness left. He gave instructions to assemble the pickets at
an early opportunity and retire to the breastworks, as the first
rallying point, and there await the earliest indications of day for
such instructions or action as the occasion might require. By
three o'clock they were all assembled, and had moved stealthily
over the plain without arousing the enemy's suspicions, and
were within the works awaiting daybreak. There was much
difficulty in arousing the men. In this private John L. .Smith,
of Company K, an active, energetic soldier, materially aided the
officers. The men who were not on post had become numbed
. and chilled, and had dropped off in the deepest slumbers. One
poor fellow, even with Smith's energies, would not stir, and had
to be abandoned. Noticing the withdrawal, the iSth Massa-
chusetts also moved inside of the \\-orks and held itself in
readiness for support.

At daybreak the enemy moved out in pursuit. Their skir-
mishers were twice the front that was obtainable with safe inter-
vals by our detail, and our line was Nvithdrawn some half a mile to
again await their advance. A road improvised for arm}- pur-
poses was the only pathway- through the woods. The mud was
knee-deep, and the rain still poured incessantly. A number of
caissons and battery wagons mired to the axle had been a'oan-
doned. Another day's delay might have materially interfered
with a successful withdrawal.

The cn'.,my again appeared, this time mv.'re vigorously. An

— 204 —

active encounter ensued, and their onslaught was repulsed.
Batchelder pressed his advantage handsomely on the left, and
pushed them back some distance. Major Herring, who retained
command of the rear guard during the entire withdrawal, had
now succeeded in securing a fresh detail from the brigade, to
relieve some of the famished and exhausted men who had served
so continuously and faithfully. They were sent to reinforce
Batchelder, who was instructed to extend his left and keep it
well refused. This movement seemed to attract some atten-
tion, as it was followed by a stiff and persistent attack on the
centre. It produced a momentary panicy sensation, but confi-
dence was immediately regained and the line promptly restored.
Colonel Hays treated it in an unwarrantably boisterous manner,
drew his pistol and berated the men with language they illy
deserved. His attention was called to the restored condition
of things, he subsided to his accustomed affability, and leaving
a portion of his own men as reinforcements returned to his
immediate command.

This skirmish had subsided when a captain of the regular
brigade, under instructions from General Ayres. appeared upon
the scene, and deploying his detachment attempted to assume
entire control. His conduct was sternly protested against by
Captain Donaldson, and he was informed that the troops he
was attempting to relieve were covering the rear of the army,
by direction of General Barnes, commanding the ist Brigade
of the 1st Division, 5th Corps, and placed there by his orders,
and would' only be relieved by them or those of his superior,
and that General Ajres was not recognized as such superior.
After much parley and palaver and reference of the question
to General Griffin, who decided the regular had no business
there, he finally withdrew. As it subsequently appeared, al-
though no one seemed to know it just at that time. General
Ayres had been detailed as the general officer of the pickets,
with special instructions to cover the withdrawal of the army,
and his authority was, of course, supreme.

The pickets continued to fill back slowly, fighting ail the

— 205 —

way and halting at times to let everything get over the bridges,
until they reached the edge of the timber which overlooked
United States Ford. From there to the river the land was
cleared and sloped gradually to the ford. The left bank was
lined with artillery in battery. The enemy again began to
press actively, when, obedient to command, the skirmishers fell
back at double-quick to the foot of the slope, where, assembling
on the centre, they were out of the range of the guns, which
instantly swept the forests with rattling discharges, continuing
the practice until the pickets were all over and the bridges
removed. Their removal, in which the picket detachment
assisted, began about nine o'clock, and, amid the pour of rain
and roar "of guns, was soon successfully accomplished.*

This whole affair, conducted with skill, tact and courage,
received the personal commendation of the regimental, brigade
and division commanders, the latter of whom mentioned that
in announcing it in general orders, as he intended to do, he
would make special mention of the commanding officer.

Other detachments from the brigade reported, and all set
about the laborious work of loading the pontoons. It was
nearly night when the work was finished, and the march com-
menced back to the old camping-ground, most of the army
having reached their winter encampment during the day.

The artiller\' and caissons had ploughed the road into a con-
dition that made the marching of the men more like the work-
ing of a tread-mill than anything else. Here and there tlic
road passed over clay land. These spots had been made pools
of pqddled clay, but their smooth surfaces looked, in the dark-
ness, like stretches o^ sand. William Gabe, of Company K.
taking one of them for solid ground, was disappointed, and
tumbled in. He was fished out after one-half of his body was
submerged. Daylight, next morning, showed him to be half

* The Compte de Paris says in his work, "The History of the Civil W.-ir in
America," Vol. III., p. 113 : " It (5th Corp>) cros>ed over the two biidges, leav-
ing the post of lioiior — which was the rear guard of the whole army — to the regu-

l.ir infantry." '1 Ik: text flatly C".ntradict- tliij stntenien;, an>l the text is nght.

— 206 —

blue and half yellow — a sort of harlequin uniform, hiiiicrto
unknown in the army.

Passing Hartwood Church, sorely tempted by tlic tamiliar
aurroundings and the prospect of a substantial mcji, s( veral
officers quietly dropped out. After a free indulgence i:i coftee,
corn-bread, ham and hominy, they sought the fanner's wood-
shed, just for a little further rest. They had no notion of
remaining but a moment, but weary and jaded th:-}' .soon
forgot themselves in sleep, and knew nothing of the;.- Avhere-
abouts until the breaking day aroused them to the reality of
their situation, and they hurriedly resumed their journey.
They had progressed but a k\v miles when their tijiiup was
suddenly interrupted by the approach of a general offuer and
his staff. The general officer proved to be General Wadsworth,
who angrily inquired what spirit of demoralization was prevalent
in the 5th Corps which would permit a half dozen offlci;rs to be
straggling some five or ten miles from their comiiiand. He
demanded to know their names and organizations. One of
the number, quick at manufactured and ready response--, icplied
that they belonged to Colonel Johnson's 25th New "\'ork-, and
gave, as the reason for straggling, that the colonel had led off
on the return march at such a rapid rate that it was impossible
to keep up with him, and that weary and v/orn they liarl reluct-
antly fallen out, and were now making haste to rejoin tiieir com-
mand. Fictitious names were furnished the general, who left
with the remark that he would take pains to ha\'o General
Griffin informed of the utter lack of discipline existing in his
25th New York Regiment. Whether Colonel Johnson ever
heard o'f the affair was never ascertained ; probably not. as the
party, who themselves kept the matter concealed, never heard
that he did. The 25th New York, too, had been piuposely
selected, as it was a two-years regiment, v\ith its term about
expiring, which made it less likely that the occurrence, with
troops so soon to leave the service, would ever be seriously
inquired into.

The half-dozen officers were not all who fell out by tlie ^\•ay.

— 207

"^^^•^'Mm i

'*Si

*^^'V

- -5

4

.iAUii^Ui^MirJ'i&i^ i:,;jiiijii£iat^^^

— 208 —

As the regiment came to a piece of woods that seemed to
invite by its shelter and material for fires, nearly all quietly left
the lines and bivouacked. After the fighting and marching from
the time the movement commenced, and the arduous duty that
the regiment had been performing for over thirty consecutive
hours, it was a fraction too much to expect them to march in
. mud and rain and blinding darkness, a distance of twelve miles
or more.

The return to the Potomac Creek Camp did not wholly con-
clude the campaign. Through some misunderstanding the
troops assigned to guard the pontoon train on its return march
had permitted it to find its way home alone. When this appa-
rent abandonment was known, considerable anxiety was mani-
fested for its safety, and on the 8th a detachment of the iiSth.
under Major Herring, was sent to its assistance. He marched
all day, bivouacking for the night at Berea Church, on the plan-
tation of a Miss Withers, and there ascertaining the train had
meanwhile safely reached its park, returned the next day to the
regiment.

One of the detachment sent on this duty, a German, foot-sore
and wear>', on the return march gave out and sat down by the
roadside, demoralized to the utmost. A teamster, driving by,
upbraided him for falling out. Chris, for that was his name, in
mixed English, answered : " Yah, dot is very nice for you fel-
lers vot all the times rides mules, but if you has to valk on your
own feet, you don't speak so much about it." The teamster, a
good-natured fellow, told him to get on one of the mules, and,
that he'might do so, halted his team. Chris accomplished the
feat of mounting the mule after several efforts, but in doing so
he happened to touch his ro}'al cussedness with his musket.
A loud bray and the upward extension of a pair of hind heels
followed, with a corresponding depression of tlie mule's forward
part, and Chris and his musket departed from the mule, and slid
along on the mud in front of the team. There was an exchange
of profanity be*-veen the teamster and Chris, and the latter went
limping on his way, a sadder and lamer man.

*' that's my overcoat ! ! ! "

The mind of the army mule seemed to pervade not only its
brain, but its ears, tail and heels. He was subject to sudden
transitions from joy to sorrow, which were punctuated in his
own way.

It was Gen. Hooker who invented the pack-mule s}-stem.
The pack mule, when loaded on each side and with a medley of
camp kettles and entrenching tools on top, was. to express it
mildly, grotesque. Profanity was considered indispensable in
mule-dri\'ing.

The value of the mule in the army was very great on
account of its being less liable to injury than the horse, and
because it could adapt itself to circumstances much better.

Before the war a dead mule was seldom seen. One would
think they lived forever. Dead mules were very plent\' in the
army. They were hard to kill. The\' gnawed the poles off
the wagons. To prevent this destruction the\' were wound
around with hoop iron. Trees and brush were often dragged
in front of the wagons for the mules to feed on.

It bore hard usage and scoffs and sneers with uncomplain-
ing fieroism, and was found dead on all the battlefields of the
war. It was of inestimable value to the army, and it is doubt-
lulif the varied operations could have been conducted with-
out it.

Is it too much to say that to it, above some other distin-
guished claimants, should be given the credit of having saved
the Union ? And it has never been Icnown to get a pension
nor ask for one.

20Si<

THE ARMY MULE.

BY TOM, OF CO. K.

For years upon years, very patiently, too,

I've waited for some one to give me my due.

The ofticers, soldiers, the ba'.teries, flags,

The donkeys of all kinds, the cavali7's nags.

Have been mentioned with praise. It seem> to me cruel

That none should remember the old armv mule.

Though my voice is no loiiger so vibrant or strong.

At the last I am driven to sing my own song.

For, boys, you remember, as surely you n^ust,

I brought up your rations through mud and througli dust;

I raided the hard-tack; I chewed up the tents;
In somebody's ribs made a couple of dents,
And doubled the fellow who was such a fool
As to tickle the side of the old army mule.

I stopped when I chose ; went on when it suited
Myself; not because I was beaten or booted.
We gave the bold Southrons a terrible licking;
While you did the fighting, 'twas I did the kicking.

If I share not the honors with you in your pride,
"Why did they put US in plain sight on my side ?
Ah! the war days are over; old friends have grown cool
To the broken-down, pensionless, old army mule.

As I creep down the tow-^^^.i, the old boat behind.
The days that have vanished come back to my mind
WTien forage was plenty; how luscious and sweet
The iuicy, green oats and the young, tender wheat!

How often at night when the teams reached their goal,
And forage was missing, I had but a roll.
Ah ! life on the tow-path, a tyrant to rule,
Will soon end the days of the old army mule !

— 209 —

Neither General Griffin nor Colonel Prevost ever made an
official report of the operations of the regiment or division.
There are no official utterances in the records of the part taken
in the engagement by the regiment, or the observations which
came within its scope, except in General ^Meade's report of the
corps, and General Barnes's of the brigade and General Sykes's
of his division. Official reports necessaril}- avoid adverse com-
ment or criticism, and they are all silent on the subject of the
neglect to improve the opportunity offered for the occupation
of the important ridge on the 30th, or its subsequent unfor-
tunate abandonment, after it had been carried by Sykes's hard
fighting on the 1st. INIost of the contributions to war literature
from both sides are, however, confirmatory of the impressions
abroad in the arnn- at the moment, and unhesitatingly pro-
nounce the act a lamentable blunder.

Another futile effort had staggered a disappointed country,
and Chancellorsville was numbered with the other disasters.
But the Army of the Potomac, with its seventeen thousand one
hundred and ninety-seven, killed, wounded and missing, its
buoyancy checked, and its expectations unrealized, was stiil
resolute of purpose, confident in strength, and firm in convic-
tion that it would \-et gain the mastery. Neither the army nor
the people had yet learned that the irresistible Anglo-Saxon
race, when its representatives were battling against each other,
could only be subdued when one side or the other should be
worn into submission.

For the want of a n.iil the shoe was lost,
, For the want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For the want of a horse the general was lost,
For the want of a general the battle was lost.

Hooker lost his head entirely. The Army of the Potomac
never had such a good opportunity to defeat Lee's army as it
had at this battle. The order of withdrawal was a cause of
astonishment to every intelligent soidier. No historian can
ever gloss over the battle of Clianccllorsville.
14

CHAPTER VIII.

AFTER CHANCELLORSVILLE — CAMP AT GOLD FARM, ALDIE, MID-
DLEBURG, UPPERVILLE, VA.

IN the course of a week after the collapse at Chancellors-
ville, bydint of close application, the regiment had slept,
ate, and brushed itself into something like its normal condition.

Even Scipio Africanus, whose face had been uneasily solemn
since the light from the bursting shell shone upon its terror in
the wilderness, had so far recovered his spirits as to laugh at his
adventure, and gi\-e his own version (not exactly truthful) of it
to the other servants of the officers, as follows :

" I was jes standin' wid de offisuz, and bime-b}-, when nobody
wuzn't thinkin' nuthin, de reb guns go boom I boom ! an' de
shells begin to fizz and screech, and drop roun' us like sparks
from a skyrocker. Golly ! we a'most think the end uv the
world am cum fur sartin, an' we dun no which end. Den de
cap'n ax me would I take a messuj to de rear; an' I starts
wid de messuj, an' I didn't git but a piece when bang! der cuai
a shell an' bust right in front o' nie ; an" w un dis side, an' wun
dat. I jes walk back and tell de cap'n dar ain't no rear. An'
I tell yer. gemmen, de hones' trufe, my hair's a'most straight
eber sense."

It was the mellow Virginia spring-time. The giant oaks and
tapering pines had vanished. The vast forests had yielded to
the winter's needs. The sturdy axes of the Northmen had
cleared the acreage the great army covered, and made an arable
soil ready for thrifty husbandmen when war should cease.

The spring-time brought with it no change of garb. There
were no alterations fixed by fashion for the different seasons.
The same shaped clothing, of the same te.\:ture and in the same

(2I0j

.^""J

ill;

•■'). .^r'

-=W-

MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE G. ilEADE.

211

color, was suitable for v/inter .i-cl summer alike. Some of the
officers affected a little tone b} occasionally appearing in top-
boots and corduro}' pants, and iiLat-fitting jacket — sometimes,
however, to their d-scomfiture.

Dress-parade was in progre.-^3 on. a genial afternoon, and
General Griffin's presence }i;;J stiffened the men to their best
endeavors. The adjutant was peculiarly happy, his natty
jacket, well-polished top-boots outside his pants, and his neat-
fitting corduroys setting off his sliape immenscl}'. But it was
not uniform. He had reached the '' Sir, the parade is formed,"
when the general, v.Iio had kept his eye upon him alone, could
remain silent no longer. " Xo, it is not, sir!" said he, address-
ing the adjutant, "' nor will -L be until you return from your
quarters clothed in the unifonn of your rank ; and, recollect,
sir, with your pants outside of \oiir boots." And then turning
to the colonel, " I had hoped, sir, this would have received
attention before I was compelled to notice it. You w^ill bring
your command to an order and a-wait the adjutant's return."

The adjutant, meekly submissi\e, shortly appeared properly
clothed and the ceremony was concluded. His subsequent
orders lacked mucli of the snap with which he opened.

At other times a disposition to be unduly careless met with
like reproof Geiieral Griffin, during the hour for compan}'
drills, riding through the division to observe the regard paid to
this requirement, liappened up''>n n captain of repute, who wore
a brown knit jaci:*-t in.-^tcad of an ofticer's coat. The captain
continued to manoeuvre his company, with that special care and
little self-importance alwaj's assumed when in the presence of
superiors. The general interrupted him several times, address-
ing him as sergeant. The captain resented the application of rhe
title and was at some pains to repeatedly announce his rank.
The general was equally firm in his nisistence upon the desig-
nation he had first used, and ultimately explained he could
recognize no conim'ssioned officer in such an unsightly garb
discharging the duties of his ofice. He ordered the captain to
repair to his quarters and change his coat, and that meanwhile

— 212 —

«

he would take charge of the company. He drilled it for some
time and when the captain returned in his uniform, addressing
liim by his title, administering some wholesome advice upon the
subject of dress, dignit}-, and use of the insignia of rank,
directed him to continue the exercises.

In seasons of idleness the soldier delighted in promulgating
stories of operations stupendous for their magnitude or ridicu-
lous from their absurdity. Of the latter were those which
encouraged the credulous to look for assignment in the vicinity
of some large northern city, or to garrison duty in the coast
defences. These the lingo of the day denominated "soft
snaps. '

The source of these rumors, when least likely to be true, or
so choice in the selection of assignments as to be wholly beyond
realization, were generally traced to the company cooks, and
were usually dismissed by the incredulous and thoughtful as
" cook-house talk." One prevalent about this time, that gained
some credence because of its continuance, was that the 1 1 8th
was shortly to be sent to Pennsylvania for duty at the arsenals
and supply depots. Gradually these stories drifted into forget-
fulness, but not before severe imprecations were heaped on
the poor cooks for concocting such baseless fabrications.

The 25th New York, with others of the earlier regiments
from that State, were enlisted for two years. The term of
service was about expiring. According to the computation
made by the men the time had expired, but by the government
calculation there was still another month due. This month's
service it was determined should be exacted. As a result of
this decision the regiment first became refractory and ultimately
mutinous. Their officers could neither enforce duty nor exact
obedience, and threats to forcibly resist all authorit\' resulted
in the regiment being kept continually under guard. This
unpleasant duty fell upon the other organizations of the
brigade, and for the entire month a wing of a regiment always
had the rebellious regiment in charge.

They \\\rc also kejjt on sliort rations. But their guards felt

— 213 —

that they were being- unjustly treated, and exhibited their
sympathy b\' looking another way and patrohng in another
direction, while bags of hard-tack and quantities of pork,
. sugar, coffee, fresh beef, etc., were passed in to the New
Yorkers by the comrades who had shared the toils, privations,
and dangers of the war with them.

There were several instances of ignominious and degrading
punishment. Ten non-commissioned officers specially named
in an order from army head-quarters were directed to have
their chevrons publicly torn from their uniforms. They were
men well known for their excellent soldierly qualities. The
disgrace attending such a punishment cut them keenly and
aroused much sympathy in their behalf. Major Herring, who
was in command of the guard on whom the disagreeable task
of executing the order fell, and whose honorable, soldierly
nature made him feel keen sympathy for these men, interested
himself for a mitigation, and by a personal appeal to General
Meade secured a modification of the order by permitting the
men privately to remove their own marks of rank.

These stern and severe measures, condemned by the rank
and file, were of excellent service in preventing a repetition of
such conduct under like conditions subsequently. The same
question arose when the term of the three years' troops ended;
the men insisting upon an earlier date for their discharge, and
the government dem.aniiing a later one. But the men yielded
without turbulence. Such violence over the much wider field
covered by the three years' expirations might have produced
irreparable disaster.

Good weather and dry roads affording comfortable locomo-
tion, there were frequent interchanges of social courtesies. As
a class, soldiers in the field are of an eminently social turn and
lose no opportunities to extend or accept hospitalities.

There was one occasion, about this time, of greater magni-
tude than others, but tyjiical in a general way of all, whether of
greater or less dimensions. General Harnes was trusted for liis
abilities, admired for his attainnicr.ts, and esteemed tor the

— 214 —

thoughtful- care with which he watched the needs of his soldiers.
It was resolved to make manifest the appreciation of his high
soldierly qualifications, and the ardent personal regard for him
as a commanding officer, in something substantial. A general
officer's sword, sash and belt and horse equipment of superior
workmanship and costly material, were selected as suitable
gifts, and it was decided that the occasion of the presentation
should be made memorable by feast, wine, wit, and song.

It was a notable assemblage. Officers of rank and distinc-
tion from everywhere throughout the army were there, and,
apparently, all the officers of all grades from the 5th Corps.
The feast, skilfully prepared by Northern caterers, was bounti-
ful. Salads, meats, ices, sauces were in abundance. The inno-
cent insinuating" fish-house " punch, the toothsome, appetizing
bitters, and a preparation of gin, cordials, sugar and lemons, all
deftly concocted, invitingly floated in cask, tub, and barrel, per-
suasively suggestive, silent and speechless as they were, of
immense hilarity and a " lordh' load." Reason graced the
banquet, while with ready tongue and easy phrase the officer
chosen, because he could do it well, in earnest emphasis told
of the purpose of the gathering, and gracefully presented the
gift selected. And then, when the general had fitting!}'
responded, and the feast had been properly disposed of, wit
and humor, song and story triumphantl}' asserted their mastery.
They reigned suj^reme until the beverage was exhausted. And
with the coming morn the last lingering minstrel sought his
quarters, singing, " The cock may crow, the day may dawn, but
still we'll taste tlie barley brce."

Memory recalls to the active participants in such affairs in
those days anotlicr one that bore fitting parallel with this.
Sedgwick's old division of the 2d Corps was much attached
to him. As a mark of their appreciation, after he had beun
assigned to the Gth Corps, and while that corps la\- at Warren-
ton, in the summer of 'G^,, he was presented with a splendid
horse, \vith trappings in keeping with the character of the
aninud. The cercni(;n\- of prcicnlatiou was accompanied by a

— 215 —

feast ' equal in all respects to that which attended General
Barnes's.

A notable incident happened at its conclusion, which, as it
soon became the common property of the army, justifies its
introduction here.

A distinguished brigade commander had quaffed deeply,
to a stage of seeming generous merriment. Withdrawing, after
the night had waned into the small hours, to the spot where his
patient orderly had, presumably through all the weary time,
watched his horse, his generosity for such a lengthy service
overcame his dignity, and, lurching forward to mount, he
steadied himself and, addressing the soldier in maudlin tones,
said : " By George, Orderly, with all this hilarity abroad, do
you know, I'd like to take a drink with you, but," then recov-
ering himself he continued, sternly, " it wouldn't do, sir, it
wouldn't do, sir. By George, sir, you're an orderly, sir, and
I am a general, sir; recollect that, sir." From the orderly's
reply it was quite evident he had found opportunity to refresh.
Promptly asserting himself, he quickly responded, " By George,
General, hadn't you better wait till you're asked?"

It was too much for the general, in his then condition, even
to administer a reproof He did not give the story away him-
self, but the whole occurrence had been overheard, and for
many a da\- he was pleasantly twitted with the incident.

On the 25th of May Colonel Prevost permanently retired.
His wouik'.s v.holly incapacitated him for active service in the
field, and he was subsequently appointed to a regimental com-
mand in the invalid corps. His departure was quiet. His
preference always to avoid display or demonstration was, on
this occasion, a serious disappointment to his followers, who
would have preferred, in some appropriate way, to have mani-
fested their regrets at the separation. Colonel Pre\ost's high
culture, superior military attainmt-nts and conspicuous gallan-
try had materially aided in maintaining the excellent standing
the regiment bore at hnmc and in the field. Though niipfor-
tune so early att.;ndcd liini, and pie\-enled the continued dis-

2l6 —

'charge of the duties of his office, his strong personal character
gave a marked prominence to the organization while he retained
the commission of colonel. The regard for him as a man, and
respect for and confidence in him as a commanding officer,
caused the separation to be deeply felt and his loss to be
greatly regretted.

il.

1

Rumor had not
quieted. There were
many conceptions and
frequent suggestions
of what the enemy
were about to do; but
late in May, without
opportunity to gain
information, instinct
seemed to point to
the conclusion, in the
language of the boxer,

\l\t h ^^^^ ^^^ ^^'^^ about

^^^^ ^^^ u jQ gp^^j. fo^ ^n open-

ing." Events were
now rapidly culminating to justifs' this opinion.

On the 26th the picket details on the right flank of the army
were strengthened, and a very unusual number — twelve hundred
— from the brigade, under Major Herring as the brigade officer,
were detached for that duty. And then on the 20th the old
camp was abandoned, this time f.MCvor, and tiie whole right ot

<^. i^- V*-,. v.vv./ ^,CV^-- VJi-JS;-.-^,T -^ .'^.

— 21/ —

the army was extended first some twenty miles to Grove Church
and the next day still farther, to the vicinity of INIorrisville, about
six miles southeast of Bealton, a station on the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad, and some twelve miles in the same general
direction from the familiar location of W'arrenton Junction. The
old soldiers, subtle fellows, consoled themselves with such re-
marks as, " We aint going to attack nothing ; Lee is marching
around our flank, see if he aint, and we're only watchin' to see
that he sha'n't."

Men who had camped in forests and battled in the wilderness,
who for months knew only of broad dales and open fields by
journeying through them in rapid march, viewed the beauties
and verdure of lower Farquier with a higher conception of the
surroundings than the actual scenery justified. Farquier claimed
to be famous among the richest of Virginia's counties, and
" Gold Farm," on the lands of the Libert}- Gold Mining Com-
pany, a few miles from Morrisville, in an open, arable region,
was a choice location, and the camp was as carefully constructed
upon it as the ground allotted would permit. A wood, bordered
with majestic oaks, skirted its edge, and, in front, field and mea-
dow rolled, boundless, out of view.

To the north and east, far in the distance, Bull Run mount-
ains stood, green in early summer foliage, historic reminders of
their silent sentinel duty, as tliey watched the fierce struggles
which bear their name, wax hotly at their base. The pro-
ductive soil, uncultivated and abandoned, was even,'where
abundant with the golden field-daisies. Grass and weed and
wild flower were alone the Vield, when in the thrifty times of
peace, at this most fruitful season, corn and wheat and oats had
covered all these prolific acres.

There was an occasional cow browsing by the mansion
house, but flocks and herds had disappeared, and a vast e.xtent
of pasturage lay waste and fallow. All the vigorous men had
gone, and caustic matrons, defiant maidens, watched jealously
the little garden truck, the single cow, the depleted smoke-
house, the scap.t granary, and the attenuated fowls, the meagre

— 2l8 —

representatives of all their life-sustaining assets. And yet,
venomous and uncompromising as these women were, they
could not resist the temptation to barter a part of their scanty
store for the reliable currency of their adversaries.

The Liberty Gold Mining Company, in prosperous times, had
made a venture for the mining and reduction of the precious
metal, said to exist in limited quantities in that locality. A
stamp mill, in good repair, needing but the application of power,
and a sufficiency of the gold-bearing quartz rock to put it in
operation, standing idle and abandoned, was all that remained
of the enterprise. It was a novel and unexpected find, and the
curious and ingenious Yankees in the brigade whiled away their
leisure in carefully inspecting the machinery. Either the war or
a scarcity of metal had brought the venture to disaster.

On one of the marches Sergeant Chas. Brightmyer, of Com-
pany G, shot a pig, and carried a portion of twenty-five pounds
all day in his knapsack, and was feeling very good at the idea
of getting a good supper that evening after a long and hard
march. About dark the regiment went into camp. Fires were
made and water brought, and Brightmyer was in very good
humor. When he returned from the creek, preparing his sup-
per, on opening his knapsack, to his amazement, he beheld a
stone that weighed about thirty pounds. Brightmyer was
struck dumb with amazement. He looked bewildered. I do
not think he " cussed," because that would not do the subject
justice. He looked at the stone with a death stare ; but he
suspected Mulcha}-, and he went to ]\Iulcha\''s knapsack, and
there he found his porker. He wanted to kill Mulchax', had
the soldiers not interfered and pulled him off by main force.
His eyes blazed, and looked lilce those of a tiger. I would not
have been in .Mulchay's shoes for all the pork in Virginia.

Captain White made ]\Iulchay carry that stone for two da\-s
to pacity Brightmyer. The badinage ]\Iulchay had to endure
from his fun-loving comrades during those two days was
heavier than the stone he toted around.

— 219 — •'

distant booming of guns came from the right and front. The
entire cavalry force of the army — the infantry column was
intended to join it — had struck the whole of the enemy's
cavalry in the vicinity of Beverly Ford and Brandy Station.
The first distinctive cavalry fight of the war, spirited and bril-
liant, it was a laurel fitted to be woven in the chaplet, with the
many other splendid achievements of that most efficient arm of
the service. The brigade was sent to cover the recrossing at
Kelly's Ford, but the troops had all withdrawn before it
reached there.

Important papers, found with Stuart's headquarters baggage,
captured at Brandy Station, and the information gained in con-
nection with the operations of the 6th Corps at Franklin's
Crossing, indicated that the entire army of northern Virginia
was moving towards the Valley of the Shenandoah ; and on
the 13th, at eight o'clock in the evening, the Gold Farm Camp
was broken and the column moved to iSIorrisville, where, at
ten o'clock, it bivouacked for the rest of the night. On the
14th, from eleven o'clock in the morning until seven in the
evening, the command poked along with halting, tedious
delays, through Weavertown to Catlett's Station, on the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad. From thence the following
day a tiresome continuous march was made, between five in the
morning and nine in the evening, to Manassas Junction.

This region had been tramped over, fought over and camped
upon at intervals for two years by both armies, and yet much
of the fencing was still standing. It fell, however, before the
exacting requirements of the 5th Army Corps. A negro,
occupying a spacious mansion, sought to preserve the fence in
the immediate vicinity of the brigade, by the doubtful assurance
that his " marster," who " sot him free" when the"wah" broke
out, had "done and give him" the fee of all his lands. "The
soldiers were skeptical. They traced the motive, or thougiit
they did, for his " marster's " munificence, if the story hnd any
foundrition, to his conclusion that the vandals would avoid
spoliation where the negro claimed an ownership. So the}'

— 220 —

laudably agreed to compromise by only burning the rails in.
half, as a fire in the centre would answer their purpose for
cooking, and permitting the colored recipient of his " marster's "
bounty to still retain the two ends. The darkey could not
exactly sec what benefit he should derive from this concession,
but succumbed to the inevitable.

The bivouac was upon the margin of a stream, the bed of
which was dry. Upon the banks was a growth of stunted
timber. There was a scarcity of water and an abundance of
toads, and if one or more saw fit to abide for a time in the
limited quantity available for drinking or cooking, the water
was considered no less desirable. Captain Donegan, with

^^,>s:

^^ti-fi' v^'

BIVOUAC ox BULL RUN BATTLE-FIELD.

much difiiiculty, had secured sufficient for a single cup of coiTee.
He had prepared the beverage, and while awaiting its cooling,
a friendly toad took possession until forced out by the high
temperature. It in no way destroyed the captain's appetite.
His only regret was that he lost what the reptile had splashed
over the sides.

On the i7Lh, at six o'clock in the morning, the column
moved on again over the plains of ?*Ianassas. passing the
Henry Hou.-:e, famous as the spot where the stalwart regular
di\'ision held the \ictorious cnem\' until darkness permitted the
witlidrawal of tlic broken am: shittercd fragments of Pope's

— 221 —

disordered battalions — famous, too, in both the Bull Run
battles as a point where the struggle waged the fiercest. Torn
and shattered by shot and shell, the residence had still an
occupant. A citizen, sullen and uncommunicative, stood in the
doorway while the troops passed by. The battle-field was yet
thickly strewn with leather accoutrements, shoes, canteens, the
skins of dead animals, and all sorts of abandoned military
property. Then the route lay by the Warrenton Turnpike,
over the stone bridge spanning Bull Run, through Centreville,
and thence to Gum Springs, on the Little River, or Leesburg
Turnpike, where, at six o'clock, the day's march of twelve
hours concluded. The march had exhausted some of the
strongest. The heat was intense, and water scarce. Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Gleason, of the 25th New York, overcome by the
heat, died from sunstroke, and was buried in the evening in
the little village church-yard, with suitable military honors.
The men put leaves in their hats and cut boughs as a protec-
tion from the fierce rays of the sun. At a little distance, with
some appeal to the imagination, there was a faint resemblance
to a moving forest, and the well-known passage in Macbeth
was recalled, " 'Till Bernam wood do come to Dunsinane," and,
for the moment, diverted attention from the remorseless burn-
ing sun, the dn,', parched throat, and choking, penetrating
dust.

The fatigues had been intensified by the tedious delays
habitually attending wagon guard-duty, which that day had
fallen upon the regiment. There was heavy cannonading out
the turnpike in the direction of the Bull Run Mountains. A
conviction had grown that Lee's purpose was in\-asion, but the
suggestion that Pennsylvania was his ultimate destination was
.scarcely credited.

The bivouac at Gum Springs continued until two o'clock in
the afternoon of the 19th, when the march was resumed along
an e.xcellent turnpike road, terminated at five o'clock at Aldie,
a post village of Loudon county, i\"ing quaint and picturesque
in a gap in t!ic Bui! Run Mountains. liev-onJ, lo\\cring above

— 222 —

the lesser range, the distant Blue Ridge loomed up majestically.
A swift-flowing stream, upon the banks of which the little ham-
let lies, trends northward and bears the waters of the valley
and the mountain's side to the Potomac.

Goose Creek, for such is the undignified name it bears, seems
recently to have been considerately noticed in the river and
harbor appropriation bill. A fund was set apart to deepen its
waters and remove its shoals. The old Potomac soldier would
stand aghast at the likelihood of successfully navigating such a
stream. One of the command, who looked like a truthful man,
said that in the course of a two hours' march, in nearly a
straight line, he had crossed the creek seventeen times.

The turnpike forked at the village, one branch crossing the
Blue Ridge at Ashby's Gap to the southwestward, and the
other at Snicker's to the northwestward. The Ashby Gap
branch passes through Middleburg, Upper\'ille and Paris, and
the Snicker's Gap branch through Leesburg.

There were evidences of hard cavalry fighting all around the
town. It was the point whence had come the sounds of artil-
lery heard on the arrival at Gum Springs. The cavalry had
had a severe tussle, and the engagement at Aldie was alr~eady
known as a well-fought fight. Our cavalr\' were pressing for
the gaps in the Blue Ridge for opportunity for observation of
the Shenandoah Valley be\'ond, where the bulk of the rebel
infantry was believed to be in motion; and Stuart was contend-
ing vigorously to prevent it. Wounded men lay upon litters
of straw near the roadside and in the yards of the houses.
Dead horses were scattered about, and lost and abandoned
arms and trappings were numerous.

The band and scattered remnants of Colonel Duffie's ist
Rhode Island Regiment were in the town. A sergeant who
had been badly sabred was taken prisoner and afterwards
escaped. He graphically described the gallant fight made by
his regiment. The regiment had been sent for observation
from Centreville, through Thoroughfare Gap, with instructions
to keep on to Middlcburg. Stuart meanwhile advancing east-

— 223 — ^

wardly from Ashby's Gap, with intent to secure the gaps at
Aldie, struck Gregg, with whom he became actively engaged.

Duffie drove a rebel brigade from Thoroughfare Gap, and,
following out his instructions, to keep on to Middleburg, ap-
proached the place towards Stuart's rear, and so disconcerted him
that Stuart, believing he was about to be cut off by a formid-
able force, hurriedly v.-ithdrew to Rector's Cross Roads to con-
centrate against Duffie. Subsequenth' the several rebel brig-
ades, recovering from their discomfiture, advanced on Middle-
burg from different directions. Duffie had posted his troopers
so skilfully, taking advantage of barricades and stone fences,
that he was enabled to repel several assaults ; but attacked by
overwhelming numbers, he finally retreated by the road on
which he had advanced, with the loss of some two-thirds of his
command. So eminently successful was Duffie's resistance, so
skilfully had he posted his line, that Stuart officially mentioned,
subsequently, how manfully so light a tbrce had combated him
in all his strength for such a length of time. These operations
were a severe blow to the enemy. He lost the pass at Aldie;
Hooker had possession of Loudon county, and the marching
column was thrown far to the westward.

The brigade remained at Aldie on the 20th and until two
o'clock on the morning of the 2i5t. The cavalry meantime
had been manoeuvring and reconnoitring preparatory to an-
other effort at Ashby's Gap. By break of day the infantry
column was well on towards Middleburg, and by daylight, with
Gregg's brigade of cavalry in advance and Vincent's 3d brigade
on their left, it had entered the town.

Beyond the town the countn,- is open lor a distance, then
there is a wood, and beyond it again rises a hill of considerable
elevation, tlie white turnpike winding up its slope. The plains,
the woods and the hill had been the scene of a severe cavalry
fight a few days before. The struggle was for the eminence,
the charges against wliich the enemy appeared to have suc-
cessfully resisted. Their artil!er\', well served from the crest,
seemed, from the character o{ wounds on the bodies ot the

— 224 —

dead animals which lay around in large numbers, to have done
the principal work. In one instance a twelve-pound solid shot,
entering the breast, had gone entirely through the body and
passed out at the tail. The roadway and fields were thickly
strewn with the bodies of the horses killed in the action, and in
the yard of a house, from around which the fences had been
removed, there were eighteen. As their trappings indicated,
they were of both sides ; it was evident they had met there in a
charge. This action bears the name of the " engagement at
Middleburg," and it, together with Duffie's valorous resistance,
has made the town famous in the history of the Gettysburg
campaign.

Middleburg was a village of some six hundred inhabitants,
with two churches and a few stores, in the midst of a well-tilled,
productu-e region. Its men, thrifty and industrious, with all
the prosperous plenty of their surroundings, had lost taste for
peaceful callings and were away to do battle with the rest of
Virginia's disloyal manhood for the disruption of their common
country.

About eight o'clock the brigade pushed through Middleburg
and deployed. The i i8th held the right, and the line extended
to high ground overlooking the position Stuart had selected to
await attack. The extent of his front was plainly observable.
The Union right was well beyond his left. That the infantry
on the right might be concealed, the pieces were ordered at
the trail. It did not seem to be effectively done, for apparently,
discovering their presence and feeling the pressure of the dis-
positions made by Vincent's brigade on the left, the enemy
started to withdraw. Of this the cavalr_\' took prompt advan-
tage, and with skirmishers, and the whole line at a trot ad-
vanced handsomely. It was but momentary, before the lines
impinged, and the infantry had the rare opportunity of a full
view of a cavalry charge. The two lines intermingled in ap-
parent inextricable confusion. Sabres flashed, men yelled,
horses reared. There was cutting, slashing, cheering ; rider-
less horses da.-hed madiy to the rear, or, lost and perplexed,

<: ' ir\

— 225 —

ran aimlessly up and down the line. For an instant it seemed
the onslaught would be repulsed, but one by one the enemy
unwound themselves from the writhing mass and found safety
in flight. Stuart was badly worsted, and some of his horse
artillery, the gunners sabred at their pieces, were a trophy of
the fight.

The disorganized squadrons were speedily assembled, and
the movement continued towards Upperville, the cavalry-
leading.

A batch of some fifty prisoners, fine, sturdy fellows, passed by
the column. They were rather a communicative set, and loud
in their commendations of the fighting and riding of our cav-
alry, one shouting \ociferously, " You'ns will soon be as good
as we'ns." The enemy would occasionally halt on a command-
ing position, but retire before deployment was perfected, pre-
serving his lines creditably in spite of the hammering oi the
Union guns.

' The country' is a succession of ridge and valley, of field,
meadow and wood. The houses, substantial and spacious,
indicated intelligent farming and industrious thrift. A promi-
nent feature of the landscape, as viewed from the ridges, were
the stone fences. They intersected each other in every direc-
tion and at all angles. There were none of any other material,
and the field patch-work of green, divided by such distinctive
h'nes, v.-as marked and picturesque. They were utilized, at
times, to obstruct the advance. But there was no material
obstruction. The march was a succession of halts and ad-
vances, ployments and deployments. The purpose of the
enemy was, seemingly, to force the delays incident to the
changes from column to line and line to column.

It is about nine miles from Middleburg to Upperville, and
there the enemy made a more determined resistance. Upper-
ville is directly at the base of the mountains at the entrance to
the gap. Both bodies entered the town together. The contest
was close, the fight vigorous. Pistol-shot and sabre-stroke were
indiscriminately used, and the angered comba' uts jammed
15

— 226 —

and choked the roadway. From the cover of fences and
dwellings dismounted cavalry greatly annoyed the charging
column, but it pressed the enemy successfully through the vil-
lage and into the gap, up the defiles, thence towards the sum-
mit, where they rallied at the little hamlet of Paris. There the
enemy's infantry appeared in the shape of a portion of Long-
street's corps, and Stuart taking refuge behind it, the affair at
Upperville terminated.

So determined and valorous were the Union cavalry during
the conflict, that many who had received sabre-wounds on the
face and arms rode to the moving hospital in the rear to have
their wounds dressed, and then returned to the front in hot
haste to take further part in the battle. The brigade, which
had been moved into the village at the double-quick in the
height of the fight, bivouacked there for the night.

Of these cavalry charges General Vincent, who a few days
later fell at Little Round Top, while gallantly protecting it
against overwhelmmg odds, officially speaks in his report of
the operations of his brigade: "The charges of cavalry, a sight
I had never before witnessed, were truly inspiring, and the
triumphant strains of the bands, as squadron after squadron
pushed the enemy in his flight up the hills towards the gap,
gave us a feeling of regret that we too were not mounted and
could not join in the charge."

The evening, a pleasant one, was not permitted to pass with-
out cultivating social relations with the cavalry, and e.xtending
congratulations upon their brilliant achievements at Aldie,
Middleburg and Upperville. The most prominent guest was
Colonel Taylor, of the ist Pennsylvania, among the most dis-
tinguished of Pennsylvania cavalry soldiers ; and his regiment,
originally the lamented Bayard's, was among those famous for
daring through all the years of the war.

There was but a limited opportunity, in the absence of trains,
to extend very bountiful hospitality, and scarce any to satisfy
the hunger of which the cavalry officers most complained.
Fortunately appliances and material were at hand to concoct

227

Letter.

the " Hooker's Retreat," a beverage that had gained an immense
celebrity since the battle of Chancellorsville. The formula of
simple ingredients was well known to Crocker, Thomas and
Donaldson. They so skilfully and frequently adjusted its
combinations that the ravenous appetites were stayed, hunger
disappeared in hilarity, and the entertainment closed harmoni-
ously as the midnight hour was fast approaching. The colonel,
who had complained at the beginning that he had not been so
hungry for "eleventeen hundred" years, generously remarked
as he withdrew, he had never, in his lifetime, so hugely relished
such a nourishing meal.

Upperville, at the base of the mountains and entrance to the
gap, is a smart little Vir-
ginia village. The crops ^^^^„ ^^^„ ^„ Stampkss Envelope of SolJier's

had been neglected and
the advancing season gave
no indication of the sum-
mer harvests. The popu-
lation, some two or three
hundred, was considerably
depleted. Its strong men,
familiar with all the roads
and mountain passes, were

doubtless the sineu-s of the partisan warfare so judiciously and
successfully v/aged in this and the neighboring localities.

At three o'clock on the morning of the 22d the infantr\'
column commenced its return mo\-cment by the turnpike, in the
direction of Middleburg and Aldie. The cavalry closely fol-
lowed and the enemy were not far behind. Occasionally the
proximity was annoying, and our cavalry massed to resist their
charge. Then followed a halt and no further demonstration.
The masses deployed again, but were compelled to frequently
rc[)eat the same manceuvrings by the enemy's repetitions of his
hesitating tactics. Approaching ^liddleburg there was unmis-
takable evidence of massing for a determined effort, v.hen our
columns were opened, the roadway cleared, and a battery
speedily unlimbered. With a little excellent practice the pur-

So!

lier

s letter.

Not a

cent ;

En

piy

shelter—

lost its

rent —

Uncle Sam, just

let her

through.

ni

get

my back

pay, th

en pay yoy.

— 221

suing force rapidly disappeared. Except a few occasional shots
at long range, the march progressed to Aldie without further
incident. There at five o'clock the brigade went into bivouac
on the right of the road, opposite Sykes's division of regu-
lars. As there seemed a prospect for more than a night's
delay, shelter-tents were brought into requisition, and a com-
fortable camp established.

The regulars were an orderly, proper set. They went about

their business in a
methodical, mechan-
ical way, preserving
a painful silence.
Their habits were
strange, contrasted
with the volunteers,
whose lusty shouts
when they "broke
^ ranks "never failed to

^■^/ exhibitanorer or mer-

:%> riment as the day's
|j^,v tramp had pleased
,:^0:--'"\ or incommoded.
• ;#' Mosby had not

been idle. This re-
gion w-as his " happy
h u n t i n g-ground,"
and the 5th and other
Corps trains had suffered somewhat from lu's forays. For-
tunately the wagons of the division escaped entirely. From
the limited supply of clothing they contained an issue was
made, fractional as compared with the needs which, with tlie
heavy work already done and the still heavier likely to follow,
were increasing daily.

These were the dark days of the Union, darker than any
since Valley Forge. What followed lifted the gloom and
relievetl the depression ihat iiad well nigii strangled the manly
efforts of a lo\"al people.

■m

ALBERT H.WERSTICK.

'V

^mim

Major-General George G. Meade.

CHAPTER IX.

GETTVSDURG.

LEE'S design was manifest. The forcing of his cavalry
westward may have interrupted, but did not alter his
purpose. A Northern-' invasion, skilfully planned, had been
consummated, and the famed historic Potomac had ceased to
be the border which controlled the strife. Lee's legions had
put the Potomac river behind them, and the unsuspecting
farmers of Mar\-Iand and Pennsylvania were startled in the
very earh- summer time by the advance of his might>- army,
order ceased. The loyal North, although confident and reliant,
stood aghast in awful pause, anxiously awaiting the impending
conflict'' The armv, uilh no knowledge of these an.xieties. with

(229)

— 230 —

no fear of consequences, tractable, obedient, enthusiastic, was
assured of its strength, confident of its abihty. It trudged along
r ;, complacently to again measure swords with its old adversary.

This time not through the swamp, forest, wilderness and bog
of the enemy's less favored clime, but through the open fields,
over the broad dales, and down the gently-rolling valleys of its
own native heath.

Four days sufficed for whatever necessitated the stoppage at
Aldie, and the march begun which culminated in battle on the
distant field of Gettysburg. On the 26th, in a drizzling rain,
by the broad turnpike road through Leesburg, the column
moved to Edwards' Ferr^', near the mouth of the now famous
Goose Creek, and there crossed the Potomac.

It would have been impossible for the regiment to have a

, dress-parade upon this march. Wardrobes among the soldiers

were so scanty that the clothing which was not upon their

backs could easily have been disposed of in a pantaloon's

- pocket. The extra garments usually consisted of a pair of

socks. Dress-coats did not average one to a dozen men.

I. • As the government did not furnish perambulating laundries

V for the convenience of the enlisted men, each man was forced

I' to do his own washing. When the army halted near a suitable

; stream, the men disrobed and each washed his only shirt.

\ When the march was resumed the dilapidated and tattered

remnants of more prosperous days were tied to the bayonets,

; and flapped in the wind as the army moved on. An army with

I banners truly ; not beautiful, but picturesque.

!-■ Leesbursf and the ferry, so near ill-fated Ball's Bluff, revived

I memories of that disastrous fray and sad recollections of its

t consequences. They gave way before the buowincy and relief

I' that was always felt b}' the old Potomac soldier when he left

;• war-blasted, inho-^pitable Virginia behind him and trod again

the fair fields of Mar}-Iand. The long June days and brief su.-n-

. ; mer nights made short bi\ouacs.

I The Monocac}' was forded below Frederick City. The water

1 was waist-deep. Ju.st before the city was reached the men

— 231 —

came to a remarkable spring. It gushed from a horizontal
cleft in a rock about three feet from the ground, and in a stream
fully a foot broad, with such force that a tin-kettle not held
firmly in the hand would be dashed several feet away. The
water was icy cold, and the tired, hot, thirsty soldiers eagerly
and gladly availed themselves of the refreshment it offered.

For both days all there was of daylight and part of the night
had been allotted, with but few irregular and short intervals for
rest, to the march.

" Old Four Eyes," such was the happy synonym for ^Meade,
when he was too distant to observe and too far off to hear, was
much berated ; and the officers who led the column, in shock-
ing epithet and vulgar phrase, were repeatedly consigned to the
cruel fate of being shot to death by musketry for their incon-
siderate disregard of comforts and conveniences. All hard
usage was forgotten, all harsh epithets were changed to com-
mendations, when it was learned that, by this severe measure.
General Meade had successfully interposed his corps between
Stuart and the main Confederate army, and, as it subsequently
appeared, this deprived Lee of the valuable services of that in-
defatigable chieftain w-ith his cavalry at Gett\'sburg.

It was a fitting closing triumph of Meade's career as a corps
commander. On the 2Sth, in recognition of his abilities, his
energy, his courage and his patriotism, he was selected to suc-
ceed Hooker in command of the Army of tiie Potomac, who,
at his own request, had been relieved. General Sykes, an
officer of splendid reputation, high soldierly attainments and
superior military education, by virtue of his seniority, became
General ^leade's successor. There were some mild comments
among the rank and file, in homely phrase, as to the propriety
of "swapping horses in crossing a stream," but it had no ma-
terial effect on the morale or temper o{ the arnn-. The sol-
diers were occasionally demonstrative when attempts were
made to arouse enthusiasm, but matters were generally viewed
more stolidly than in the earlier da\-s of the war.

Frederick Cit\- had seen a good deal oi soldiers, and the sol-

— 232 —

diers knew much of it. There is always temptation " to do a
village " when in close vicinity. In spite of stringent orders,
many of the men eluded the efforts put forth for their enforce-
ment, made merry with the townsfolk, ate at hotel tables and
drank at hotel bars, on the day and evening of the 27th, during
all of which time the halt continued near the town.

On Monday, the 29th, the " general " sounded about eight
o'clock, and by eleven the column was in full swing through
Frederick. It was quite a parade occasion. The citizens lined
the sidewalks and crowded the windows. The reception was
generous and the people demonstrative. There was neither
hesitation nor stint in a verj^ general expression of hope that,
in the approaching conflict, success might attend the Union
arms. At two o'clock, the general direction of the march being
a little east of north, the column passed through Mount Pleas-
ant, and at seven o'clock bivouacked beyond and near Liberty,
still in Frederick county. The march, though not lengthy,
was a hard one and stragglers were numerous, but the evening
roll-call brought a full response.

The troops were in a section wholly unacquainted with great
bodies of armed men. Thickly peopled, highly cultivated,
alternating between wood, meadow and field, it rolled in easy
undulations, and from its gently rising knolls one scene of rich
grandeur appeared as the other faded from view. The grasses
had been garnered; vast fields of golden grain were ripening;
oats and corn were advancing. The rich green and golden
yellow were beauties of landscape and evidence of thrift, strik-
ing in their contrast with the wasted fields, bared woodlands
and fenceless farms of exhausted, battle-scarred \'irginia. Over
the succulent meadows and on the green sloping hillsides
flocks and herds re\'elled in fattening pasturage. Poultry was
plentiful, milk, butter and eggs abundant. The countn.- store
bartered its wares and the roadside ins supplied its guests.
The miller had grists to grind, the blacksmith his horses to
shoe, the wheelwright his wagons to build. Peace, plenty,
tlarift, prosperity- e\-er\-v.-here abounded. The men feasted in

— 233 —

the luxuries of this region of abundance. Men, maidens, ma-
trons and children gazed in wonderment as the column hurried
through their villages, and gathered around the bivouacs eager
listeners to the soldiers' stories of war. As the names of their
towns, Liberty and Union, indicated, the citizens of Frederick
and Carroll county were a loyal people, and the sturdy farmers
bade the soldiers be of good cheer and tarr}- not until their
lands were freed from the ruthless invader.

On the 30th it rained. By break of day the bivouac was
astir and at four o'clock the column had lengthened for its all
day march. The brigade had the advance. The direction was
still about north by east. By eight o'clock Unionville, some
twelve miles from Liberty, was passed and then L'nion at ten.
There were few inter\'als for rest. At Union Mills, with up-
wards of twenty miles accomplished, the command, at six
o'clock, halted for the night. It was the turn of the 118th for
picket, and its march continued some distance farther. Union
Mills is in Carroll count}-, seventeen miles from the Pennsyl-
vania line.

The 1st of July was bright and bracing. Bivouac was broken
at ten o'clock and the march conducted under the most strin-
gent, exacting orders, probably, ever published during the war.
Under no pretext whatever should a man be permitted to leave
the column. Disobedience of this order, any attempt to
straggle, would be followed by instant death. OfP.cers v.ere
instructed to march in rear of their companies and rigidly en-
force the execution of the order. Although the emergency
was urgent, such a cruel and unusual measure was scarcely
justifiable. As soon as the men understood the situation, they
needed no stimulant to untiring exertion, nor any threat of
punishment, but put forth every energ\' they possessed. The
disagreeable duty of rear-guard to the brigade fell upon details
from the regiment, and Captain Donaldson was assigned to its
command. His instructions were to rigorously enforce the
order and execute its penalties. Any failure on his part to dis-
charge the painful duty would be fillo-.vcd by arrest and court-

— 234 —

martial. All men found skulking by the roadside, regardless
of their organization, were to be forced into the brigade ranks.
Drivers of pack-horses, cooks, servants and other non-combat-
ants were to be seized, placed in the ranks and made to do duty
as soldiers. The captures from this class were meagre. xA.n
intimation of the instructions must have reached them and they
found safety in concealment or flight. One poor fellow, in
charge of a head-quarter pack-horse, v.'as not so fortunate. He
was a poor, weak-minded creature, utterly unfitted for a fight
and suitable only for such employment as his detail required.
His horse was turned over to a contraband ; he was furnished
with gun and accoutrements and a place in the ranks given
him.' The fates were against the regimental barber ; he was
picked up and for once had an opportunity to join his fellows
in a little active duty. An Irishman in a New York regiment
held back so vigorously despite all efforts to urge him forward
that it was about time to use the pistol. He seemed to be a
good man, either stubborn or overcome by fatigue, not intend-
ing to avoid battle, and of that class which usually find their
regiment at night. As a further eftbrt, two men with levelled
bayonets were placed behind him with instructions to run him
through if he did not move on. General Sykes and his staff
appeared when all known means had been applied, and for
some time watched their repetition. Apparently satisfied that
the guard had about exhausted all conservative remedies, and
that the fellow was likel}^ to be shot, the general turned to the
officer and in a loud, commanding tone said : " Go ahead, cap-
. tain, and leave this man to me; I'll get him along."* With that
he struck the fellow several smart blows with his riding-whip
and ordered him to " double-quick." Without stirring a foot
'and apparently not heeding the whip, the headstrong, good-
natured fellow, for with all his stubbornness he had a fund oi'
good-naturod humor in him, turning his head to one side and
looking the ^'cneral full in the face, said, apparently in all sin-
cerity, neitlcr discomfited nor annoyed: "I say, gineral, 'o\e
ye any tob.ic::y about \-e ? " It was too much for everybod}- ;

roars of laughter followed, and the general, heartily joining in
it, rode rapidly away, remarking as he did so : " Captain, let
that man go ; I'll be responsible for him."

Rousing cheers, demonstrative shouts, ringing enthusiasm
greeted the good old Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The
unfurling of colors and rolling of drums at one o'clock in the
afternoon indicated the crossing of the line. There was a firmer
step, better closed ranks, more determined countenances. Be-
yond there had been some cavalry fighting. The iences were
down and the bodies of dead horses scattered about; those
branded C. S. A. the more numerous. Rumors were rife of
the close presence of the enemy, and stories of a battle to be
momentarily expected. Information, none of it of value, was
eagerly seized and distributed with frightful exaggeration.

The broad, level acres of York, in Pennsylvania, took the
place of the rolling lands of Carroll in Mar^'land. The rich
soil, too productive to permit the timber to stand, was almost
entirely cleared of the forests, and patches of woodland were
rare. The great red barns, cosey spring-houses, and large,
roomy stone mansions were indicative of the successful results
of good, substantial tillage.

Hanover, a town of considerable size and of flourishing busi-
ness, was intended as the destination of the day's march. Its
railway depot, extensive warehouses, large stores, substantial
dwellings, were the evidence of its enterprise, thrift and com-
fort. One of the oldest settlements in southern Pennsylvania,
it had long been a centre for the gathering and distribution of
the prolific yirld of the surrounding country. Its broad streets
were the terminals of excellent turnpike roads leading to all
neighboring important towns. Its maia railway outlet, with
branches from Gettysburg and Littlestown, was by the North-
ern Central to Baltimore and Ilarrisburg, its own branch tai)-
ping that line at Hanover Junction. Here, on the outskirts,
the column halted at four o'clock in the afternoon, with some-
thing of a conviction that it v/as for an all night's rest. Ininic-
dlately, in wonder and astonishment at this sudden \-i>itatiun

— 236 —

by such a mass of men, apparencly all the people from far and
near gathered for a more familiar acquaintance with their un-
invited guests — as one of them not inaptly expressed it, for a
more intimate association " with these travel-stained, dusty,
walking arsenals, licensed to do murder at their chieftain's
bidding." They were deferential, respectful to the rifle and
bayonet, and at first cautious and hesitating about a near ap-
proach to them. But upon being assured that the arms were
not dangerous unless used to do harm, they became interested
in their mechanism and evinced some degree of boldness. But
the most attractive feature was the fair ladies of the vicinage.
Their tastes ran wholly to culinar}' affairs, and they were de-
lighted by the explanations and ocular demonstrations, as some
of them styled it, of the primitive, original and uncouth way in
which the soldier prepared his limited diet. The most fascinat-
ing and agreeable among the officers were at pains to convince
them of the excellent social, intellectual and moral standing of
the officers and men of the regiment. As ragged and dirty a
specimen of a soldier as happened in view was pointed out as
the son of the Rev. Dr. Henry Boardman, Philadelphia's most
distinguished Presbyterian divine, and it was suggested if he
was of such excellent stock, it might be well imagined how
high the better appearing ranked in the social scale. This
twitting pleasantry was apparently accepted as verity, and as
the citizens seemed reluctant to leave, it was assumed they were
agreeably entertained as well as instructed.*

The conviction that the stoppage was for the night was
erroneous. It had been a busy day at Gettysburg, some
eighteen miles away. General Reynolds had been killed and
the 1st and I ith Corps, after excellent fighting, had been badly
worsted by the more rapid concentration of the enemy. All

* A member of the i?t Michigan, writinij respecting tins march, says : " Tlie
night march from Hanover, with women and children lianding food and water
to our veterans, is mother picture never to be forgotten by us; and when they
said : ' Don't kt them come any further, boys,' the response, ' We will not, we
will not,' came from our ^^ichigan men with a meaning which they exemjilificd
in their next day's lighting.'

— 237 —

the army was ordered there with the greatest speed human en-
durance could sustain. The great battle had opened, upon the
determination of which hung the success or failure of the in-
vasion. So at nine o'clock, guided by the shimmer of a brilliant
moon, the column headed toward the then quaint old-fashioned
borough, now the famous historic battle town of Gettysburg.

As the army moved forward the bands and regimental drum
corps played through the streets of every town through which
the corps passed to keep the men awake. As it neared a point
of concentration, moving through batteries on one side and
infantrj'' battalions on the other, a staff officer approached the
colonel, and drawing a paper from his pocket, with the aid of a
lantern which he carried, read from it to the effect that Mc-
Clellan had been restored to the command of the army and
would have charge in the next day's battle. This information
was evidently intended for publication, but before it was formally
announced, the reading having been overheard, the news passed
from one to another, until it became known to all the troops in
the vicinity. The effect was electric and the result astonishing.
So long a time had elapsed since the removal of McClellan it
had ceased to be a subject of comment, and the old-time enthu-
siasm for him it was believed had disappeared forever. The
announcement was received with shout and yell and cheer, and
as they echoed and re-echoed from battery to battalion and
battalion back to batten.' again, the woods and fields were re-
sonant with the enthusiastic demonstration. It all passed
away as suddenly as it came, and was soon lost and forgotten
in the startling and thrilling incidents soon to follow.

At 3.30 on the morning of the 2d the column halted in a
piece of timber by the roadside for a rest in the little darkness
left before the dawn of a day to close big with the fate of the
nation. There was little comprehension of the situation be-
yond the fact that a great battle was likely to be fought, but it
was not viewed as in any way different from the man\- otiicr
hot and bloody contests through which the army had already
passed. There was no realization of the portentous result of

— 238 —

the issue, nor \vns it remotely conceived that histor>' would re-
cord it as the decisive battle of the war. The halt was made
some miles southeast of the town of Gettysburg, the distance
marched since the early morning of the 1st having been about
thirty-seven miles. The spot could not have been a great dis-
tance from the woods that skirt the base of the now memorable
Gulp and Wolf's Hill, then the extreme right of the fish-hook
shaped Union lines. At daylight within view was a prominent
heavily-wooded knoll, evidently the now well-known Wolf's
Hill. The clear, red sunrise indicated intense heat, and as the day
advanced the indications were verified. It bore down with swelter-
ing, withering effect, until its discomfitures were forgotten later
amid the thunder of guns and the intense activity of the conflict.

At daylight, or shortly after, the column was on the march,
and emerging from the timber where the morning halt had
been the division was deployed in line of masses, the battalions
doubled on the centre, and the brigades arranged from right to
left in their numerical order — Tilton's, Sweitzer's and Vincent's.
In the 1st Brigade the iiSth had the right, then followed the
1st Michigan, and then the 22d Massachusetts. The i8th
Massachusetts was temporarily detached for special service
early in the morning and did not rejoin the command until the
afternoon. The divisions were arranged in the corps, with
Barnes on the right, Ayres in the centre, and Crawford on the
left. The movement was conducted with precision and distances
established with accuracy. Except for the proximity of a
battle-field, it gave every evidence of preparation for a grand
review. The ground was specially adapted for such a cere-
mony with so large a body of troops, being so level that, when
the deployments of the masses were completed, the mounted
officers had the entire corps in view.

The alignment perfected, with colors unfurled and pieces at
a right shoulder, tlie masses advanced, preserving their align-
ments and distances with all the force, eft'ect and impressiveness
attending a display occasion. The fences were removed and
grass, grain, bush and weed were crushed by the heavy tramp

— 239 —

of the solid advance. Pennyroyal was prolific and the air was
permeated with its odors. Silence prevailed, interrupted only
by an occasional caution to " recollect the guide " and observe
the direction. Rising a knoll a short distance beyond where the
formation was effected, wooded crests and promontories stood
out boldly ; beyond were the sounds of musketry. These now
historic grounds had the neighborhood designation of Gulp's,
Wolfs, MacAllister's and Power's Hill. Nearing the base of
the hills the corps may be said to have arrived at Gettysburg.
The hour is differently reported, by some at seven and others
at eight o'clock in the morning, the time between daylight and
the arrival having been occupied by the formation and the ad-
vance. Here the direction was changed by the right flank, and
the first intended purpose of the 5th Gorps to extend the right
of the line of the army was virtually accomplished. The masses
were deployed into lines, and shortly after, it being thought the
lines of the army were too extended, the brigades were formed
by battalion columns and direction changed twice by the left flank.

After moving a considerable distance in the last of the new
directions, the division crossed Rock Greek near the Baltimore
and Gettysburg turnpike, and massed there in the vicinity of an
orchard, the corps being for the time held as the reserve of the
army, where as such it lay within easy reach of the r2th Gorps.
The original relative position of the several brigades in the
division, and of the regiments of the ist Brigade, was retained.
These manoeuvrings and changes from the arrival jntil crossing
Rock Greek occupied the time until after midday. There were
then several hours of ease. There was an intermittent, bicker-
ing sort of musketry fire continually going on, with an occa-
sional discharge of a piece of artiller}'. It was ominous of
preparation, indicative of assault.

Tlie tempting opportunity for a bath in the creek could not
be resisted, and a few seized it in the interval of rest as a re-
freshing relief from the fatigues of the incessant marching. Some
dropped into peaceful slumber, oblivious of the coming storm.

Toward three o'clock, on the left, in front of a rocky ridge

— 240 —

terminating in a round knobbed, timbered mountain, the mus-
ketry' increased to a roar and the guns thundered with the
energy of determination. Shells, shot wild of their intended
destination, passed over the closely crowded reserve and ex-
ploded harmlessly far beyond. The 3d Corps, fighting in a
death grip, was crumbling, front and flank, before Longstreet's
assaulting hosts. The rest was broken ; the sleepers were
awakened. " Fall in," " attention," " load at will, load," harsh,
stern, determined, in quick succession, obeyed with alacrity,
brought a realizing sense of the immediate responsibilities.
The columns stood in earnest readiness, sternly awaiting the
moment of Contact with that twinge and tingle of anxiety, in-
definite, indescribable, invariably attendant on the command to
load. The first instructions to detach a brigade from the 5th
to the support of the 3d Corps w^ere countermanded. The
whole of the 5th was then ordered to the threatened position,
and the imperilled left thus fell sacredly to its keeping. To
repeated applications from General Sickles for assistance while
the 5th Corps was approaching the field, General Sykes re-
plied : " It is impossible for me to give it ; the key of the battle-
field is entrusted to my keeping, and I cannot and will not
jeopardize it by a division of my forces. "

At 3.30 the division moved by the left flank to the south-
eastward in the direction of the heavy fighting. The brigades
reversed numerically, brought Vincent on the lead, with
Sweitzer following and Tilton to the rear. By this change
Tilton's brigade lost the opportunity for the high distinction
won by Vincent's in its magnificent repulse of the assaults
on Little Round Top. General Warren, who had discovered
its vital importance, neglected or abandoned as it was, just as
the head of the division column was nearing it, seized the
troops closest at hand to hold the rocky eminence. As Vin-
cent's brigade led, it was thrown hurriedly to the crest. If the
movement liad been by the right, Tilton's brigade would have
been assigned this important duty. Upon the 22d INIassachu-
sctLs, its left regiment, would have devol\-cd the trying rcspon-

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— 241 —

sibility. so valiantly discharged by Chamberlain's 20th Maine,
of repelling the overwhelming odds hurled against them and
of maintaining alone the extreme left of the defensive line of
the Union army, and of eventually driving the enemy from the
face of Big Round Top.

The march was by roadway, timber skirting the flanks most
of the distance. The battle was raging fearfully. The wicked
screech and angry whistle of shot and shell were persistent and
continuous. The enemy's batteries were served with unusual
determination and unwonted vigor. The noise, confusion,
bustle and excitement of the rear were more than usually in-
tensified. Ammunition wagons, parked close together, ambu-
lances, jamming and jostling each other, were imperilled and
threatened by the bursting bombs and ricocheting shots. The
harrowing sights of shocking wounds and bandaged limbs, as
borne on stretcher, carried in ambulance, or limping in pain,
men sought a place of safet\", thickened as the column neared
the scene of action. The demoralizing rumors of irretrievable
disaster grew to shameful proportions, as the fears of skulkers
and malingerers magnified the enemy's onslaught. A splendid
black charger, too valuable for such exposure, said to have
been the horse of Captain John Fassit, of the 23d Pennsylvania,
an aide on General Birney's staff, had his right foot torn off as
he was being led along the flank of the column.

The rocky eminences, Big and Little Round Top. com-
manded almost an entire view of the plateau held by our army.
Rising a ridge near them, the column passed over it, down its
rocky, wooded sides, into a gorge filled with huge stones and
massive boulders, towards the enemy. It was now in the midst
of the active combat. Shot, shell and musketr}' raged terrifi-
cally. The familiar piercing rebel yell, incapable of description,
conceivable onl)- by those who knew it, dominated the uproar.
The march trended diagonally through the gorge by lane or
by path, and thence by the roadway which connects the Em-
metsburg turnpike with the Taneytown road, crossing the gap
between the two Round Tops. Following this 'road a short

16

— 242 —

distance, then removing the fences, the column turned to the
left into the timber, beyond and in front of the fomous wheat-
field. Rocks and boulders were scattered about, not so large
or massive as those in the gorge. The ground in front, well
cleared, fell off in quite a slope and was interspersed with rocks
and a few straggling trees. Beyond this open ground and in
full view was the Rose House on another rise. To the right,
on the other side of the road, was an open space apparently
unprotected, the source of much anxiet}'. Here were a num-
ber of batteries, their left resting on the opposite side of the
road at the point u'here the brigade had entered the timber,
their right extending towards the front, in a line deflecting a
little from a direction nearly parallel with the road. The only
one noticeably in view was Bigelow's famous 9th Massachusetts
Battery of brass twelves on the extreme left. His guns were
being served with wonderful rapidity, accompanied by that
pluck, energy and determination as much a part of all well-ap-
pointed batteries in action as were the guns themselves. These
batteries apparently were wholly without infantry support on
their right. As soon as the brigade had nearly cleared the road
it was halted and faced to the front, upon the further edge of the
timber. This restored the formation as it was before the march
to the battle-field began, bringing the l iSth again on the right.
The 2d Brigade had preceded the 1st into the woods and
left so little space for it to occupy between its right and the
batteries that the iSth ^vlassachusetts was necessarily thrown
to the rear as a support, and the whole of the right wing of
the llSth was refused to the right at a sharp right-angle. As
the division was then posted, the 11 8th v/as the extreme right
regiment. Except the troops that had been in the peach orchard,
which was but a short distance in front, and those on the Em-
metsburg turnpike, the brigade was farther advanced than any
troops on the left had been or subsequently were during the
battle. As the line was established, a thin line of battle in
front, not heavier than a strong skirmish line, tdking it for
granted that it was relieved, withdrew. They ^\•ere inimedi-

243

— 244 —

ately replaced by skirmishers from the brigade. During all this
time the firing had been very heavy in every direction, and the
men, in eager expectancy of an assault, manifested such an
anxiety for action that they were cautioned to restrain them-
selves long enough, in case of attack, to permit the skirmishers
to retire. They were kept but a moment in v/aiting. The in-
creased activitv of the guns, their loud- and deafeninsf roar,
loud cries for canister, indicated, though his lines were still un-
seen by the infantr>', that the artillery had discovered the
enemy and were determined to inflict prompt and damaging
punishment. It was ineffectual, and the onslaught, timed as
at twenty minutes after four, terrible and severe, first fell upon
the left of the brigade. The musketry rolled in continuous
roar, volley after volley was poured in heavily as nearer and
nearer the enemy approached the right. The ground trembled,
the trees shook and limbs quivered. " Shell without cutting
fuse ! " shouted Bigelow. All the other batteries had retired and
one section of his. The skirmishers came in hurriedly, and then
across the unguarded space a column of the enemy appeared
through the smoke, moving with shout, shriek, curse and yell,
about to envelop the entire exposed and unprotected right flank
of the regiment. They were moving obliquely, loading and
firing with deliberation as they adwinced, begrimed and dirty-
looking fellows, in all sorts of garb, some without hats, others
without coats, none apparently in the real dress or uniform of
a soldier. The regiment now opened vigorously, and the en-
tire brigade was hotly engaged. The man who had been
summarily relieved of head-quarter pack-horse duty by the rear
guard, a few days before, showed conspicuous gallantry. Be-
grimed with powder, hatless, a few paces in advance, shouting
continually," Give them hell, boys! " hewasdoingexcellentwork.
Twitted and jeered for his previous failures, the slurs changed
to commendations at this early attempt at leadership. The
line preserved its regularity; there was no attempt to seek cover
among the rocks or tim.ber, but the men stood erect, stepping
a pace to the rear to load and returning promptly to the front

— 245 —

to fire. The enveloping process continued with alarming-
rapiuity. Colonel Gwyn had noted its progress with anxiety.
A change of front or a disorderly break would alone prevent
capture or annihilation. Discipline, firmness, courage were in
readiness, and in response to Colonel Gwyn's order, repeated
in the stentorian tones of Major Herring, ringing out above
the din of battle, " Change front to the rear on loth Company,
battalion about face, by company right half wheel, march ! "
tiie regiment, under all this withering, pelting fire, executed
the movement with as much alacrity, precision and detail as it
ever did on any parade occasion. The rest of the brigade had
also executed a similar manoeuvre, which changed the entire
front in the new direction. The position of the organization
was so far altered as to bring the brigade into two lines,
the iiSth still retaining the right of the first line. Colonel
Sweitzer was notified of the change and directed to con-
form his movements to co-operate in resisting the heavy attack.
The line retired, loading and firing with deliberation, for some
300 yards, crossing a corner of the wheat-field and making
another stand in the timber behind a stone fence, about 200
feet from the gate opening into the lane of the Trostle House.
So orderly was this retirement that there was neither break,
hurry nor undue crowding. Save when ?iIajor Biddle, of Gen-
eral Meade's staff, rode his horse into the ranks, earnestly im-
ploring a halt, there was neither waver nor hesitation. These
movements were neither sudden nor panicky, but performed in
obedience to orders and conducted with all military propriety.
Bigelow, sorel}' pressed and his battery in imminent danger,
K')llowed the movement, withdrawing his pieces b}- frolongs.
Tlicn he took position in the angle, almost at the Trostle House
gate, slighth- in front and to the right of the regiment, where
he did damaging execution. He had not moved until the
cnenu', with a savage yell, were on the very top of him and
had completely covered both his fianks. Sergeant Augustus
I.uker, Companx- K, Corporal DcW'itt Rodermcl, Company F,
Jaiue-i J. Donnelly, Coiiipan)- C, Sergeant Joseph Turner,

— 245 —

Company F, of the riSth, gallantly assisted in keeping back
Kershaw's skirmishers from his left flank, and Bigelow to this
day continues to refer admiringly to their gallant conduct.
Whilst lying behind the stone wall, the same James J.
Donnelly, who had taken his place with Company E on
the extreme right, attracted attention by the cool, deliberate
and accurate manner with which he used a carbine that he had
picked up at Aldie and carried with him afterward. Donnelly

\^

SFRGEANT AUGUSTUS LUKER

had been detailed for orderly duty at regimental head-quarters
and, being without musket or equipments, had taken this
method to provide himself with a weapon, intending to use it
to a purpose at the first opportunity. He had exhausted his
ammunition and. desiring instructions what he should do for
more, from Lieutenant Samuel X. Lewis, who stood in his im-
mediate vicinitv and had noticed the man's beha\-ior, was di-

— 247 —

rected to leap over the wall and remove the cartridge-box and
take the musket from the dead body of a soldier that lay some
fifteen or twenty paces to the front. Without hesitation, amid
a shower of bullets, he executed the direction, slowly removed
the accoutrements, seized the musket and returned to his place.
He then called Lieutenant Lewis's attention to a Confederate
stand of colors and its color-bearer. Taking- deliberate aim, he
fired, and the standard almost instantly fell. Donnelly, en-
raptured with his
^ ^— :a»"a5st^^ success, never after-

wards returned to
'^^^ his orderly duty, but

^ remained, coura-

=-^ \ -^» I c$ geously nghtmg, m

S \^ the ranks, and to-

V'- ' '^ ' wards the end of

-— the war was re-

warded with a well-
/ --'^ /"& earned promotion to

'>^V-.;:-\, a first lieutenancy.
fe .: The vard and
#" / yM-::-- grounds of the Tros-

"^ ' '" .^M:y- tie House soon

swarmed with skir-
mishers from Barks-
dale's brigade. The

JAMES J DONNELLY. Mi S S i S S i p p i a n S

crowded every cor-
ner, knoli and rock that offered protection, pouring in a de-
structive and accurate fire. Their line of battle, w ith colors
well to the front, developed distinctly and still continued to
envelop the right and the battery, punisliing it most seriousl)\
They soon covered the rear as well as the flank. With a
mad rush they made for the guns. Bigelow was almost
-surrounded ; he h.ad lost eighty Iiorses. Nearly all his men
were killoil or wt)nnded. Yielding Ui the ine\ itabie, tiie pieces

— 248 —

were abandoned, and all four fell into the enemy's hands, to be
subsequently, however, retaken before the close of the day.
This spot no longer tenable, a further withdrawal was neces-
sitated. Just as it commenced the color-bearer of the 2 1st
Mississippi regiment advanced through the gate of the Tros-
tle House and, halting in the road, stood gallantly and cour-
ageously waving his colors in the midst of the thickest of the

X.

V^S

CAPTAIN RICHARD \V DAVIDS.

melee. Beside him a Confederate skirmisher was seen to drop
on one knee and take deliberate aim at Captain Richard \V.
Davids. His shot was effecti\-c. The ball penetrated his
bodv; staggering, he fell into the arms ot Smith, who was
by his side, and with his aid and that of otliers he made
an effort to reach the rear, but fell within a few paces
of where he had been shot and expired where he teil.
He met his fate with true sold;erl\" composure. Cautain

— 249 —

Davids was a man of positive convictions, earnest purpose and
strong determination. Of liigh soldierly instincts, his courage
was heroism and his bravery daring. With his superior mili-
tary attainments he coupled a genial, generous disposition.
Cultured, affable, firm, he was endeared to those with whom he
associated, admired by those whom he commanded.

At this time Lieutenant James B. Wilson and Lieutenant
Inman were severely wounded. Lieutenant Inman's wounds
were of a character that prevented his ever again resuming
his duties in the field, and Lieutenant Wilson was a long
time recovering.*

As the command withdrew, a Georgia regiment, moving at
double-quick, with arms at the right shoulder and colors fly-
ing, passed the left of the regimental line. They were prison-
ers of war, guarded by a small squad of their captors and
were being hurried to the rear to get them out of the fire of
their own people. In the flurry of the capture the demand was
not made that they should lay down their arms, and they
apparently unconsciously continued to bear them, although
they were prisoners. It is probably fortunate for the small
squad who had them in charge that they, as well, uncon-
sciously forgot to use them.

The enemy seemed startled and appalled at their success.

■* Lieutenant Inman says : " Lieutenant Wilson and myself were wounded, and
1 lay upon the field until the morning of the 4th, when some of the men of
Company F, of which I was an officer, carried me otf on a stretcher to the hos-
pital, where Dr. Tliomas operated on nie. On Thursday night, whilst Iving
within the rebel lines, the 139th Ohio Rci^iment came to where I was, and I
quietly called one of the sergeants and asked him to help me into our lines. He
reported to the colonel the fact of being within the enemy's line, when he imme-
diately ordered right about face and fell rapidly liack, leaving me alone with the
dead. That night a number of stray hogs cai\ie to where I lay and commenced
rooting and tearing at the dead men around me. Finally one f^-llow that in the
darkness looked of enormous size approached and attempted to poke nie — grunting
loudlv the while. Several others also came up, when, waiting my chance. I jammed
my sword into his belly, which made him set up a prolonged, sharp cry. liy
cons'iimt \i,;l!ance and keeping ivoni sleeping I contrived to hglu tb.e nioniiers
otf till daylight."

— 250 —

They had lost something in organization, but their numbers
were overpowering. Their yells and howls never ceased.

Colonel Gwyn gave orders to " about face." It has been
said that our brigade was withdrawn with undue haste. Now,
if it was not time to retire, when the guns of the 9th Massa-
chusetts were in the hands of Barkesdale's Mississippians, who
were on our right flank, and firing so close that Corporal S.
M. Caldwell, of Company E, was shot through the right side
of the head, then all we had learned or knew of the art of war
as veterans was in zuiiJi. Lieutenant S. N. Lewis and other
officers emptied their revolvers at the now eager enemy, who
were charging and firing on us. Our men withdrew slowly,
firing on them as we fell back. Organization was fairly pre-
served. The whole battlefield was in a twirl since the attack
had begun in the frequent changes of front, and directions
and requirements had become so intermingled that they were
at the moment tr\-ing to unwind themselves. There were
times when regularity of formation was lost; but the colors
indicated vantage ground and confidence to the hesitating
ranks, and the men kept their eyes on the colors. It is said
that the 2 1st ^Mississippi Regiment of Barkesdale's Brigade,
McLaw's Division, who charged on us and the 9th Mass.
Battery, lost every color-bearer. Many of our men had their
cartridges on the ground ready for quick firing as the Rebels
charged on us. They were the troops who charged on us in
our first and second positions.

No histories give mention that the iiSth Regiment sup-
ported Bigelow's Battery, and rendered good service. Phil-
lips' 5th Massaclnisetts Battery also did splendid fighting,
vainly struggling to check the onward rush of the rebel
masses. The rapid peals from their guns told the awful work
allotted them was being well done by the gallant cannoneers.
The rebel General Wofford attacked the line held by Zook and
Sweitzer. Barnes' two brigades were driven out froi^.i their
position in the woods and wheatficlds. The hisses were
fightfu!, and our whole line at this part was soon brol-;en.
Humphrey had meanwhile completed his movement.

— 251 —

Generals Sickels and Barnes were wounded. Bigelow's
Battery, with the iiSth Infantry as support, was on the left of
the Trostle House, near the left bank of Plum Run, and opened
fire upon the enemy, now advancing from the west and south,
and taking their battery. '

The batteries of McGilvery, consisting of thirty or forty
pieces of artillery, were hurried into position, n'ith their front
at the trostle-house on our right. They opened on the enemy,
and, together with Hancock's other batteries, got a cross-fire
upon the advancing, yelling enemy.

The Confederate battle-flags could be plainly seen, and on
our left the wheatfield where Generals Zook and Taylor were
killed. The fighting was desperate, mingled with the solid, de-
fiant cheers of our men and the groans of the wounded and
dying. The men had no time for sensations of fear. As they
said, " If we cannot v/hip them in our own State of Pennsylva-
nia, where can we ? " It was the men's battle, and fought
with no thought of being defeated.

It would be well for future historians, in writing up the his-
tory of the 3d and 5th Corps to extend the high-water mark
to the Round Tops, where the greatest losses and most des-
perate fighting took place on the afternoon of the second day;
when Longstrect, with the entire right wing of Lee's army of
45,000, the largest body of men that advanced together on
any part of the held, was repulsed after fiercely charging
again and again until compelled by darkness to cease, and
failed to carry the key of the whole battle-field. This is what
all the military men say, both Union and Confederate, who were
there. General Aleade states that his greatest losses were on
the second day, and this we claim is the high-water mark of
the rebellion. Our first division did some desperate fighting.
The dead and wounded, with the red maltese cross on their
caps, were lying all over the field.

During the long, hazy moonlight night of July ?.d parts of
our lines were being strengthened by hrca^tworiv's, and many
wounded carried to tlie iiospital, and there was but little rest
given to the weary veteran who had fought through the day.

252 —

established in front and a little to the right of the point where
the command had crossed the ridge near Little Round Top in
the afternoon. Concerning the retirement Colonel Tilton offi-
cially said : " I think, however, I saved my brigade from great
disaster, after it could no longer be of any good at the front,
and succeeded in forming a new line, which was retained dur-
ing the night."

While the withdrawal from the Trostle House was in prog-
ress, attention was attracted to the solid, ringing, regular tramp
of firm, determined men. Concealed by the smoke and the
irregularities of the ground, the sound of the approaching
mass was heard before the line appeared in sight. As it drew
nearer and nearer, that splendid division, the Pennsylvania Re-
serves, came suddenly into view, sweeping ever}-thing before it,
as if confident in the assurance of its own inherent strength.
With Crawford leading, hat in hand, waving his followers on
to victor\' ; with fixed bayonets, steady tread and in excellent
alignment, shouting and cheering, as if the victor}' were already
theirs, they pressed on in that memorable charge that restored
so much of the ground lost and recovered so many of the
guns taken during the afternoon. Their rush had been so
sudden that many of the enemy, who had succeeded in work-
ing around the right of the corps, were caught between their
advancing and Barnes's retiring lines. There was no escape,
and, yielding reluctantly, they stepped out hurriedly to a place
of safety. The ist Brigade was small, and the prisoners taken
by them almost equalled in numbers the strength of the brig-
ade. With some the reluctance was not so manifest, and they
expressed satisfaction at being safely out of that " blazing
hell."

After the division had withdrawn to its second position, it
having been reported that CaklweH's brigade, of the 2d Corps,
was driving the enemy to the left and front, Sweitzer's brigade
was sent to its assistance. The i8th and 22d Massachusetts
regiments, of tlie 1st Brigade, accompanied it. The effort was
futile, disa>Lrous, and resulted in severe lo.is. The 4th Michi-

— 253 —

gan and 62d Pennsylvania crossed bayonets in actual contact
with the enemy. Colonel Jeffords, commanding the former
regiment while mounted, was thrust through with a bayonet,
as he gallantly attempted to rescue his colors. With the ex-
ception of this advance, the movements of the two brigades
corresponded with each other during the entire engagement,
and they were together when the line was established in the
evening in front of the ridge near Little Round Top.

Thus, to sum up, while repulsed at every other part of
our line, the Confederates held possession at Kulp's Hill,
on the extreme right. Thus ended the second day of the
bloody struggle at Gettysburg. That night Meade called
his generals together to determine whether they should con-
tinue on that line, and fight it out on the morrow or retreat.
The verdict was to fight it out. and Hancock, in giving his
vote, remarked that " the Union army had retreated too often
already."

* Dr. Joseph Thomas furnishes the following graphic description of the scene
after the second day's battle : " About eleven o'clock at night the ambulances
were busy collecting and carrying to the rear great loads of mangled and dying
humanity. The wagon-train, with tents and supplies, had not yet arrived, and the
woimded were deposited on the ground. The site selected for the wounded of the
1st division was a field just in rear of Big Round Top, a little over a half mile
from its base. As they were removed from the ambulances they were placed in
long rows, with no reference to the nature or gravity of their injuries, nor condition
or rank. Friend and foe alike, as they had been promiscuously picked up where
they had fallen, were there laid side by side in these prostrate ranks of bleeding,
suffering and dying unfortunates. Soon the ambulances ceased their visits, as
they had gathered up all that were accessible or could be found in the darkness.
There were about 250 or 300 thus collected and lying upon the ground awaiting
examination by the surgeon, as soon as dawn should appear to furnish light for the
painful work. Opiates were administered to alleviate pain, and water supplied to
appease their thirst. One of the surgeons then wrapped himself in his blanket and
sought a brief repose to prepare himself I'or the busy work of the morrow. It was
futile to attempt to sleep, for the horrors of the environment put this out of the
question. Sounds of pain and anguish, invocation and supplication, singing, and
even cursing by some in their delirium or sleep, were promiscuously intermmgled.
To sleep was impossible. At last morning dawned, and at the same time orders
were received to remove the wounded farther to the rear and out of range of the
enemy's batteries, which were expected to shell that i^uarter a.s soon as it was light

— 254 —

The earliest streaks of dawn had scarce made objects distin-
guishable, ere the pickets signified their purpose of continued
strife by sharp, persistent firing. The 3d of July, the third
of these three eventful days, had broken to close again in bloody
strife, and to roll back in terrible disaster the final attempt to
break the hard-pressed Union lines. At daylight the brigade
was shifted to the rocky face of Round Top, and there relieved
Vincent's brigade, now commanded by Rice. The strength
and valor of that brigade, tested to the highest degree of soldier
manhood, had saved that commanding eminence, and with it
the entire line from the momentary grip the enemy had upon it.
This wooded proniontor\-, boldest of all the hills in the vicinity,
was visible for miles in ever\- direction. It was without road
or pathway, a mass of huge, round, smooth, slippery boulders.
Securely manned, the hill would have been almost invulnerable
against assault. To the natural defences the position afforded,
the troops relie\'ed had added a substantial stone breastwork.
The trees were rudely scarred, split and torn in every conceiv-
able way, and scarce a bush, twig or limb but that bore con-
vincing evidence of heavy firing from both cannon and small
arms.

This position commanded a view of all the country between
the two lines to the left of the Union centre, covering a scope
of some two square miles. Immediately in front for some half
mile was thick timber, concealing the rocks, stones, caves and
boulders that made up the well-named, weird, forsaken and
desolate Devil's Den. Through this, and extending to the
right beyond it, coursed a sluggish stream of width and volume
scarce sufficient to dignif}' it with a name, called Plum Run.
Its waters were not confined to its channel, but spread out in

enough. AmbuUinces iimult.ineoiisly arrived, and the wounded were a;:^riin placed
in them and t.iken to a more remote point b.ick on Rock Creek, where tents were
suhscquentiy pitched to shelter them. In lifting them upon the conveyances, it
was discovered thr-t manv were dead. The removal from the place w.ts accom-
plished none too soon. f< r as the l.-.st load was moving off, shells and solid shot
(")e^'an to fall in f 'rn:id .Ijle numbers on the p'.ace."

— 255 —

swamp and bog over loamy ground grown rank in a tall swamp
grass. Beyond this growth of timber in its front to the Union
x'it, the Country rolled off in open, arable, cultivated lands until
it was interrupted by the timber crowning the other crest, Sem-
inary Ridge, which the enemy occupied. The enemy's lines
were distant, all along his front, about three-quarters of a mile.
The ridge he held ran almost parallel with that occupied by the
Union forces, until it reached bex'ond Round Top, where it
deflected to his front, terminating not far from the base, and
almost on the flank, of that mountain. It was much lower,
and in no sense commanded it. The Emmetsburg road, a
broad, well-made turnpike, extended the entire distance between
the two lines, but was nearest the Union line. Along it, and
elsewhere over the scene, fine old-fashioned farm-houses, with
large, substantial barns, stables and out-buildings, dotted the
undulating lands. Just at the season of wheat harvest, the
whole country' teemed with abundant crops, ripening to a rich
maturity. The battle doubtless made the wheat harvest of the
locality a failure, and the usual prolific yield of the other crops
was probably materialh' interfered with. Numbers of these
commodious houses and roomy barns fell victims to the flames,
and all through the fight great volumes of smoke from burning
buildings, barns and hay-ricks rolled up like huge spires — for
there was but little wind — at various points between the lines.
It was a field that more strongly contrasted thrifty, enterprising,
prosperous peace with harsh, rude, relentless war, than any
other on which the Army of the Potomac ever fought.

In proportion to the number engaged, the greatest loss sus-
tained by any regiment during the war was that of the 1st
Minnesota. On the afternoon of the second day the Union
line was driven back in confusion from its position along
the Emmettsburg Road. While Hancock was patching up
a second line he saw a column of the enemy (Wilco.x's
Brigade) emerging suddenly from a clump of trees near an un-
pr(jtected portion of his line. The 1st Minnesota were on
ligh.t of the 1 1 8th, and Hancock, desirous of gaining time until
reinlorcements could be brought forward, rode up to Col.

— 256 —

Colville, and ordered him to take the enemy's colors. A des-
perate fight ensued, m which the enemy were forced back,
leaving their colors in the hands of the 1st Minnesota. There
is no more gallant deed recorded in history. The regiment
took 262 officers and men in this fight. It lost fifty killed and
174 wounded. Total, 224.

A remarkable feature of the loss is that none were missing.
Seventeen officers were killed or wounded, including the
colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major and adjutant. The killed,
with those who died of their wounds, numbered seventy-five,
or over twenty-eight per cent, of those engaged — a percentage
of killed unequalled in military statistics.

This regiment (141st Pennsylvania) went into the fight with
198 men, of whom twenty-five were killed, 103 wounded and
twent}'-one missing. The killed, with those who died of
wounds, numbered forty-nine, or twenty-four per cent, of those
engaged. They fought in the peach orchard on the second day
afternoon.

The 26th North Carolina Regiment, Confederate, went
into action with over 800 men. They sustained a loss of
eighty-six kill-ed and 502 wounded; total, 588, in addition to
120 missing. This loss occurred mostly in the first day's fight,
in front of the 151st Pennsylvania and Cooper's Battery B, 1st
Pennsylvania. Total loss, 70S. This loss was the heaviest
regimental loss during the war.

The regiment was just becoming familiar with its new sur-
roundings on Round Top when a Confederate officer, without
sword or belt, with his coat thrown back with an air of ease,
independence and authority, comfortably enjoying a cigar, mov-
ing calmly and leisurely as if he were quietly out for a stroll,
deliberately walked into the lines. The enemy was close, and
our skirmishers were advanced but a few paces. He had passed
through them unobserved, or had been permitted to do so, wit"
a conviction that his capture was certain to follow elsewhere.
Astonished, he moo(iily accepted his fate, and was promptly
conducted to the rear. He was a staff officer, and had no idea

-— 257 —

he was in such proximity to the Union Hnes, when a few mo-
ments before he sought a short respite from the bustle and
activity of head-quarters by strolling off in a direction where
lie thought he would be alone. Of good address and culture,
lie was keenly sensitive to the reproach that might follow the
unfortunate way in which he had permitted himself to be taken.

There were many distressing sights of torn and mangled
bodies upon the mountain side. One Confederate in the death
grip had seized the sharp edge of a huge rock, and with feet
held fast in a cleft of the rock above, hung head downwards
between the two. Wild hogs feeding on the corpses magnified
the surrounding horrors. One of the enemy, evidently mor-
tally wounded, shot early in the engagement on the previous
afternoon, had been placed upon a stretcher to await oppor-
tunity for removal. Meanwhile his people had been driven
from their position, and he had lain all night in fearful agony,
scarce able to articulate from thirst. Grateful for the water
that temporarily allayed his sufferings, he was removed a short
distance to the rear, but not far enough to be out of the range
of the bombardment that followed a few hours later. At its
conclusion his body was found frightfully mangled. His own
guns had expedited a death which would have surely followed
the wounds inflicted by his enemies. He, with others, spoke
of the terrible punishment their forces had received, and was
by no means sanguine of ultimate success. The)- had been
encouraged in the assurance that they would encounter only
militia, and took some consolation in the fact that their failure
to make good their onslaught had been due to the tried and
experienced soldiery of the old Potomac Army.

All the morning there was a hushed and painful anxious
stillness. Save the bickering of the pickets, the two great
armies were in quiet repose, or gathering in cautious prepara-
tion for another stroke. So quiet was it that, tempted by the
silence, the chaplain found his way to the front to minister con-
solation to the dying and call the attention of the living to the
uncertainties of human existence, by a liberal distribution of
17

- 258 -

tracts and periodicals. His flock was not as appreciative as he
would have desired, nor his means and methods as convincing
as he would have had them. The battle-field, where men be-
come stolid against its horrors, indifferent to its fear, heedless
of its anxieties, seems not the place for the encouragement of
religious training, or the propagation of the Gospel's teachings.

But relief soon came to the anxious waiting ; the painful
stillness was abruptly broken. At one o'clock every gun in
every batter^' that lined the crest of Seminary Ridge opened in
simultaneous crash. Instantly every gun on the Union ridge
responded. Without let or hindrance the cannonading contin-
ued for well nigh two hours. There was not first a gradual sub-
sidence and then a swelling again to the discharge of all the
guns, but without stop, break or interruption the firing con-
tinued as it commenced, throughout the whole time of the
bombardment, by all the guns of ail the batteries of both the
armies, for which position could be found on the ridges they
respectively occupied. From the position on the slope of
Round Top the enemy's line, as marked by its fire, was in full
sight for two-thirds of its entire length.

The sun shone in unusual splendor, and made the puffs from.
each discharge from the enemy's batteries so distinct, until the
thickening smoke cut off the view of ridge and valley, that
seemingly, though almost a mile away, they flashed in the very
faces of those at whom the fire was directed Screech, whistle,
roar, crash, thug, explosion, so filled the air with inharmonious,
conflicting noise as to drown the human voice.

.As the more deadly whir and buzz of the rl; ing fragments of
exploded shell dominated the screech and wiiistle of bolt and
solid shot, men cast anxious glances at each other until the
sound died away harmlessly in the distance. The guns, served
as if with venomous rapidity, would send the solid shot along
with the furj* of a maddened bowler who. angered at his luck,
recklessly sends his balls in rude confusion to their destination,
careless of his aim, heedless of results, anxious only that his
task were done. The blows from the weighty missiles fractured

— 259 —

rocks, splintered timbers and shattered the loose material of the
entrenchments. This contributed to wounds and bruises, where
the weight of metal had failed of its more deadly purpose. The
army had not yet acquired tact or speed in the construction of
breastworks, nor was the rocky surface so adapted to their
erection as the more pliable soil of Virginia. There was no
such cover as the well-built lines of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor
and Petersburg afforded, and the open country contributed to a
better accuracy of fire.

The buzz and hum of conversation ceased. There was a
strange and remarkable stillness. Every man was motionless
and silent. The prophetic enthusiast, ever ready with his
boastful foreknowledge of the next move on the chess-board
of battle, ceased to prophesy. Poor practice was greeted by no
such jocular phrase, irresistible on other fields, as "Shorten
your fuses," " Elevate your pieces," " Depress your guns."
Vivid ^animation yielded to sober, serious reflection. Stilled to
an awful pause, save when the batter\'men worked with untiring
energy and ceaseless activity, the whole army lay prone, hushed
in appalling silence. Men investigating their surroundings,
ministering to the needs of the wounded, hurriedly sought
their places. Veiled in smoke, obscured by the timber, the
soldiers as close to the ground as if they were part of it, it was
scarce conceivable these wooded hillsides concealed a great
army of animated, living beings.

And the incessant roar and the wild, unremitting screech
continued all this long and wear}' time — wear}' from long
inaction — when it slackened and then ceased as abruptly as it
began. The smoke slowly lifted, and there was nothing to ob-
scure a full view of almost the whole length of the enemy's front
and of the more than three-quarters of a mile of open countr}-
tliat separated the two lines. The great silence, the portentous
lull, was ominous of the enemy's assault. Unlike such other
operations, there was no attempt to protect or conceal the
column of attack. There was no overhanging mist of break-
ing day, no uncertain shadows of a lingering twilight, no

■ — 26o — ,

glimmer of a pale and sickly moon, no friendly timber, no
sheltering knoll. But, in the full glare of the afternoon sun-
light, Seminary Ridge suddenly bristled with activity', and from
the timber which crowned its crests there emerged, covering
half its length and opposite the Union centre, two solid, un-
wavering lines of battle. Their distances were preser\'ed with
accuracy, their mounted officers occupied their several proper-
stations. The standards fluttered defiantly, the muskets, at a
right-shoulder, glistened brightly. Upon their right flank huge
columns of masses moved in support, and as the lines cleared
the woods, heavy bodies followed in reserve. Four hundred
yards is considered to be the limit of distance fair to test the
strength and metal of men. Here there was nearly a mile to
cover before the lines would impinge, and then the point of im-
pact was against the enemy's centre rarely eftectual. No other
word fittingly describes those splendid lines as they appeared
before shot or shell disturbed or shattered their symmetry save
the somewhat extravagant adjective — magnificent. There was
no crescendo yell, no wild, weird shriek, and the tramp was
steady, solemn, silent. As if in waiting for a full disclosure of
the purpose, the Union guns reserved their fire. Then deep,
sonorous, rapid, they plied their terrible punishment, and yet,
with unflinching nerve and steady grandeur, the formidable
charging column pressed right along in the full sweep of a
resistless energy. There was hesitating, anxious questioning
whether at the point of contact there was strength sufficient to
withstand the crushing blow. A slight crumbling on the
flanks forced a deflection to the left ; but, recovering promptly
the direct advance, the whole mass passed out of view behind
an intervening wood, amid unrestrained expressions of admira-
tion for such heroic daring. Again everything disappeared in
the gloom of the impenetrable smoke. As the lines approached
the enenn-'s fire noticeably slackened and the Union guns con-
tinued with increased wicked, ncr\-ous intensit\-. Suddenly
they too ceased for a moment, and then, as if with uni\'ersal
crash, the death-rattle of small arms drowned all other sound.'-..

— 26l —

Tlie usual musketry smoke curtain indicated a scene of frjo-ht-
ful carnage. The noise of the contest rose and fell in heavv
surging volumes, and then, as first, groups and knots, and then
other groups and other knots appeared beyond the woods in the
desperate hurry of confused retreat, it died away to rise again
in sullen anger as the enemy's guns opened to help back home
again the pitiful few who alone remained of all that splendid
host. Pickett's charge, to be memorable throughout the ages,
was a failure, and historic Gettysburg, from whence Confederate
treason began to slowly ebb its life away, was over.

The soft and soothing shimmer of another moonlight night
hushed the battle-field in slumber, and the Fourth of July,
bathed in calm, refreshing sunlight, dawned as if in joyous
commemoration of the old freedom and in bright recognition
of the nation's new birth of liberty. As if there had been
work enough, the bickering of the pickets subsided to watch-
fulness, and by noon the battle-field w^as in repose.

About ten o'clock the brigade moved out to feel and develop
the enemy. At the foot of the hill and in the gorge there were
thrilling, horrifying scenes of blood and carnage. The dead
lay in all shapes and in every direction, some upon their faces,
others on their backs, while others were twisted and knotted
in painful contortions. The progress of the advance was much
impeded in the effort to tread without stepping upon the bodies.
Some kneeling beh.ind the rocks had met their death where
they dropped for shelter. The men gave way at times in-
stinctively from the muzzles of muskets resting upon rocks and
stones, down the barrels of which the sightless glassy eyes
still gazed and the guards of which were grasped by hands
convulsed in death. Seeking shelter in kneeling, to aim, they
had fallen in the act of firing. Numbers of the enemy lay in
a shallow trench they had dug, evidently to avoid the unerring
fire of some expert skirmishers. They had torn and twisted
leaves and grass in their agonies and their mouths filled with
soil — they had literall)- bitten tlie dust. One or two were in
the act of biting tobacco, of which most of them had a lavish

fo.l.

— 262 —

supply in their mouths. At one spot, a point either of des-
perate resistance or formation for an assault, thirty-seven dead
bodies lay in hne, side by side. In Confederate clothing, their
uniforms were better than usual, and all had new black
slouched hats, doubtless from the stock of some neighboring
dealer. In front of these bodies lay that of an officer of fine
proportions, manly physique and remarkably handsome features.
His head rested upon a stone ; his limbs were straightened,
his hands folded ; he had evidently been prepared for decent
sepulture. A letter, through which the ball had passed that
xpenetrated his heart, identified him as Captain William A.
Dunklin, of the 44th Alabama. Many years after the war the
incident of finding his body was brought to the knowledge of
his relatives in Selma, who, up to that time, knew only of his
death at Gettysburg, but nothing of its attendant surround-
ings.

The advance pushed on without interruption to the edge of
the timber bordering the wheat-field. In the belief that what
still remained of the standing grain concealed the enemy's
pickets, the skirmish line, under Lieutenant Walters, was
pressed vigorously into it. A formidable volley, the appear-
ance of large bodies on either flank and a movement in front,
indicating a purpose to engage, sufficiently accomplished
Colonel Tilton's instructions to develop the enemy, and he
withdrew to the vicinity of the point from whence he started.

The brigade fell back a short distance and formed a line of
battle in a piece of woods. An hour or so after taking up this
position a storm arose and the rain descended in torrents.
The bayonets of the guns were jammed into the ground to
prevent the water running into the barrels.

A farm-house stood near. In the midst of the storm its
proprietor came out, approached the general and insisted that
the troops should be moved further out. " Couldn't the genera'^
see that if a fight took place there his house and outbuildings
would be ruined ? Why, those heavy shot and shell would go
right through the walls, and one place was as good as another

.nq

— 263

18th. R

Jul_y 2nd. 1363. ^ a.\'-o.-V /^j ' -^ ~'Vv/'v ;;--'C ^' .--'.-^L.^ ."^■:l• ~" ^ J^- ■;

Cji7Jo/.',fc/ frc

Official War Records

- 264 -

to fight in." He pleaded, begged, beseechcd, stormed ; but all
to no purpose. The unfeeling general told him that a move-
ment was irapossible, and the hard-hearted soldiery greeted his
appeals with roars of derisive laughter. The regiment biv-
ouacked that night in the same position, the storm continuing
unabated.

This storm, breaking the intense heat of the three preceding

days, was so memorable that for a long time it was designated

as the rain of the Fourth of July, '63, and, in any confusion

of dates in the memories of the participants in the battle, served

, as a guide to rectify discrepancies.

While the regiment lay crouching for protection in its first
position near the Rose House, before it had yet become en-
gaged, a rabbit, startled from its cover by the advance of Mc-
Laws's assaulting Georgians, rushed in frightened, headlong
leaps towards the Union lines. Innocent of purpose to harm,
he plunged in one of his aimless jumps right into the ranks
and planted his cold, sharp claws firmly into the neck of a
soldier who lay flat near the right of the regiment. It was too
much for the poor fellow. He gave it up, and, jumping to his
feet, with pitiful expression, in woe-begone tones, wringing his
hands in agony, announced himself a dead man ; that he had
been shot in the neck ; that the ball had passed entirely
through, and there was no hope for him. He reco\-ered his
equanimity, however, when those in the neighborhood, who
had observed the cause of his trouble, received his dire an-
nouncement with the merriment it necessaril}- created. When
informed that a poor little rabbit had innocently been the
cause of his discomfiture, he sheepislil}- resumed his place.

This rabbit has become so historically famous, it is to be re-
gretted that it has not been preserved by the taxidermist and a
place I'ound for it in the Smithsonian Institute.

General Lafayette McLaws, in a recent article describing his
attack on the Union lines at this point, mentioned an unsuc-
cessful assault that Wofibrd's brigade made upon a rabbit dur-
ing their advance. He escaped their fire and tlmnd safety

— 265 —

within our lines. When the coincidence of time and place
was brought to General McLaws's attention, in a very happy
vein of correspondence, he identified this particular rabbit as
the one which Wofford's men missed and which so alarmed the
poor soldier whom he jumped upon. He gracefully yields all
claims to it and expresses a willingness that it be known as the
rabbit of the iiSth Pennsylvania.*

* Philadelphia, August 11, 1SS6.
General Lafayette McLaws, Savannah, Ga. :

Dear Sir : — In your anicle in the Phiiadelphia Weekly Press of August 4
you made mention of a "rabbit episode " on the afternoon of the 2d day of July
at Gettysburg.

You say, speaking of the retreat of Sickles's men and the pursuit by Wofford,
" there was a wide space between the advancing and receding forces. Within
that space a rabbit jumped up and ran towards the Federal lines. Wofford's
men, reckless fellows as they were, fired at the rabbit. The rabbit zc'as not hit."

A history of the iiSth Pennsylvania Volunteers (ist Brigade, 1st Division), 5th
Corps, is in course of compilation and has advanced measurably towards comple-
tion. .A.mong the amusing incidents told therein is the following one taken from
a letter to his mother, written by Lieutenant S. N. Lewis after the Battle, in which
he describes the part taken by the iiSth in that great fight. I quote from the
letter, not the manuscript. " Our brigade immediately took the place of Sickles's
retreating men, and, as the enemy's artillery continued to play upon our line, the
men sought cover behind rocks and stones. On the right, where my company
occupied its place in line, it was more open and uncovered, and the men lay upon
their faces. Meanwhile could be heard the shouts and yells of the advancing
enemy above the din and roar of battle. At this juncture a rabbit, frightened by
the advancing foe, ran among our men and made a jump on the back of the neck

of private -, who, throwing up his hands, exclaimed : ' (Jh ! I'm shot I I'm

a dead man ! Shot clean through the neck ! ' This set the men laughing, not-
withstanding the shells and bullets Hying around, and they t'airly roared at the
poor fellow."

Can this possibly be your rabbit ?
Yours truly,

F. A. Donaldson, late Captain iiS//; P. V.

Savannah, G.a., Azigust iS, 1SS6.
F. A. Donai.d.-;on, 'ate Captain w'ith P. V. :

De.\R Sir: — I l;ave read with great pleasure your letter of August II, and
thank vou for your kindness in writing me and for tht- incident you relate s> well,

I think that, in all probability, it was the same rabbit, and perhaps it was the
same one which a Conf.'ilerate "hollowed at," saying: '• Go it, old fellow; and
1 would be glad to go with you, if 1 hadn't a reputation to sustain 1 ''

— 266 —

The regiment's proximity to both positions of Bigelow's-
famous 9th Massachusetts Battery, during a part of its three
hours' serious fighting, justifies a reference to its eminent valor
on that occasion. It was its first engagement. Its losses were
exceptional and greater than that of any other light bat-
ter)' in any single battle in the war, except one, and then the
battery was captured by a sudden charge. The very crit-
ical and daring operation of retiring by prolonges in the
presence of charging infantry' columns was successfully ac-
complished for a distance of some three hundred yards. The
guns were double-shotted with canister and the contents of the

At any rate, the coincidence of time and place and circumstances is strong
enough to make us believe that it was the same animal. Your incident cor-
roborates the one I related, and the only question between us is one of pro-
prietorship.

You have probably heard that in the West and South the rabbit is regarded by
the negro specially as a witch, with a power of getting information and of getting
out of a difficulty beyond that of the human family, and, therefore, it would not
seem strange, from a Confederate standpoint, if we should assume that the said
historical rabbit — as I will call him — in running away from the Confederates, had
heard from other rabbits the condition of the Confederate commissariat and knew
that if he ran into their lines he most certainly would be caught and broiled and
eaten, and thus preferred to run the risk of being shot, in order to get into your
ranks where he was not wanted " so bad."

The Confederates were fond of hunting rabbits, in order to add to their meat
ration, and would hunt them by regiment and even by brigade. The line would
be formed in single rank, the men a yard or more apart, armed, some with sticks,
otliers with rocks, but the majority with nothing, and would march across the
country for miles, beating the bushes as they went, and as a rabbit was started all
in the vicinity would shout and try and throw at it, which would so frighten the
animal that it was easily killed, and thus few escaped. In this way many rabbits
were killed, sometimes a hundred or two, and even partridges became too t'right-
ened to fly but for a short distance and were caught or killed.

So that you can see how the presence of a rabbit, running before them, would
excite " spontanaciously," as the negroes say, the spirit of the Confederates.

As my men did not catch tlie rabbit on the occ.ision refcrreil to, for reasons
which it is not proiitable to discuss, I yield all claim U- it and am willing that it
be known as the " Rabbit of t!ie nSth Pennsylvania Volunteers.''

Again thanking you, [ have the hvinor to be
Very truly and sincerely yours,

L. McL.wvs, Ltti Mujor-Giucrc' C. S. A.

^ 2$7 —

limber chests were laid by their side for quick work. Fuses
were cut from case-shot and shell, that they might explode
quickly. Eighty out of eighty-eight horses taken into action
were killed or disabled. Of four officers present two were
killed and two wounded. Six of the seven sergeants were
lost, two of whom were killed. Seven corporals and privates
were killed, twelve wounded and two missing. When sur-
rounded the few survivors fought their way back with hand-
spikes and sponge-staffs. Two guns were saved, four aban-
doned. Those thus abandoned, and useless to the enemy for
immediate operation for want of rammers and sponge-staffs,
were recaptured the same evening and returned to the battery
the next day.

The Franco-Prussian war of 1S70-71 was one of the greatest
of European wars. Larger armies were never assembled.
The Germans took 797,950 men into France. Of this number
28,277 ■^^'Cfc killed or died of wounds. A loss of 3.1 per cent.

In the Crimean war the allied armies lost 3.2 per cent, in
killed or deaths from wounds. In the war of 1866 the Aus-
trian army lost 2.6 per cent, from the same cause; but in the
American civil war the Union armies lost 4.07 per cent, and
the Confederates lost over 9 per cent.

The two greatest battles of the age in point of loss are
Waterloo and Gettysburg. Between them there is a remarka-
ble similarity both in numbers engaged and the extent of cas-
ualties. At Waterloo the French numbered So.cxx) men and
252 guns. The allies numbered 72,090 men and 186 guns.
At Gettysburg the Union army numbered 85,000 men and 300
pieces of artiller}-, and the Confederates about So.ooo men and
250 pieces of artillery.

At Waterloo Wellington's army lost 23,185 men; at Get-
tysburg JMeade's army lost 23.003. The loss of the French at
Waterloo has never been officially announced, but has been
estimated at 26,300. The Cor.federate lo.ss at Gettvsburg as
"fTicially reported by the Confederate surgeon-i;^eneral was
20,448, to which must be added "J ,0'^ wounded and prisoners

— 268 —

whose names were omitted from his list, but whose names
appear on the record at Washington.

In the Franco-Prussian war the greatest loss occurred at the
battle of Gravelotte, where the Germans lost 4,449 killed,
15,189, wounded and 939 missing; total, 20,578, out of 146,000
troops engaged, exclusive of 65,000 reserves. At Gettysburg
Meade's army sustained a greater loss with half the number
engaged.

In the American civil war the Union armies lost 110,070
killed and 275,175
wounded; total, 3S5,-
245, exclusive of the ^ {^^

missing in action, who ^--•>pl'^ ^^S'-~ii^^^^^^^^^^~Z_p/'\ir^^^^
were not accounted for. ir., '.•, ,;',y>v;,. , •'--:-,.: ',J^ii-^y-' ^^__ /'..ifc^/^

Except that a battle 4^v/^..-v' ■■'■■/r&^'-Z^',^'^
of great magnitude had •'■:^- ' - ^-^'^^^^ ^ :/ - ^-r-^r-rir-rt-lr.: j.:s7^ i ^j^
been fought in which
both armies had suf-
fered se\-erely, Gettys-
burg, viewed from an
army observation at
the time, was not differ-
ent from the many seri-
ous encounters which

preceded and followed ^,-.. ^ht--^^^ -— > !--^- - {■> ,'-v-i

it, save the very unu- '^il --_--_?] -'rL--'^_;;::i=- f'^*=^^ '^
sual and satisfactory

opportunit}' the soldiers had of observing the enemy's witn-
drawal, instead of participating in one themselves. Great
battles are rated as decisive as their ultimate results may
bear on the general issue of great wars. Armies treat
those battles as decisive that so cripple, disrupt or anni-
hilate their foes as to destroy their future usefulness for
the purposes of war. In no such sense was Gettysburg a deci-
sive battle, liadl)- dt-plctcJ in numbers, materially weakened
in c/a/:, the cnenvv- had witlidrawn in excellent order, and was

'^Ut:-' . '-^J^-^-

— 269 —

apparently still ready to show a formidable resistance against
any demonstration of determined assault. The indications
-clearly pointed to another advance into Virginia, and nothing
was so calculated to soften enthusiasm over successes north ot
the Potomac as the prospect of a speedy change from the
thrift^', prosperous surroundings of Alarj'land and Pennsylvania
to the inhospitable, exhausted, sterile regions of Virginia. The
Army of the Potomac, taught in its early career to be dem-
onstrative and enthusiastic, had many times been sadly dis-
appointed. As its campaigns increased its experience, it be-
came more cautious with its cheers, more chary with its shouts.
It preferred to await real results and certain conclusions before
it would indulge in any untimely or unwarranted manifestations.
Its business sense increased with its age, and until the fruits of
its victories were safely garnered it was deemed wisdom to
restrain any open expression of its appreciation of them. It
felt with the loyal North that a great burden had been lifted
from the nation with the failure of the invasion, but it saw be-
fore it, more clearly than the people, long years of bloody war
before the army of the rebellion should be so attrited and
wasted that it should cease to be a power strong enough to
resist and defy the national authority. So, when Colonel Gwyn,
in publishing the congratulatory order announcing the Gettys-
burg success, failed to secure a response to his urgent appeal
for cheers for the commander-in-chief, and very imprudently
did his own hurrahing, it was from no lack of regard for Gen-
eral Meade or any want of appreciation of his high soldierly
abilities, but simply because the men of the llSth Pennsylvania;
with their lights and experiences, could not see the wisdom or
the occasion for any such manifestation of enthusiasm.

As a battle of enduring importance, o^ such practical influ-
ence on the social and political condition of our country- that
a contrar\- result might liave varied the whole of the war in all
its subsequent scones and operations, Gettysburg may be reck-
oned as deci.si\e. It was the final check to the power of the
Confederate arms to invade or conquer. It v/as tlie dividing

— 270 —

line between the battles fought for the maintenance of the ex-
istence of the Confederate States and those fought to retard
their downfall.

This prominence has turned upon Gettysburg a fire of criti-
cism and analysis that seems to gather and strengthen as the
years roll on. So persistent, and at times so violent, have been
discussions that many a hero of his score of battles has doubted
his own remembrance and wondered whether Gettysburg was
the only battle. Save some vituperation, a little spleen, and
very exceptionally prevarication, these discussions have been
conducted in a spirit of fairness, and will doubtless contribute
material aid to the book-makers of the coming years. This
crucible of criticism has brought the skill of the chieftain and
the valor of the soldier to the closest and severest test of in-
spection. Forsaking all other fields, the mass of WTiting on
this has turned the attention of the student towards it as the
one upon which to frame a general judgment for skilful man-
agement and soldierly courage everywhere. It was remarkable
for skilful movements and splendid valor, but there are other
fields which do not pale before it. Both Meade and Lee have
been characterized as intelligent fighting men, doing their best
with the means at hand to accomplish the end in view. It is
not conceded that by some superior stroke of genius Lee could
have changed the result. He was forced to fight an offensive
battle, engaged in an " offensive defensive campaign," upon
ground of his enemy's selection. Outgeneralled at the begin-
ning, he was defeated at the end in measures, both of which
the skilful leader would have sought to avoid. That Lee
should have avoided battle where he assaulted will be con-
ceded. That neither his communications, his supplies, nor his
anmiunition, at the time of Gettysburg, had yet been so seri-
ously threatened as to force him to an engagement, must also
be conceded. So when, inspired by his first day's success, he
was tempted to his third day's defeat and compelled to the
rarely successful and most unusual effort to pierce his enem\''s
centre, he signally tailed to maintain the reputation for genius

.-J, I.

— 2/1 —

which his followers had claimed for him, and with which many
loyal Northern men yet credit him, as above their own military
chieftains.

If there ever was a battle won through the courage and in-
telligence of the rank and file of the army, without planning
strategetical movements or audible commands from their offi-
cers, it was Gettysburg. Such is now the universal opinion
of the men who fought there. The battle was eminently a
people's fight, and the sturdy Northmen won.

"^^

CORPORAL JOHN MICHENER.

CHAPTER X.

FROM GETTYSBURG TO WARRENTON.

THE army loosened its soaking vestments to permit the
bright rays of the morning sun to absorb the heavy
' moisture with which the severe storm had laden all the soldier
wore or carried. The enemy had disappeared. Other corps
Avere in pursuit, but the 5th, fortunate in its opportunity' to
dr}' out thoroughly, did not move until six o'clock in the after-
noon, and on the night of the 5th of July bivouacked about
eleven o'clock on the banks of !Marsh Creek, some distance
below its confluence with \Villoughb\- Run. The route marched
was across country, around the southern base of Round Top
and well to the Union left of the battle-field.

General Griffin, who had arrived on the field during the en-
gagement and who refused to relieve General Barnes, now re-
sumed command of his division.

General Barnes had been severely wounded on the second
day of the battle, but still kept the field. On the 9th. forced to
yield to surgical treatment, he relinquished the command of
the brigade and, though he subsequently returned for a time,
never afterwards participated in so great an engagement.
With the brigade he had won honors ano fame, secured the
esteem and confidence of his subordinates and the admiration
and regard of his soldiers. He justly deserved the considera-
tion shown him b\' General Griffin, who arri\-ed amid the heat
of the conte:^t and declined to assume command until the battle
was over. GriiTin considerately remarked : " To you. General
Barnes, belongs the honor of the field ; you began the battle
with the division, and shall fight it to the end."' Barne.- -^ sol-

i J, .r.i

n !:

III :^'\!# li'iV .f^f

/n;i;.!JVli<'^

,'1 SI'''
.I;i!l >:;

P

!l li'

!!!!

j/iiji"

■is

dierly form is best remembered as at Gcttj'sburg he rode
valiantly amid the thickest of the fray, encouraging, persuad-
ing, directing, with that same courageous judgment which had
ever been his distinguishing characteristic.

A few days after the battle of Gettysburg numerous car-
riages from Baltimore and other towns in Maryland visited the
hospital, bringing with them delicacies, jellies, wines, etc., in-
tended exclusively for the Confederate soldiers in the hospitals.
The latter were receiving the same care and attention as our
own soldiers, getting a part of the supplies furnished by the
Sanitary and Christian Commissions. It was most provoking
to observe the preference for the Confederate wounded by these
Southern sympathizers; consequently the surgeon determined
to put a stop to it and directed that all such things should be
left at the hospital supply tent, where all might receive a share
at the proper time. A guard was therefore placed at the
principal approach to the hospital, with instructions to halt all
carriages bringing these supplies. On the next day after this
order was issued a carriage drove up, containing a darky
coachman, two ladies and two gentlemen. They stated to the
guard that they were from Baltimore and desired to know
where the tent was located containing the Confederate wounded.
The guard informed them that his instructions forbade him to
permit them to visit these tents; that all supplies sluuild
be left at the general hospital tent, and the surgeon in cliarge \

would direct their distribution. They appeared ver}' indignant I

and inquired at once for the surgeon in charge. Surgeon. |

Joseph Thomas put in an appearance, when they inquired by I

what authoritv a guard had been placed to prevent them from. |

.-5.1 j

visiting and distributing the delicacies they had brought to the i
Confederate wounded. He replied that he had given the order

and was responsible for its enforcement, adding that the treat- \

nient of the Confederates was in all respects the same as that |

• 'f the Union soldiers; that thev got their share of both Sani- !

tarv- and Christian Commission supplies, ns well as {oo'X and \

medicines furnished b}- the medical department; that previous ";

— 274 —

visitors to the Confederate wounded had made a distinction and
given their presents exclusively to Confederate soldiers, and,
therefore, he had determined to allow no further communications
of this character, but that they should leave their wines, jellies
and other delicacies with the steward, to be distributed alike
to Union and Confederate, as might be deemed proper.
Thereupon the visitors became intensely indignant and threat-
ened to inform General Meade of the surgeon's conduct. Sur-
geon Thomas replied that it concerned him very little what
they might report, or to whom ; that he had charge of the
hospital and would tolerate no interference with his authority'
by Confederate sympathizers, and that he advised them to
leave what they desired and retire from the vicinity, or else he
would at once direct their arrest as rebels. He called their
attention to a squad of soldiers standing near. " You per-
ceive," he said, " that we have the power to hold your party,
and we shall m.ost surely exercise it unless )-ou leave the camp
immediately." They concluded that prudence was the better
part of valor, and pulled out a small bottle or two of wine and
left. The hospital was not troubled thereafter by such un-
friendly visitors.

On the day the battle closed, O. H. Osborn, of Company F,
was detailed for temporary' duty with the hospital department.
and there was called upon to assist in burying the large accu-
mulation of amputated limbs. As he passed by one of the
field hospitals with his armful of legs he was carelessly
accosted by one of two wounded soldiers of the ist Michigan,
who were complacently engaged in a game of cards. The
one who addressed him had lost his leg in the second day's
fight and was anxious to identify it. Thmlcing it might be
with the load Osborn carried, he requested him to halt and
permit him to make an examination. " Recollect," said he,
" my leg can be readily distinguished from the others by a
carbuncle on the little toe. It gave me much annoyance when
I had the entire use of the missing member, and I would just
like to see how the ugly parasite i> tl.iix'ing witliout me."

^

\ ^-

.^'

,.^'

/

-'V

■>>.

-*^.

-V.

r 1?

CORPORAI. JOnx L. SMITH.

— 275 —

Osborn's time was precious, and, in refusing the request, he
consoled the soldier with the assurance that if limbs lost on the
battle-field should be finally restored, he might be able to
recognize it in the hereafter. " Good enough," said the Michi-
gan man, and quietly went on with his game.

On the 6th reveille sounded at four, but there was no move-
ment until ten, and then but a shifting of the bivouac for a
mile or so in the direction of Emmetsburg. The usual con-
gratulatory battle order was published ; otherwise the day was
uneventful.

The commissariat had fallen ofT to a few and indifferent sup-
plies. The continuous marching and hard fighting had pre-
vented foraging. The few hours of leisure in the vicinity of
Marsh Run afforded an opportunity to test the capacity of the
country'.

Smith, John L., of Company K, apt and ready with his
tongue, and withal a judicious provider, was despatched to
barter and trade with the good people of the vicinity for a fair
supply of the nourishing products of the neighborhood.
Captain Crocker's instructions, to whose company Smith be-
longed, were that he bestir himself and find something to eat.
He left the character of the edibles wholly to Smith's discre-
tion, to be selected from such as the market afforded. Gun in
hand, he started on his mission, meeting many others on his
route bent upon similar errands. Some three miles out he
came across a well-to-do farm-house, in which were three wo-
men and a number of soldiers. Attracted by a flock of geese
in the yard, the first poultry he had seen, he opened negotia-
tions with the most matronly of the party, and, selecting the
largest of the lot, inquired its price. " Seventy-five cents,"
said the matron, and Smith promptly closed the bargain. As
he seized the goose the good lad\', doubtless aware it had
passed the years when its mastication was possible, generously
cautioned him to cook the fowl well, as it was ver>' fat — she
may have said tough. Smith, however, understood it as fat.
Expressing his thanks for the intimation, he soon had the

— 276 —

goose in condition for the fire, and, Avith her permission, util-
ized the pot and stove in the kitchen to fully complete its
^preparation for the table.

While the goose was cooking, Smith had bargained for
several loaves of bread at the ver>' exorbitant figures of forty
cents each. He then adjusted himself to quietly wait till the
goose was cooked and the bread baked. But he was met by
competition. Other soldiers were about bidding handsomely
for supplies. To their demands our good housewife could only
reply that her resources were exhausted. Unfortunately for
her reputation as an honorable dealer, she disclosed Smith's
figures. That settled it. The others immediately advanced
the loaves to sixty cents. Yielding to the temptation, she
repudiated the Smith contract and accepted their proposition.
He, meanwhile, not inactive, had overheard the conversation
and, promptly seeing the raise and going fifteen cents better,
eventually secured a delivery at the very high rate of seventy-
five cents.

All business transactions closed, the conversation naturally
turned to the all-absorbing subject of the war. Though truly
loyal Adams count\' Pennsylvanians, the}' had heard but little,
and knew nothing except as the attendant scenes of the late
battle brought them to a realizing sense of its terrors. Smith,'
in the course of the conversation, pushing and inquisitive, and
having noticed how the male sex was conspicuously absent,
graciously turned to the elderly one of the four and, assuming
that she was the mother of the other three, in a tone of condo-
lence remarked, " By the way, madam, I assume you are a
widow, and with all these cares upon }'ou in these troublous
times your task is b}- no means a light one." It was too much
for them. Hitherto controlled soleU' by mercenary motives,
and forgetful of their loss, in a traffic which )-iek!cd such tre-
mendous profits, the interrogation re\'ived the remembrance of
a dear and absent father, and. all bursting into tears, they man-
aged to stammer out an explanation. When the head of the
enemj-'s column had appeared in that \-icinity a few days before,

— 277 —

the good man, husband and father that he was, prompted wholly
by a motive to save his goods and chattels from destruction,
spoliation and seizure, announced himself as heartily in sym-
patliy with the Confederate cause, and ready to serve it in any
capacity for which he might be fitted. " Good for you, my
man," said the general officer whom he made his confidant,
and promptly equipping him with cartridge-box and rifle, he
forced him into the ranks, and that was the last they had seen
or heard of him. They would not be comforted nor cease their
weeping until the appearance of the shekels again consoled their
misfortune, and the bargain and the interview closed cheerfully
when the goose was boiled, the bread done, and all the articles
paid for. Whether the old man ever returned, and if so, in what
condition, was never subsequently ascertained.

Smith returned to the camp in the waning of the afternoon
and, proud as a successful huntsman, laid the trophies of his
chase at the feet of his gallant captain. The bread was divided
among those who had contributed to its purchase, and the
goose reserved by Crocker to be enjoyed by the favored few
whom he called about him to partake of the dainty morsel.

They sat about in anxious e.xpectancy. Crocker cut and
sawed, and hacked, and then another tried it, but to no avail ;
the bird would not part. Having exhausted all appliances at
hand for the carving of fowls, ancient and modern, they con-
cluded that there were heavier muscle and stronger tools among
the men, and that to them this old, tried specimen of Adams
county poultry should be generously assigned. Summoning
Smith, Crocker bade him have the first sergeant procure an
axe and divide the fowl as far as it would go among the com-
pany. It finally yielded to the sturdy blows, but the flesh re-
fused to respond to all efforts at mastication. The fragments
were gathered together, and the last seen of the goose were its
remains being escorted, with muffled drums and reversed arms,
to a place of decent sepulture. The Confederate general was
too much for the husband, but the old lady beat the Union sol-
'-icr — an uncomnionlv cute one, too.

— 278 —

On the 7th it rained, and with a three o'clock reveille the
march began at four. This delay of nearly twenty-four hours
was to await a pending consideration of change in the manner
of the pursuit from one directly following to a movement around
the enemy's flank.

At six o'clock, quietly, soberly, and silently, the column
crossed the Maryland line. No joyous shouts, no demonstra-
tive enthusiasm greeted that boundary as when, a few days be-
fore, the advancing hosts had entered Pennsylvania with the
belief that their stay would be a long one. The march was
hard and fatiguing and, with twenty-five miles behind them, at
seven o'clock the troops bivouacked within a short distance of
Frederick City.

The 8th broke dull, heavy and rainy, the storm increasing in
intensity as the march was resumed at six o'clock. At ten, on
the summit of the Catoctins, it was dark as night. Up there
among the clouds vivid flashes of lightning followed each other
with startling rapidity, and the thunder rolled incessantly. It
was dark as eventide, although not yet noonday. Completely
enveloped in a storm-cloud, the column seemed lost in the
weird, desolate grandeur of the lonely, wooded mountain top.
But the angry elements soon spent their fury, and the sun-
light shone out again on quaint old IVIiddletown. freshening the
bright familiar beauties of the rich Catoctin valley. Renewing
acquaintanceship with that old-time village, about two o'clock,
a short distance beyond it, the regiment went into bivouac.
Sounds of cannonading were heard during the afternoon from
what was subsequently learned to be a brisk cavalry affair near
Boonsboro. The sound o^ the distant cannonading was not so
startling as when the reverberations were heard among these
same hills and valle\-s the year before. Constant familiarity
with the sovmds and effects of gunnen,- had served to deaden
the sensibilities.

On the 9th, a day of sunshine and shadow, the column lei-
surely followed the old turnpike road over the September Sun-
day's l)att!e-nc!d of tlie year before, through Turner's G.jp in

— 279 —

the South Mountain range, and by a little after twelve o'clock
was in bivouac again just west of Boonsboro. A heavy brigade
picket detail, one hundred and twenty-five men from the reo-i-
ment, in charge of the major of the ist Michigan, indicated the
presence of the enemy.

Colonel Tilton, of the 22d Massachusetts, had temporarily
succeeded General Barnes in command of the brigade. Fre-
quently in temporary command, he had come to be well known.
He was of eminent courage and superior attainments, and con-
sequently inspired confidence and commanded respect. At
Gettysburg, seen ever\'where in the heaviest of the engage-
ment, he conceived and personally conducted the delicate ma-
noeuvre which relieved the brigade from the imminent peril of
its first position.

The scenes and surroundings were familiar. All the mem-
ories of the past autumn were vividly revived. The same
scenery was there in all its grand picturesque effect, but height-
ened by the beaut\' of its summer verdure. The promise of a
hostile battle-front upon the thither side of historic Antietam
completed the parallel.

A da\-break reveille on the loth ushered in a bright, clear
day. Moving at seven in the morning, the division crossed the
Antietam at noon and. taking position in two lines of battle,
bivouacked for the night with the entire 3d Brigade on picket
duty, some five miles from Williamsport.

With the hea\y marching and with no opportunit>- for re-
newing clothing, at least half the regiment was almost shoeless.
In the hope that the trains or a supply depot might shortly be
reached, a requisition was forwarded for 154 pairs.

On the I ith, at six o'clock, the brigade marched a short dis-
tance and then formed line of masses, with the battalions
doubled on the centre. Pushing through a corn-field to an
orchard beyond, it so remained in mass until five in the after-
noon as a support, if necessar>-, for artillery there unlimbered
and in batten.-. During the day Senator Wilson paid a visit to
the old 22d, scarred, ragged and'depleted since he had last seen

— 2SO —

it, by its many casualties and vicissitudes. Patriotic speech,
gracious greeting, and generous sentiment welcomed the emi-
nent statesman, and enlivened the day with grateful memories
of his distinguished services.

Towards evening the line of masses advanced in a north-
westerly direction for some two miles and bivouacked at eight
o'clock, still in the same formation, on a bluff near the banks
of a narrow stream which flowed at its foot.

The 1 2th, a cloudless Sunday morning, was followed in the af-
ternoon by rain. At eleven o'clock the advance in double column
was again rei^med and continued, with hesitating halts, until the
enemy's earthworks, located on a distant rise, appeared in view.
Upon an eminence of equal elevation the double columns were
deployed to battle lines, and there awaited developments or
directions. The swale between the two rises was open and
under high cultivation. The farmers had been interrupted in
their harvest, and the wheat, cut and gathered but not stored,
stood stacked at the usual intervals over the fields. Between
these stacks was the Confederate skirmish line. The whole
Army of the Potomac appeared to be in position, the 6th Corps
on the right of the 5th, and the 2d on the left.

General Aleade and his staff came upon the ground, and
riding to the front of the brigade for some time closely scanned
the enemy's lines. Ultimately he ordered three companies to
be detached from the i rSth and sent out to support the pickets.
The right and left companies, E and B, were thrown forward,
and H, the centre company, moved out in support. As this
detachment entered the wheat stubble, its appearance provoked
firing. An engagem.ent seemed so imminent that Quarter-
master Gardner, who wholly unsuspicious of the situation had
been drawn to the front to exchange a lew social greetings,
rapidly rode away, laughingly remarking that such unnecessary
exposure was by no means essential to sustain the dignity of
the non-combatants.

He was by no means peculiar in his views. OfiRcers of his
department frequently very properlj' sought the seclusion of the

— 28l

rear in moments of impending peril. On one occasion a mid-
night assault was made on the hnes in front of Petersburg. The
bullets whistled about the head-quarters, rattled against the logs
and tore through the canvas. The adjutant-general, roused
from his slumbers, bethought himself first of the necessity for
his steed, and yelled loudly to the orderly to saddle his horse.

r4

SKIR^USHI^'G AMONG THE WHEAT STACKS.

The assault Avas repulsed, things resumed the usual quietude,
and all returned to their slumbers. The next morning the
quarter-master, who had not been noticed in the darkness and
confusion the night before, was absent from the mess table, and
continued absent for several days thereafter, \\-hen he reappeared
as suddenly as lie had departed. Called upon for an explana-

— 2S2 —

tion of his absence, he replied that all he distinct!)- remembered
to have heard during the assault of the night or two before was
the very penetrating voice of the adjutant-general directing his
horse to be saddled. Concluding from his experience that the
only purpose for a horse on such occasions was to run away,
and desiring not to be behind that officer in such an exploit, he
quietly ordered his accoutred, and had stolen off on it to more
secluded quarters. Where he had remained away so long he
did not vouchsafe to tell, but his appearance indicated he had
been most generously entertained.

A further evidence of the imminence of an engagement was
the astounding conduct, prompted by his overweening religious
zeal, of Chaplain O'Neill. General iNIeade still retained the
position from which he had given the directions for the move-
ment of the three companies to the support of the pickets. The
chaplain, with head uncovered, solemnly approached him and
boldly inquired whether the impending battle could not as well
be fought on the next day as on God's holy Sabbath. All who
heard him expected he would meet a crushing rebuke, but in-
stead of this General jNIeade received his interrogation most
graciously and naively replied in parable, drawn to it doubtless
by the scriptural calling of his interrogator. He said he was
like a man who had a contract to make a box. The four sides
were completed, the bottom finished and the lid ready to be
put on, and that he proposed to do with the engagement about
to begin. Delay might vitiate the entire contract, and he saw
no way out of it except for the fight to go on. " Then," said
the chaplain in tones as if he were administering Heaven's
thundering anathemas, " as God's agent and disciple, I solemnly
protest, and will show you that the Almighty will not permit
you to desecrate his sacred day with this exhibition of man's
inhumanity to man. Look at the heavens ; see the threatening
storm approaching." And the chaplain's prediction had scarce
been made before it was fulfilled. The clouds that had been
gathering all the afternoon suddenly broke forth in copious
.showers, vivid li;4htning and pealing thunder followed and deep
darkness settled e\-erA"\vhere before the storm was over.

— 283 —

The skirmishers stood confronting each other, quietly taking
the soaking, their individual identity so lost in blankets that
in the distance each man more resembled a crow-deceiver than
the stalwart hero of " big wars."

The regiment was moved into a wood to the left, where it
bivouacked for the night; but a heavy detail of a hundred men
under Crocker and O'Neill did picket duty in the near vicinity.
The firing was occasionally rapid and distinctly heard in the
bivouac. The duty was an important one, and the wisdom was
commended which had put such intrepid officers in command.
There had been a question as to whose tour it was to perform
the duty. Crocker had been out continuously, and his skill
and courage were given as the reason for an assignment which
it was believed would require the exercise of his best judgment.
The picket detail of the day before remained on duty until the
afternoon, when it was relieved by detachments from the 3d
Brigade.

On the 13th it rained again. The brigade was set to build-
ing breastworks and soon completed a well revetted earthwork
fortification with depressions at intervals for artillery. A single
gun of Captain Martin's battery was run into position in one
of them.

General Meade again visited the vicinity and rode slowly
along the lines, examining the position with some care.

Chaplain O'Neill was determined to make up diligently for
lost opportunities, and, though it was a secular day, organized
what he deftly styled a war service. With the two lines facing
each other in battle array, his phrase was not inaptly used.
He took his text from the gospel of St. Matthew, 13th chapter,
9th verse : " Who hath ears to hear let him hear." His strong
voice and earnest manner commanded an audience, and it was
irreverently suggested that before he had concluded the ears
of the whole brigade had heard every utterance.

Lieutenant Horace Hinney, 3d, who liad been some time be-
fore detached as an aide on the staff of General Thomas 11.
Nuill, then conmiandiug a brigade in the 6th Corps, paid his

— 284 —

old associates a visit during the afternoon. Binney was a
splendid fellow. His elegance of manner, cultured address,
gentlemanly carriage, all peculiarly and unostentatiously his
own, were the stamps of his high breeding and evidences of
his distinguished, intellectual ancestry. He bore himself nobly
as a soldier. In action, of unusual nerve and exceptional
courage, he preserved that same distinctive individuality- which
characterized him elsewhere. Always an attractive figure on
horseback, the graceful composure with which he rode through
the exciting dangers of the battle-field was ever noticeable.
He passed through the war unscathed. Young and promising,
not long after its close, the alluring prospects of a successful
legal professional career were before him, when a rapid and in-
sidious disease carried him speedily to a very early grave.
A welcome visitor, he continued his intimate associations with
his regiment whenever location afforded him opportunity'.

On the 14th it was still raining. At 6.30 A. m. the brigade
was ordered under arms in support of a reconnoissance con-
ducted by General Crawford's 3d Division. The brigade did
not, however, move until noon, and then, occupying the
enemy's breastworks for a short time, continued the march to
Williamsport, halting there at two o'clock, bivouacking in a
wheat-field for the night. Lee's legions had disappeared dur-
ing the previous night and by daybreak were across the Poto-
mac. A number of the enemy's stragglers fell into our hands
during the march. Captain Sharwood, who had been left be-
hind quite ill on the 30th of June, rejoined the regiment. He
was promptly seized for duty and detailed as officer of the
day.

On the 15th, clear and warm, the march began at 4.10 in the
morning and continued over the South Mountain, through
Crampton Gap, on the road to Burketsville, until 5.30 in the
afternoon. It was a lengthy, trying march and much straggling
followed.

At five o'clock on the i6th, with clear weather, the column
was again off, freshened after a ni^^'ht's good rest. At 6.30

-wr-T^>?s?>gi^i-«r--^*- -''iw» W!V'-^?"P'

LIKUT. SANIL. X. T^liWIS.

— 285 -

A. M. it passed through Buiketsville, and by 9.15 A. M. was in
camp at Pefrerbville, within a short distance of the Potomac,
and there v/as rest and leisure for the balance of the day. The
wagon train^^ made their appearance for the first time since be-
fore Gett\'sburg. During the night it rained again severely.

On the i/ih it was still "-aining. The bi-monthly muster for
pay, forced oiT by the heavy pressure incident to the Gettys-
burg prelin-.inaries, was completed. ^Moving at four in the after-
noon to Berlin, and crossing the Potomac on pontoons laid at
that point at 5.50, the regiment was again in old Virginia, and
at 6.45 in camp at Lovettsville.

Some venamous spirit prompted retaliatory measures for
wrongs done in Pennsylvania. Tiireats were made to destroy
the village. General Griffin checked the affair in its incipiency,
pre\'enting a disgraceful scene of sack and pillage.

Lieutenant Batchelder.who had been ill for some days, here be-
came so seriously sick that it v/as found necessary to leave him.
Comfortable quarters were found for him, where he was well
and tenderly cared for. His health completely failed him,
and he was honf-.rabiy discharged in the following November.
Subsequent to tlie war he fully recovered and is now in vigorous
health and prosperous business.

Batchelder was of firm determination and high courage;
earnest, zealous, patriotic. His record was bright; his pros-
pects promisin;^-. Steady, reliable, respected, trusted, the va-
cancy caused by his loss to the service was not readily sup-
plied.

On the iSth it cleared and at five o'clock the march com-
menced, terminating as early as 9.30, some three miles from
Purcellville.

The irregularities at Lovettsville the chaplain thought de-
manded clerical condemnation, and he held a special service
with that in view, taking for his text, " For I also am a man
set under authority, having under me soldiers ; and I say unto
one, go, and he g<:)eth ; and to another, come, and he cometh."
He dwelt vehcniently on vandalism. Some of the facetious

— 286 —

construed his selection as having especial reference to the frus-
trated intention of " going for the rebel property'."

On the 19th, a clear, warm day, the march began, the brigade
being the rear brigade of the rear division of the corps, at 8.45,
and, passing through Purcellville at 10.45, ^^^ regiment biv-
ouacked in the woods a short distance beyond that village a
little before noon.

Here an order was received directing the detail of three
commissioned officers and a number of enlisted men to proceed
to Philadelphia to secure for the regiment its proper quota of
drafted men from the conscription then in progress in the
North.

On the 20th it was still clear and the day decidedly hot.
Reveille sounded at two o'clock and the brigade moved at five,
passed through Union and bivouacked shortly after noon be-
tween IMiddleburg and Upperv'ille, where it remained during
all of the following day.

On the 22d, at nine o'clock, Colonel Gwyn, Captain O'Neill,
Adjutant Hand and six enlisted men, including ist Sergeant
Crossley, of H, left for Philadelphia, in obedience to directions to
procure for the regiment its proper quota of conscript assign-
ments. The command of the regiment devolved upon Major
Herring.

The forty-eight hours' rest was broken and at noon the
march resumed. It terminated at five in the afternoon in the
vicinity' of Rectortown.

The 23d, a clear, fresh morning, when the march began at
seven o'clock, closed in more stirring scenes than had enlivened
the few days preceding it. The 3d Corps, pushed close up to
the base of the Blue Ridge, near Manassas Gap, had struck the
enemy atWapping Heights. The 5th Corps, ordered to follow
in support, reached the vicinity of the action about half-past four
in the afternoon. Forming line of masses with battalions
doubled on the centre, the brigade experienced the rare oppor-
tunity of observing an engagement entirely out of range and
without participating.

(1 1

— 28/ —

The countn.' rolled abruptly. Knolls, some more command-
ing than others, descended suddenly into the swale and then
rose again. There was no timber until the westernmost valley
terminated finally at the base of the wooded mountain side.
From where the brigade took position knoll and swale,
green and grass}-, were all in complete view to their timber
terminal.

The enemy, his line partially concealed, held the first rise on
the mountains and our forces occupied a parallel knobby
crest. Both skirmish lines were in the valley. Each was
firing with marked deliberation, and from the other side the
artillery, served with slow regularity, was planting its shots
with creditable accuracy. Our lines repeatedly advanced over
the skirmishers, under cover of the batteries, and pouring in
telling volleys of musketry withdrew again to their position.
The enemy had been driven to the defensive position he held
on the mountain side, and the tactics of advancing and with-
drawing, which continued until nightfall, indicated that there
was no determined purpose to force him out, as it was believed
that he would retire in the darkness. This he did.

As the regiment was moving towards the scene of the en-
gagement it passed through the Keystone Battery of Philadel-
phia. The men were standing by their guns ready for action.
The batter}' had enlisted for a }'car ; its term was drawing to a
close, and as up to this time it had not been in action, there
was a manifest anxiety to engage.

There were many mutual acquaintances in both organiza-
tions. An incident was told in the interval of the short halt
in their vicinity illustrative of how a little delay changed the
whole phase of their service, and of their disappointment at the
loss of the opportunity for distinction which resulted. With
many other batteries they were in park in the vicinity of Centre-
ville, when the Army of the Potomac reached that point on its
march to Pcnns}-lvania. Ordered to join the Resen-e Artiller}-,
they were making hurried preparations to do so. when, in defer-
ence to the wishes of a general officer of the 2d Corps, they

. — 255 —

delayed a short time to accommodate him in the transportation
of some of his private stores, he having no means at hand of
his own to carry them. The delay was fatal. Their want of
promptitude so annoyed tlie chief of artillery, as his batteries
were all on the move, that he substituted Bigclow's 9th ^Massa-
chusetts Battery in their stead, and they were returned tempo-
rarily to the defences of Washington and did not reach the
Army of the Potomac until Gettj'sburg was over. They thus
escaped the peril and failed to share in the glories of Bigelow's
desperate encounter on the second day at Gettysburg, that has
made him and his battery famous for all time.

On the 24th, at seven o'clock, the brigade moved up the
ragged mountain side by the " right of divisions to the front,"
in support of the 2d and 3d Brigades, which were in line in
advance. The hill cjeflected but little from a perpendicular.
Overhang-ins: crags, huge boulders, a thick growth of stunted
forest trees, dense underbrush, lined the hillside to its summit.

The bloody laurels for which a regiment contends should
always be awarded to the one with the longest roll of honor.
Scars are the true evidence of wounds, and the regimental
scars can be seen only in the record of its casualties. But the
identity of the private in the ranks is merged in that of his regi-
ment. To him the regiment and its name is everything. He ,
does not expect to see his name on the page of history, and is
content with the proper recognition of the old conmiand in
which he fought. He is jealous of the record of his regiment,
and demands credit for every shot it faced and every grave it
iilled.

The men were hungry; but the rations were exhausted and
the mountain top was rich in an unusual yield of luscious black-
berries. The attractive scenery was neglected, and craving
appetites appeased from the bountiful supply of fruit, sufficient
in quantity to satisfy all existing wants.

At noon tiie di\ ision returned down the mountain and went
into bivouac about a mile from its base.

Reveille was sounded at four o'clock on the 25th and the

— 289 —

march began at 7.30, \vith the ist Brigade as rear-guard. It
terminated at 5.20 in the afternoon at Orleans. Here two days'
rations were issued. It was a clear, warm day, but rained hard
during the night.

On Sunday, the 26th, it was clear and hot. The division

\A!I'S TT. H.\M.\N.

culminated in the battle of Gettysburg and which terminated
in march and pursuit at Warrenton or in its vicinity,
virtually began on the 5th of June and concluded on the
31st of July. In the official itinerary of the Army of
the Potomac it is noted that, beside the^ great battle itself,
there were during the marches that preceded and lollowed it.
at separate points, bet\^-een those dates, 107 different engage-
ments, combats, actions and aftairs at arms. Twice in every
fifteen hours of the summer daylight throughout tiiat campaign
shots by somebody, somewhere between the Rappahannock
antl the Su-quchanna, v.ere e.xchang-d wiili dcuirv- intent.
>9

CHAPTER XL

AROUND WARRENTON — BEVERLY FORD — EXECUTION OF FIVE
DESERTERS.

THE termination of the nearly sixty days of arduous duty
attending the Gettysburg campaign was followed by a
short season of "libert}-." There were several days of mirth-
provoking hilarity. The best and brightest spirits drifted into
the volunteer arm}-, and genial humor and sparkling wit v/ere
never wanting. Though liberal potations stimulated the merry-
making, good order prevailed and the '' liberty " days closed in
peace and harmony in due and timely season.

On the 31st of July Captain Sharwood was detailed as acting
brigade commissary. Orders were received to move on the fol-
lowing day, but it passed uneventfully with the regiment still
occupying the camp-ground described in the last chapter.

Deprived, during the very active season which had just
closed, of the obser\'ance of many of the requisite military'' for-
malities, Sunday morning inspections were at once resumed,
and were usually conducted in person by Major Herring. A
iiumorous incident occurred at one of these inspections. Ser-
geant Andrew Cassid)', of H, had not been over-cautious in
examining his cartridge box before coming upon the inspection
ground. Some one had, without his knowledge, substituted
for the tins and animunition in it a full deck of cards. The
inspection progressed satisfactorily until the command " open
boxes" was given. Noticing the absence of the tins, the major
looked farther and discovered the cards. " How many have
you, Sergeant?" he pertinently inquired. " Sixty, sir," promptly
replied the sergeant. " Wrong, sir; I count but ihu'-two. Cap-

(-90)

— 291 —

tain, you will direct the sergeant to report to head-quarters to
account for the deficiency." The sergeant, much mystified, re-
mained in ignorance of the situation until he returned to his
quarters and had opportunity to examine for himself When
he reported to head-quarters he had recovered his boxes and
properly accounted for all the missing cartridges. A word of
caution was administered not to permit himself to be again
tampered with by a practical joker.

The orders for the movement intended to be executed on
the ist were carried out on the 3d of August. The camp was
broken at six .o'clock P. M. by the bugle signal from division
head-quarters-. It so happened the division head-quarters were
located in full view from most of the regimental camps. The
order to move had been promulgated, and the troops only
awaited the sound of the " general " for final preparations.
Head-quarter tents were down "and everything packed up in the
vicinity, but the bugler was disposed to be a trifle humorous.
He came out, planted himself conspicuously and mildly blew
the few sharp notes of the " division call." Usually another
call of some sort followed instantly after the last note had died
away. Our facetious trumpeter would not have it so. He
stood erect, with shoulders square, heels together, unusual for
a mounted man, and with a calm assurance of his immense im-
portance, knowing he was intently observed, deliberately sur-
veyed the anxiously waiting assemblage. Then, as if deter-
mined to continue their expectancy, he slowly wiped the mouth-
piece, pressed the instrument to liis lips, distended his ponderous
jowls, and without sounding the faintest note removed it, and
doubled himself up with laughter. This he had all to himself;
nobody laughed with him; a few did at him. The same opera-
tion he again and again repeated, each time his laughter be-
coming louder and more extravagant. Finally, either con-
cluding his efforts to entertain were not appreciated or wearying
of an effort that amused only himself, he straightened himself,
and the " general " rang out full, clear, and free. A derisive
ycU followed the first note, and the disgusted bugler liunted

' — 292 —

obscurity amid shouts of* shoot him," " stuff rags in his horn."
" put him out," " tramp on him," and many Hke uncharitable
phrases.

After a h'ght evening stroll of a couple of hours, a bivouac
was made about nine o'clock near Bealton Station.

Afterwards the regiment moved a short distance and, breaking
into column of companies, established a camp with more regu-
larity tb.an usually attends the nightly halts between daily
continuous marches. To the southward, artillery firing was
heard for several hours. The tardy paymaster appeared, and
gladdened .the soldier}' by a distribution of greenbacks.

Captain O'Neill and Adjutant Hand returned with one hun-
dred and nine drafted men and substitutes. The quota allotted
was one hundred and fifty-nine, and with that number they had
started from Philadelphia. Fifty, however, had eluded their
vigilant attention and disappeared on the route. This was not
unusual. Scarcely any detachment of recruits of such a char-
acter ever reached the front without seriously suffering from
desertion. Occasionally the guard, catching them in the act,
upon their refusal to surrender shot them as they attempted
escape to friendly timber, or jumped from ferry boats crossing
rivers. This latter method of escape, in the darkness of night,
was frequently resorted to. It was questionable whether the
wholesale desertion of substitutes — the evil was confined almost
exclusively to them — did not almost nial:c the conscript system
a failure.

A kw of these substitutes, stout, well-built fellows, were dis-
posed to be independent and presuming, claiming to have been
once captains and lieutenants, and one actually assumed the
dignit}- of an aforetime brigade commander. They presumptu-
ousl\- addressed each other by titles indicating their former rank,
and would not be suppressed until severely disciplined. A little
training dissipated these extravagant notions, and most of the
detachment were ultimately shaped into tolerably good, and
some became excellent soldiers.

Amou!/ tlie drafted men, so consistent in their conscientious

293

convictions against fighting that they would not purchase sub-
stitutes to fight for them, were five Pennsylvania Quakers.
Tliey were submissive and obedient, ready in the discharge of
every- duty, but still, consistent in their convictions, positively
refused to " bear arms." Lacking nothing in courage or en-
durance, they expressed entire willingness to march and go into
battle, but utterly declined to be instructed in the use of the

musket. Force and
persuasion were of no
avail, and the reasons
for their refusal ap-
pearing to be wholly
in their consciences,
the War Department
ultimately ordered
their discharge.

O'Neill and Hand
were directed to sim-
ply deliver the re-
cruits placed in their
keeping, and then re-
turn to the rendez-
vous at Philadelphia.
They were not slow
in responding to the
latter part of their
instructions, and commenced their return journey on the night
of the day of their arrival.

A high wind and heavy rain demolished all the arbors erected
to break the intense heat. They were no longer needed, how-
ever, as an early daylight move and short march brought the
regiment to another camping ground near Beverly Ford, within
half a mile of the Rappahannock. Here the regiment remained
for a considerable time.

The entire month of August was a season of intense, ener-
vating heat, breeding swarms of pestcruig insects and con-

Mk

SERGE.-\NT ALFRED MAL <;)UtEN'.

— 294 —

ducive, in the lowlands along the river bottom, to frequent
malarial disorders. To counteract these unhealthy surround-
ings there were occasional issues of quinine steeped in liberal
allowances of whisky. This medicinal stimulant was a cheering
beverage to appetites measurably restrained from the use of
liquors for want of means and opportunity to secure a supply.
There were those, however, who, stolidly fixed in their prin-
ciples of total abstinence, would pour their ration upon the
ground in the presence of their companions, much to the dis-
gust of many who were convinced it could be devoted to a de-
cidedly better purpose.

A captain of the regiment, in a venturesome mood whilst
bathing in the Rappahannock, swam the stream, and without
stopping undertook to return. His temerity came near having a
tragic ending. When midway back he was seized with violent
cramps and lustily called for help. He manifested, though, no
such panic or alarm as did his friends who stood upon the
bank. They seemed to lose their heads. One frantically
seized a fence-rail and pushed it toward him. It failed to
reach him. All seemed to fear his grip. In his shouting he
had told the cause of his trouble. He was fast becoming ex-
hausted and was about to give up when Lieutenant Arthur Bell,
of the 155th Pennsylvania, who was the most self-possessed of
all those who watched the scene, hurriedly divesting himself of
his outer garments, heroically plunged into the stream and
struck out manfully to the discomfited swimmer, all the while
calling to him to keep up — that help was at hand. The cap-
tain feebly called to him to come close — that he would not
grasp him ; and, placing his hands upon Bell's shoulder, was
safely brought ashore. Bell's heroism was applauded, and his
generous gallantry was long the theme of appropriate com-
ment. The captain soon recovered from his exhaustion and,
profiting by his e.xperience, was afterwards a more cautious
bather.

Five of the men who had eluded O'Neill's \-igIlancc were
subsequcntl}' apprehended in attempting to recross the Poto-

— 295 —

mac. They had enlisted under the names of Charles Walter,
Gion Reanese, Emil Lai, Gion Folaney and George Kuhn.
They were all foreigners, unacquainted with the English lan-
guage except one. Two were Roman Catholics, another a
Hebrew, and the others, if of any faith, were Protestants.

Assigned to the regiment, they had never joined it and were
wholly unknown to it. Charged with a crime, conviction for
which was likely to be followed by capital punishment, they
were sent to the regiment only as a forum where judicial cog-
nizance could be taken of their offence. In fact conviction,
followed by any of the punishments usually inflicted for deser-
tion, would have connected them with the regiment only as
prisoners awaiting trial or as criniinals awaiting approval and
execution of their sentences. They had, therefore, been
thrown into an organization where they were entire strangers
and which had with them neither friendship, memories nor as-
sociations, and as they had come there as prisoners only for
the stern administration of militar)' justice, they could look for
little sympathy.

Desertions, bounty-jumping and re-enlistment had followed
each other with such alarming frequency that the death penalty
became necessary as the surest method to prevent their recur-
rence. Except for desertion to the enemy, capital punishment
was rarely, if ever, inflicted. The authorities, having determined,
if possible, to eradicate the shameful practice of bount}--jumping,
had instructed courts-martial in all well-established cases, upon
conviction, to impose the severest penalty known to the law.
This failing to entirely remove the evil, and "to be shot to
death b}- musketr\^" being deemed too honorable a death for
such abandoned characters, the mode of execution was subse-
quently changed to the rope and tiie gallows.

Tempted by the ver>' extravagant sums paid for substitutes
and the large bounties offered by district organizations to com-
plete their allotted quotas and thus avoid a draft, large num-
bers from the worst classes of the community entered the ser-
vice. A large proportion never reached the army.

— 296 —

The court which tried these five offenders was presided over
by Colonel Joseph Hayes, i8th Massachusetts Volunteers, and
convened, pursuant to General Order No. 35, of August 15,
1863, at head-quarters, 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps.
The numbers arraigned, the frequency of the crime, the ex-
pected severity of the sentence, attracted the attention of
the whole Army of the Potomac, Besides, it was almost the
first, if not the first, of this class of cases; and was given un-
usual publicity, officially and otherwise. The prisoners were
all found guilty and sentenced to be shot. The order, fixing
the time of the execution as Wednesday, the 26th of August,
between the hours of 12 m. and 4 p. m.,* reached the regiment
on the 24th, and was at once published to the prisoners by
Major Herring, in the presence of the chaplain, through the
aid of an interpreter. The difficulty in securing the services
of a priest and rabbi, who came specially from their Northern
homes, induced a respite until Saturday, the 29th, between the
same hours. On the day following the announcement of
their sentence they addressed a communication to General
Meade, craving a merciful reconsideration of the punishment
imposed. It was the composition and in the handwriting of
one of them, and read as follows :

"Beverly Ford, Va., August 2^, 1863.
"Major-General Meade:

" General: — We, the prisoners, implore your mercy in our Lehalf for the ex-
tension of our sentence, so that we may have time to make preparations to meet
our God; for we, at the present time, are unprepared to die. Our time is veiy

f * Head-quarters Army of the Potomac,
l August 23, 1S63.

General Orders' No. 84.

These men eviilently belonged to that class who are trading upon

the necessities of the country and have embraced enlistment with a view to de-
sertion for the purpose of gain. It is hoped the prompt punishment awarded to
their crimes will have the etTect to deter others from attempting a like criminal
and dishonorable course of conduct, as the commanding general will unhesitat-
ingly punish all such cases with the severest penalties of tlie law. This order
will be published to every company in this army at the first retreat para.Ie after its
receipt. Bv order 0/' General Meade.

— 297 —

short. Two of us are Roman Catholics ; v.e have no priest, and two are Pro-
testants, and one is a Jew and has no rabbi to assist us in preparing to meet our
God. And we ask mercy in behalf of our wives and children, and we also de-
sire you to change our sentence to hard labor instead of death, as we think we
have been wrongfully sentenced; as we, being foreigners, were led astray by
other soldiers, who promised us there would be no harm done.

" Your obedient servants, " Ch.\rle5 Walter,

" GioN Re.^nese,
" Emil L.\i,

• ■ . " GlON FOLANEY,

" George KfHN."
The death penalty having been announced, the guard was
strengthened, -and every movement of the condemned men
closely and carefully watched. i\n exhaustive search was
made for everj'thing that might be employed to commit sui-
cide. Captain Crocker was placed in charge of the guard, and
Lieutensaits Lewis, Bayne and Thomas were assigned to duty
with him. Four men inside and four outside the place of con-
finement were continually on duty.

Lewis conducted the search. He took a pocket-book from
the Hebrew, who pleaded earnestly for its return. Lewis,
yielding to his entreaties, was about returning it without ex-
amination, when Major Herring, who had supervised the
operation, promptly directed him not to do so until he had
carefully examined its contents. Concealed in its folds was a
lancet. The Jew had not observed the examination, and when
the pocket-book was handed him his countenance lightened,
and, nervously clutching it, he began to search it closely.
Discovering that the lancet had been removed, his countenance
fell again, and, handing back the book to Lewis, he mournfully
remarked through the interpreter, who had repeated all that
had been said, that he had no further use for it and any one
was free to retain it.

From the time of the publication of the order until the day
of the execution not a soldier was permitted to leave the regi-
mental camp limits, nor were visitors allowed to enter them.
All militar}- exercises and camp duties were performed decor-
ously and quietly. An order was issued forbidding noise and

— 298 —

levity, but it was needless ; the awfulness and solemnity of the
coming event pervaded every heart.

It may seem strange to some that men who could shoot at
others in battle without compunction should feel so serious
about the fate of five deserters. It is one thing when soldiers
with heated blood and inflamed passions, face to face and hand
to hand in fierce conflict, inflict horrid wounds or death upon
others. It is a very different thing to look forward to a scene
in which men are to be done quietly to death without any of
the circumstances which rob war of half its terrors and hide its
real character.

The day of the execution was bright, clear and cool. The
site selected was the further end of a plain, in rear of the
head-quarters of the 2d Brigade. The plain was sufficient in
extent to accommodate the entire corps with each division de-
ployed in line of masses, battalions doubled on the centre, on
three sides of a hollow square. From the open front to the
rear the ground gradually rose, bringing the final scene of the
tragedy in full view of all the soldiery.

The morning was busy with preparation. Twenty men, un-
der Sergeant H. T. Peck, were detailed to bear the coffins, and
ten pioneers, with spades and hatchets, under Sergeant Mose-
lander, were charged with filling the graves and closing the
coffins. Captain Crocker, to whom was assigned Lieutenant
Wilson, commanded the guard of thirty men.

Father S. L. Eagan, the Catholic priest, had arrived from
Baltimore the afternoon before, and with Chaplain O'Neill had
spent the night ministering religious consolation to those of
the prisoners whose faiths they represented. The Jewish rabbi,
Dr. Zould, did not arrive until shortly before noon of the day
of the execution.

The prisoners, clothed in blue trousers and white flannel shirts,
accompanied by the clergymen, the escort guard and detail,
were marched a little after twelve o'clock to a house in the
vicinity of the 2d Brigade's head-quarters to report to Captain
Orne, the di\-isiun provost-iriarsiud. and there await the fornia-
tion ot tile corps.

— 299 —

The troops assembled slowly. The ist and 2d Divisions
were in position, occupying the second and fourth fronts of the
square, when at three o'clock, without awaiting the arrival of
the 3d, which subsequently hurried into its place, tlie solemn
procession entered the enclosure on the right of the second
front. On the right was the band, then followed Captain
Orne, the provost-marshal, with fifty men of his guard, ten to
each prisoner, as the executioners. Then there were t^vo cof-
fins, borne by four men each, and in their rear the condemned
Hebrew with his rabbi. At a suggestion from Major Herring,
the one representing the most ancient of religious creeds was
assigned the right. Other coffins, each borne by four men and
followed by the prisoners and the priest and chaplain, brought
up the column of the condemned. The prisoners were all
manacled. Four of them bore themselves manfully, moved
steadily and stepped firmly. One, with weak and tottering
gait, dragged himself along with difficulty, requiring support
to maintain his footing. Captain Crocker, with his escort of
thirty men, closed up the rear.

The procession moved slowly ; the guards, with reversed
arms, keeping step to the mournful notes of the dead march.
The silence was broken only by the low, doleful music, the
whispered words of consolation of the men of God and the
deliberate martial tread of the soldiers.

The column, with the same slow, impressive pace, moved
around the three fronts of the square and, halting at the first
or open front, faced outward. The five coffins were placed op-
posite the foot of five new-made graves and a prisoner seated
upon each. The provost-guard, subdivided into detachments
of ten, with loaded pieces-, faced their prisoners thirty paces
from them.*

The provost-marshal read the orders directing the execution.

*The pieces are not loaded by those who beir them, and one in each of the
ten is charged with a blank cartridge. None of the firing party is supposed to
kiMw who Ji^charijed tlie nui-kci lor.dcd without ball, and, as a coniciiuence,
nor.e know who actually lired the fatal shots.

— 300 —

The minister, the priest and the rabbi engaged in earnest, fer-
vent prayer. Time grew apace, and the hour within which
this work of death must be consummated was rapidly ex-
piring. General Griffin, who, annoyed from the beginning
with unnecessary' delays, had anxiously noted the waning
hours, observed that but fifteen minutes were left for the com-
pletion of what remained to be done. In loud tones, his shrill,
penetrating voice breaking the silence, he called to Captain
Orne : " Shoot those men, or after ten minutes it will be mur-
der. Shoot them at once! "

To many and many of the thousands of those assembled
there, there will but once more come so solemn a moment —
the moment when death nears them.

With a few parting words of hope and consolation, the clerg}'
stood aside. Lieutenant Wilson quickly bandaged the eyes of
the prisoners, and they — though in the full vigor of life and
health — were literally upon the very brink of the grave.

The terrible suspense was but for a moment. "Attention,
guard I " resounded the clear, ringing voice of the provost-
marshal. " Shoulder arms ! " " Forward ! " " Guide right ! "
" March ! " Every tread of the guard fell upon the stilled
hearts of the motionless army. Twenty-five paces were
quickly covered. At six paces from the prisoners with
appropriate pause and stern deliberation the command was
given: "Halt!" "ready!" "aim!" "fire!" Simultaneously
fifty muskets flashed. Military' justice was satisfied and the
law avenged.

Four bodies fell back heavily with a solid thud; the fifth re-
mained erect. " Inspection arnis ! " hurriedly ordered Cap-
tain Orne, and ever\- ramrod sprang in ringing tones upon
the breech. No soldier had failed of his duty, ever}' musket
had been discharged. Pistol in hand the provost-marshal
moved to the figure which still sat erect upon the coffin
(for it was his disagreeable dut\' to despatch the culprit if the
musketn,'- failed) : but Surgeon Thomas had pronounced life ex-
tinct, and the body was laid upon the ground with tiic otiiers.

30I —

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— 302 —

The masses changed direction by the left flank, and amid the
enhvening notes of " The Girl I Left Behind Me " broke into
open column of companies, and marching by the bodies to see
that the work of the executioner had been effectually done, the
troops were soon back to their camps again.*

The bright, generous summer-time, and the unusual leisure
at such a season, prompted an indulgence in various sports

* Captain H. K. Kelly furnishes the following amusing incident: Some very
curious characters were icund among the drafted men and substitutes furnished to
the regiment. They presented an element entirely different from the patriotic
volunteer, of which the regiment was originally formed. They required a dif-
ferent study of human nature and a very different treatment. This can be under-
stood even by those who have never exercised command in the army. In requir-
ing from the volunteer strict obedience and conformity to all the requirements of
the service, it could not be forgotten that he was an American citizen.

Among the drafted men in one of the companies was a very curious specimen.
He was a member of a sect that wore long hair, who believed in universal peace
and abhorred blood-shedding, and entertained various other mild and gentle dog-
mas, pretty to contemplate in an Utopia, but utterly unsuited to the suppression
of a rebellion organized with English shot and shell. This " soldier against his
will" had witnessed the execution of the five deserters, and the sight had doubt-
less affected his mind unfavorably toward a little scheme of "dropping out,"
which he probably had in contemplation. At all events, he concluded that it would
be safer and more polite, as well as more in accordance with military usage, to tender
his resignation. Accordingly, still mindful of etiquette, he addressed the first
sergeant of the company a note, of which the following is a copy :

" Serge.XNT : — Please report me to the propper othorities that I do lay down
my arms, feeling myself entirely unfit for duty on account of my health, and also
contientiously pledged to my church not to take up arms to kill.

" I am willing to suffer the penalty that good Old Abe will inflict upon me.
" Yours truly , ."

The sergeant, being a militan,- man of decided views, promptly forwarded the
paper to the officer in command of the company. The private was sent for, the
officer under a grave face which he had some difficulty in maintaining, and was
asked a few questions as to whether he acknowledged authorship of the letter;
whether he had not been impressed by the tragic scene of execution he had wit-
nessed, and then, with some good advice as to duty, etc., the soldier was sent
back to his tent, warned to so watch over his actions that a worse thing than being
shot by a rebel did not befall him. His career, however, was short, for on the
first day's fight in the Wiiuerness he was gathered in as a prisoner of war, not be-
fore his company commander had seen the man repeatedly violating the pledge to
his cliurch so far as shooting often and taking care to lire low could be construed
into kiUinsj.

— 303 —

and exercises, notably horse-racing. Some valuable, blooded
stock had found its way to the front, and when ridden by their
owners an exciting race frequently drew together a notable
assemblage of officers of high rank. General Griffin had a
mare, noted for its speed, of superior build and excellent car-
riage. There were often appreciative gatherings at his head-
quarters, when he was tempted by repeated challenges to test
the metal of his splendid animal. Other steeds were of equal
reputation, however, and, regardless of the distinguished rank
of the owner of this noted war-horse, not infrequently out-
stripped her in the strife.

Captain Crocker, anticipating a lengthy stay, built for him-
self a house of logs chinked and mortised, with boards for
floors and a sash with panes for the window. This structure,
pretentious beyond remembrance for a soldier's summer home,
must need be dedicated. It had been christened " The Haver-
sack." So Crocker summoned all the congenial spirits around
him, and purposed with due decorum and fitting ceremony to
open his mansion for the uses, purposes and intents of its con-
struction. He had laid in lavishly of " beer on draft " right
from the National capital, and there was abundance of edibles
from the small stores of the mess-chest. But his guests had
assembled not to satisfy appetites cra,ving to be appeased with
substantials, nor were they to be hampered with the stilted
Ceremonies of a dedication. Beer from the keg was so rare a
treat that these men of war, forgetful of the purpose of their
coming, crowned Gambrinus king again. They set the mor-
tised joints ajar with merriment, and loosened chinks and ridge
pole with their boisterous, unrestrained hilarity. Song, loud
and sonorous, rang wild and long.

" In eighteen hundred and sixty-three —

Hurrah! Hurrah!
In eighteen hundred and sixty-three —

Hurrah ! Hurrah !
In eighteen hundred and sixty-three
Abe Lincoln set the niggers free —
And we'll all Jriiik -tone blind,
Johnny fill up the l>o\vI.''

-— 304 —

This was sung in tedious repetition, until at last its strains
ebbed away in sleepy languor. " Here's to Crocker and his
house" was more than twenty times repeated. In imitation of
a sitting at home, imaginan,- waiters were merrily summoned
for " four beers," " two here," " zwi," " beers all around," and
they apparently promptly filled the order. The festivities con-
tinued while the beer lasted, and " The dedication of the Hav-
ersack " was long remembered as a day oi^ goodly ceremony.
" Quarters " and " light duty " was the record made for some
when the morning's duties summoned them, but the stalwart
ones responded promptly, undisturbed by. bodily or mental
ailment.

While in the vicinity of Beverly Ford the picket details were
heavy, and the scope of territoiy covered was considereible.
Nor did the brigade details always occupy the same line. At
one time the\- Avere protecting and observing the river front.
At another they were thrown off to the left a mile or two.

Much of the new material sent to us since the campaign of
General Grant was worthless as fighting material. " Substi-
tutes," " bounty jumpers " and conscripts replaced the brave
men who had fallen in battle and whose terms had expired.
Many had enh'sted under fictitious names, and during roll-call
it was not uncommon to see some of them look in their hats
to see the assumed names, that they might correctly answer
" Here ! "

On, one of these three days' tours — the distance from camp
necessarily lengthened the term — Captain Donegan and Lieu-
tenant Kelly were on dut}' together. An odd irregularity
befell Donegan, and an amusing incident growing out of it hap-
pened to Kelly. Donegan was in command of the entire di-
vision picket by \-irtue of his rank. Assigned to cross-country
dut\', his left was to be refused, his right was to rest on the
river. Establishing his right, b\' some oversight he threw the
1st Brigade detail so far out of position as to bring it well inside
the true line. The other brigade details arriving on the ground
and Donegan not having yet had opportunity to post them,

— 305 —

they, discovering a wide gap between their right and the river,
extended their intervals and closed it. The captain shortly
became acquainted with the situation, but apparently satisfied it
would not be detected, and believing it not worth while to dis-
turb the posts, now comfortably fixed for the three days' work,
permitted the error to continue, keeping both the outer and
interior lines in ignorance of their relative locations. " This
ignorance continued until after the tour was completed, and no
one would ever have known aught of it if Kelly had kept
silence concerning his amusing incident, Donegan never in-
tended to disclose the irregularity.

Kelly confined himself closely to his own line and ensconced
himself, when at leisure, in the parlor of a vacant mansion hard
by his right centre. He quaintly posted on the door his pre-
scribed •' office hours," and closely observed them. A number
of new men were of the detail. Kelly, unusually busy vv-ith in-
structing these men, having succeeded in making them fairly
understand, had just relaxed his vigilance when General Sykes,
with his staff, appeared on the line, approaching it from the
outside, in front- of where it was covered by these recruits. He
had finished a tour of inspection of his entire corps pickets,
and was returning to his head-quarters when he was suddenly
confronted and abruptly halted by this improperly posted
and to him wholl}- unknown interior line.

"Who goes there?" harshly came from the post toward
which he was advancing, and the man holding it stood ready
to meet the emergency. "' I am General Sykes," said he quietly.
" I don't care a d — n who you are," was the prompt response -
" dismount, every one of you, and be lively about it, too." The
general, somewhat incensed, threw open his overcoat and,
pointing to his shoulder-straps, said, sharply, " Now do you
know me?" " \o," again insisted the soldier, "get down ofif
that horse d — n quick, or I'll put a ball through you." Seeing
no other wa\' out of the dilemma the general and his staff dis-
mounted. His anger was increasing, he was berating the
Ignorance of men in tlieir failure to recognize a corps com-

20

— 3o6 —

mander who for several months had been among them almost
daily, when the adjoining post, concealed by the timber, in-
censed him beyond endurance by a new line of inquiry : "Hello,
Billy," said the other vedette, " what kind of a looking fellow
is he ? has he got big black whiskers ? " " Yes," said Billy.
"Then hold the : you've got Moseby; call for the cor-
poral of the guard." This Billy did lustily, and he, hurriedly
coming upon the scene and recognizing the general, ordered
him to be passed immediately. " Who and where is your
officer?" demanded Sykes, and he was immediately conducted
to Lieutenant Kelly's quarters, who, notwithstanding it was not
his " office hours," most graciously received him. " What in the

name of are you doing here ? " he asked. The inquiry'

of course referred to the position of the line. Kelly, wholly
innocent that he was heroically maintaining an interior picket,
had no other notion than that the general's interrogation was
intended to stand him up for examination on his instructions,
and in a vain attempt to display his proficiency he fluently
replied, "To arrest all persons outside the lines, to be watchful
during the day, and extremely vigilant at night; to keep a
sharp lookout after Moseby and other guerillas ; treat all per-
sons outside the lines as enemies," and so he continued, the
general's astonishment increasing as he preceded. For a mo-
ment General Sykes remained speechless, his staff meanwhile
indulging in suppressed laughter, and then, too disgusted for
other pomment than " Great Heavens ! what infernal stupidity ! "
rapidly rode away. Lieutenant Kelly, slightly amazed at the
risibility and indifference with which his pretty speech was re-
ceived, in no way conceived that the lamentable ignorance to
which the general so energeticall)' referred was attributed to
him, nor did he learn how " infernally stupid " he was until he
returned to camp and related his experiences. As no disaster
followed Donegan's inadvertence, and as General S\'kes upon
reflection was probably more amused than annoyed at the inci-
dent, the matter was never investigated.

An unjust impression had gone abroad that General Sykes

— 307 —

had no kindly side toward the volunteers. It gained credence
from his apparent association with the regulars alone. On
the march he was generally seen riding with them, and in
camp and bivouac his head-quarters were usually nearest
them. By reason of these unfounded prejudices, though he
had the merited confidence of the corps, he never secured
their affections. He was ever mindful of the needs of his
soldiers, and his recognized skill, ability, high attainments,
eminent courage and soldierly bearing fitted him for the leader-
ship which he so successfully maintained. Because he seemed
to fail to reach the hearts of his people, they would never ad-
mit that he was likely to be enrolled among the great men of
his day.

The brigade had come to know Colonel Hayes, of the iSth
Massachusetts, from the frequency with which at intervals its
command fell to his keeping. He was a man of culture and
address, a soldier of distinction, well calculated to sustain the
splendid reputation of the sturdy men whom the New England
States so wisely selected to officer their volunteers.

From the 4th of August to the i6th of September the regi-
ment had remained continuously at the same camp near Beverly
Ford. On that day it broke camp, crossed the Rappahannock
and bivouacked in the vicinity of Culpepper Court-House. The
next day it moved through Culpepper and encamped a short
distance beyond it, near the residence of Colonel George Smith
Patton, the colonel of the 22d Virginia Infantry. Here it was
destined to remain for several weeks. The ist Michigan and
1 8th Massachusetts were detached from the brigade for provost
duty in the town.

Culpepper was eminently a " deserted village." Its dwellings
were all closed and apparently tenantiess. No resident, male
or female, was seen on the highways, and of the twenty stores
and groceries none seemed to be doing business. Two hotels,
the Piedmont and Virginia, still pretended to accommodate
travellers. There were four churches, a large institute for girls,
an academy for boys and se\eral other schools. The buildings

— 3oS —

were of brick and frame, the latter largely predominating. Of
course, as a shire town, the usual public building was not
wanting. The population had numbered about 1500.

On the 28th of September the corps was paraded for review
by Major-General Corterge, of the ^Mexican army.

Another military execution in the division followed close
upon the one which has been described. An enlisted man of
the 1 2th New York, convicted of desertion, proven a bounty-
jumper, was shot to death by musketry. He refused to be
bandaged, and, calmly gazing down the barrels that were to
rattle his death-knell, received their volley with Ney-like hero-
ism. His still, cool, impressive courage aroused a thought
that he was not of the criminal class with which his crime as-
sociated him. An involuntary sigh, audible as the volley
rolled away in the distance, swept over the division for the fate
of such a stalwart.

The Patton House was a fine old-time massive Virginia
mansion. Its wide hallways, commodious chambers, grand old
porches, picturesque avenues, were evidences of ancient thrift,
indicative of old-time hospitality. Abandoned property is an
incentive to pillage, deserted dwellings are prompters to van-
dalism. Hasty inferences are drawn of the burning, personal
hate of their occupants, and the demon of destruction, roused
by a spirit of resentment, prompts the best of men to deeds of
rapine and plunder. The Patton House was not exempt from
the raqk and ruin attendant on all such " derelict " property.
It was soon a wreck of its former self Its fine porches were
all destroyed, doors, windows and floors were carried away.
Ever)-thing movable found its way to the flames or was tem-
porarily utilized in the quarters of the neighboring soldiery.
The large, old-fashioned brass knocker on the front door,
bearing the ancestral arms and the honored aristocratic name
of its ancient founder, " Patton," in bold, distinctive lettering,
had adorned it for a century. Torn from its place, this vener-
able ornament was used to adorn a temporary door which a
rude Northern mechanic had con-structed for an entrance to his

— j09 —

canvas quarters, for no other earthly purpose than to find a
place for the accommodation of this insignia of the Patton
aristocracy. Brass heads from ancient bed-posts, lambrequins,
andirons, fenders, shovels, tongs, spittoons, pitchers, basins, were
put to use or ornamentation as the taste or inclination of the
despoiler happened to dictate.

A survivor of the Culpepper exodus, probably not from the
walks of its most prominent citizens, surrounded by a bevy of
shapely daughters, occasionally opened his doors for hospital-
ity and entertainment. Once only an invitation to his recep-
tions, which had grown to be generally appreciated, reached
the camp of the iiSth, and then but two of its officers were
favored with a recognition. Such an opportunity to taste of
social sweets amid these rude alarums of war was seized with
avidity. Arrayed in the best attire from a sparse and well-v/orn
wardrobe, these officers hastened on the given night to the scene
of the festivities, cautiously concealing their absence and its
purpose. It was a goodly company, and the ladies, attractive
and fairly well clad in such garb as the limited Southern mar-
ket afforded, Avere unusually gay and entertaining. Officers of
the staff, cavalr\% and artillery predominated. In boiled shirts
and white collars they outshone the plain service garb of the
practical infantryman. A little envious, our representatives
subdued their tender sensibilities and permitted in the early
evening their more gorgeously robed fellows to absorb the at-
tentions of the fair ones. Merrily tlie dance went on, and the
bottla. which had frequent calls from the male portion of the
assemblage, began to entlui'^e its votaries with a strengthening
and boisterous merriment. The delicate appetites of the ladies
were appeased by frequent and light potations of sherry. One
of the infantrymen — the only two representatives of that branch
of the ser\ice were -the officers of the iiSth — apt of tongue
and glib of speech, had nursed his eru-h- c'n\'ious promptings
for a fitting and favorable opportunit\- to overcome the all-ab-
sorbing domination of his rivals. The fairest of all these at-
tractive maid'jn-, ti:c special friend and pride of a dapper little

n-;-!.' ' '. •: I ■ -■: V.

— 3IO —

fellow of the staff, had caught his cheery, penetrating laugh,
been entranced by his captivating gaze and at last yielded to
his winning ways. She let go the little fellow of the staff and
surrendered to the big, burly, generous infantryman. This
drew the lines tightly, and all these mounted heroes only
awaited slight provocation to satisfy their jealous ire against
these two lonely representatives of the foot service.

Alcohol and jealousy had done their work. Slanderous
stories were carried to the father that the doughty soldier who
had so successfully captured the " belle of the ball " was exces-
sively familiar. The intimation was sufficient for the old gen-
tleman. He, too, had not failed to linger long over the fre-
quent passages of the bottle. Without investigation or in-
quiry, he planted himself in an attitude of attack immediately
in front of the offending officer. The lady pled with the an-
gered parent to contain himself, that nothing had been said to
disturb even her most delicate sensibilities, that her friend had
conducted himself most decorously. He would not be ap-
peased, and, attempting to plant an illy-aimed blow at his stout,
well-proportioned adversary, was himself caught before it
landed and planted with his lower extremities in advance on
a bed of hot coals in the large old-fashioned fire-place. This
was a signal for a general assault. Begrimed with ashes and
cinders, the old man rallied for another attack, and to his
aid came those of the boiled shirts and white collars. The
odds were against the two infantrymen, but strong arms, quick
blows and some science laid one after another of their assailants
aside. Their assailants v/orsted, with no disposition to renew
the fight, the two soldiers escaped to the road and hurriedly
made their way to camp, not, however, without fair trophies of
the fray. One had a handful of boiled shirt and the other had
seized a well-fi'icd brantly-bottle from the table as he dashed
through the hallway.

The two participants in this escapade had so well concealed
their movements and identity tlmt their participation in it was
never di5co\XTcJ. Failiu':: to announcj their intended absence

— 311 —

from camp, inquiries at the licad-quarters of the 1 1 8th brought
the response that it was none of their officers, as on the night
in question they were all at home. Personally, they were un-
known to all the officers at the ball sav'e one. He, a cavalryman,
disgusted with the discomfiture of his fellows, refused to disclose
his acquaintanceship. The provost-guard of the 1st Michigan
and iSth ^Massachusetts, who had made but a half-hearted at-
temot at arrest at the time of the disturbance, glorying in any-
thmg that added to the prowess of the brigade, if they had any
suspicions, never announced them.

Cool, clear, bracing autumn weather prevailed. Routine
camp duties and heavy picket details monopolized the time
until Lee began his celebrated movement around the right,
with Warrenton, Centreville or Washington for its objective,
which hurried the Army of the Potomac off on its mad race to
intercept him.

V

oSSf

.<<

StRGEAM HIRAM LAtiK.

CHAPTER XIL

lee's movement around our right flank — BRISTOE —
BROAD RUN.

^

: -J^iz. ■^?^^~~i:''^'-'>"'''^':'- H I L E the anriy re-

f '-'■:£>-% i'^ ( '^ r""!^^- , mained in the vicinity

V\ •? '' '^■^■'■'' ^' ■ '^=^' of Culpepper and the

% ,,, yif-^.i':-' !:' ^?3 ' Rapidan, the signal of^

5--' ^-r%'-^-'. I--'^-' •/--' -4- . #,1 ficers, who had cauijht

^^1^?!^^^-^"^ ^^rl ' ^^ thekeyoftheConfed-

m%-fi=- ■ :■ j'T^ ;^; . erate code, were in the

I '•«:>■- - .^^^'..■'^' •■ W-: habit of interceptin;!

W'Si,-^.' W:^'^4'?l^"^-^.*'-^^ '€^'-i messages from the enc-

V^V ■£■' ■ ''^''^^1^^ ■ '!%^'i "^^''^ signal station on

\,;k' '^^/ ■ ■;,;/i^'^-*f7'i 'i< -y'^hit Clark's ^Mountain.

>^\\ ? '!}' -,,' - -i; ''r'^^^;^^::>^*'ilv:t ^. J These despatches,

\V'v '■ /■' '-'' ' '■'-'.-•;/ •^;^-Lw"^"'" ""^'^^ liowever interestinsr or

"^ ^■•J^/My^-'-^^^^^^^'^^r^^y^y^^ amusing, had never

/,'^^ -''^^^»*^//;''%1> proved especially in-

i' ■,,..-■■ structive until, on the

afternoon of the 7th of October, a despatch to General Fitz

Hugh Lee from General J. E. 1>. Stuart, directing him to draw

three days' bacon and hard bread, was caught on the wing, and

on being sent forward to head-quarters of the army aroused

General Meade's attention to the coniing mo\ement.*'

The impcULling movement referred to at the conclusion of the
last chapter culminated in hostilities at Bristoe, and terminated
when Lee found his way back to the Rappahannock again,

* Walkcr'a " Iii=;ory of tin.- Socoii;! Army L\.rj .-,*' )>. 321.

— 313 —

tired from a wearisome march, disappointed with his fruitless
errand.

Tlie intentions of General !Meade did not seem to actively
manifest themselves within 5th Corps limits until the loth.
Then the tendency of the movement indicated an expected
cavalry demonstration as the objective. Camp was broken at
3.45 in the morning and the march directed to the vicinity of
Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan. Here the colunm arrived at
8.30, after a short march of some four or five miles. It passed
through a recently abandoned picket line, well back from the
Ford, which evidently had been occupied for some time. Be-
yond it the brigade halted, nearer the river. The skirmishers
were deployed, with instructions to advance as near as possible
to the Ford without attracting the enemy's attention, who it
was believed were still upon the other side, and then after a
short inter\-al to fall back gradually. The division pioneers
accompanied the skirmishers and were deployed with them.

They were instructed to fell timber along the roadway and
obstruct it at inter\'als with trees and such other material as
was available. The purpose of such obstruction seemed to be
to retard a. cavalry advance. It was a laborious job, and the
skirmishers and pioneers made slow progress. The main body
moved back some miles and the detail did not join it until
about two in the afternoon.

The road led in the general direction of Culpepper. Captain
Donaldson, as the brigade officer of the day, was charged
with the execution of these details.

At one point in the line of march there was no timber for a
considerable distance, except a fine grove of old maples in the
grounds of a large, well-appointed mansion. The fence rails in
this vicinity had long since disappeared, and as no other mate-
rial was at hand, it seemed evident that these trees must be
sacrificed. The captain tried to attract the attention of the in-
mates of the mansion, and at last a window was raised, and a
lady asked tb.e captain, in not very gentle terms, his business
there. He stated his orders were to cut down the trees. Siie

— 3H —

asked his name ; and when he replied, " My name is Donald-
son; I am from Philadelphia" —

"From Philadelphia!" she exclaimed. "And have you
relatives in our service ? "

" Yes," said he. " I have a brother." ' ■

" And to what regiment does he belong ? "
"The 22d Virginia."

" Is his name John ? and do you remember his watch and
anything about it that could specially identify it? "

" Yes," he responded. " He carried an open-faced, old-
fashioned gold watch, which, when I last saw it, bore the

name of his father,
John P. Donaldson,
engraved on the
inside."

With this she hur-
riedly left, and, en-
tering the house,
called to another
lady, whom she after-
wards presented as
her sister, to come
down-stairs at once ;
that there was a
Federal officer upon
the porch whom she
was satisfied w a s
■^^^ the brother of Cap-
tain Donaldson,
whom they knew.
The captain wanted
to know more o\ his brother, who, a resident of Charleston,
Kanawha county, West Virginia, when the war began, had
drifted into the enemy's service and of whom he had since heard
but little.

The lady told him his brotlicr hail been severely wounded
in one of the recent engagements, and, fortunately, had fallen

COKPOKAL BENJ. E. FLETCHER.

— 315 —

into their hands. He had been an inmate of their home for
many weeks, and but for their care miglit have died.

She stated that Lee's movements would not be delayed by
blocking or obstructing the Federal rear, as Lee's plan was to
move completely around, and, if possible, envelop the Federal
right, and she felt that the movement had probably now so far
developed itself as to show to the Federals something, at least,
of the mtent of the operations. The captain, without waiting
to exchange a courteous farewell or even inquire the family
name, hurried to his horse, and leaving directions to assemble
his skirmishers and stop Avork, dashed off rapidly to place his
information where it would be transmitted to head-quarters.

Whether it was this information thus unexpectedly acquired
that first developed to General ^Sleade General Lee's purpose
was not known to the regiment then. It is probably too late to
assume it now, but certain it is that Meade did not become
aware of Lee's movement with any certainty until late in the
day on the loth. The interview at the mansion was before two
o'clock ; several hours necessarily elapsed ere the knowledge
gleaned from it ultimately reached army head-quarters. No
general movement, guided by an understanding of Lee's in-
tended operations, took place until evening. The conclusion
that at least some of the credit of securing this important intel-
ligence should enure to the enterprise of an officer of the liSth
is rendered not improbable by General Walker's statement on
p. 322 of his " History of the Second Army Corps," in which,
in the course of. his narration of these same events, he says:
"At last, on the evening of the loth, it was deemed sufficiently
manifest that General Lee was in fact moving on Warrenton, to
require the Union army to fall back behind the Rappahannock,
which was accomplished during the iith."

To resume the direct narrative. The skirmishers and pioneers
having rejoined the brigade at 2.30, it moved back again over
the four or five miles it marched in the morning, and halted at
its old camp. There, under orders to mo\-e at a moment's no-
tice, v.iih trains hitched ready tor immediate start, tiie troojjs

- 3i6 - ■

secured that indefinite and uncertain rest that follows an attempt
at repose while under orders to march.

At six o'clock on the morning of the i ith there was a hurried
departure. The column passed through Culpepper. The gait
maintained was more than usually rapid, and after a continued
stretch of ten miles, made without a rest, the column reached
the neighborhood of Brandy Station. Here the troops de-
ployed and faced to the rear, remaining in line of battle to sup-
port the retiring cavalry and protect the withdrawing trains.

:^^

ji

■—-«./•-,>

TR.\IXS TO THE REAR.

Down through the ranks by this time it came to be prett\' well
understood that this movement comprehended an avoidance of
something initiated by the enemy, and visions of Bull Run,
Manassas, Thoroughfare Gap, Pope's retreat, and other names
and localities suggestive of disaster were so rife in the imagi-
nation as to eventua!l\- culminate in audible and ominous ex-
pression.

The countr}- about Brand}- Station is well suited for observa-
tion. There was ciiiisidcraule arrH'cr}- practice at Jong range,

— 1^7 —

principally from the enemy, who were closely pressing our re-
tiring squadrons. The infantry remained in support, occu-
pying rifle-pits that had been constructed before. Over the
plain in front there were repeated charges and countercharges,
with varied success as the one or the other side was in heaviest
numbers. Presently the enemy appeared in considerable
strength, bearing down hard upon our severely pressed horse.
General Griffin, standing beside an idle battery unlimbered and
" in action front," evidently concluded that the best way to re-
lieve this pressure on the discomiited horse was to try some
effective work with the guns. He stood in their midst and
personally directed the fire. The first shot was too high,
knocking off the branches of tiniber in the woods in front of
which stood a large body of the enemy's cavalry. This prac-
tice did not suit him, and he directed the artiller}'men to depress
their pieces, remarking with considerable emphasis, as he had
done once before, " You are firing too high ; just roll the shot
along the ground like a ten-pin ball and knock their d — n
trotters from under them," practically illustrating his instruc-
tions by stooping and trundling his hand and running smartly
as if in the act of bowling. Better work followed, and after
several discharges the enemy disappeared entirely and the cav
airy, infantry, artillery and trains continued the march without
further interruption to the Rappahannock. The brigade crossed
at Rappahannock Station about four o'clock, and marching well
into the evening " went tenting to-night on the old camp
ground " near Beverly Ford, where it had spent so many
pleasant weeks in the late summer and early fall. There was
no disposition to " give us a song to cheer." It had been a
weary, tiresome day, with a prospect of a heavy tug on the
morrow, and the soldiers sought a much-needed rest.

On the 1 2th the brigade was back again to the Rappahannock,
and about noon the corps recrossed at Beverly Ford. An unusual
and impressive martial display followed. The sky was cloud-
less. The sun shone in all its autumn splendor. Beyond a
timber belt, at intervals lining the ri^ht bank o{ the stream.

- 3i8 -

the country' for almost the entire distance to Brandy Station is
an open, level plain, broad enough to accommodate almost the
entire Army of the Potomac deployed in line of masses, and
wide enough to permit its march in that formation for a con-
siderable distance. Three great army corps, the 2d, 5th and
6th, arrayed in serried lines of masses, with battalions doubled
on the centre, concealed by bluffs or timber, burst suddenly, as
if by word of command, out upon this wide expansive plain.
It was as gorgeous a pageant of real war as the Army of the
Potomac ever saw, and it was the firm belief of all that the oc-
casion was one of business, not of show.

For the first time the soldiers realized the sensation of
entering battle with the grandeur attending a full view of
masses of men prepared for action. There were no inquiries for
the supports, no thoughts of exposed flanks, no anxieties for a
sufficient reserve. The scene aroused an assurance of strength,
stirred a commendable spirit of competition, and was such an
incentive to valor and determination that the actual combat was
earnestly looked for with no doubtful convictions of its results.

The artillery- accompanied the movement, and at proper in-
tervals, reserved for their accommodation, the batteries mo\-ed
parallel with the advanced lines. The division moved in echelon
by brigades. The breeze from the front was just stiff enough
to flutter the colors at right angles with the staff At no time
during the entire advance did the troops seem to vary from an
almost perfect alignement along the whole of this extended
front. The short autumn daylight faded out and the splendid
pageant was lost in the early darkness. The anticipated fight
was not at hand, there was no enemy to bar the progress of
this might}' host, and the prospective glories of the rout and
ruin of the foe were lost in the fading shadows of a brilliant
October twilight.

When it was discovered that the operation had failed to bring
on an engagement, it was the conviction of those who did not
know its purpose that this splendid show of force, threatening
Lee's communications, was meant to tempt him back again,

— 319 —

and, failing of its purpose before night came on, the intention
was abandoned. Such conjectures were wrong, however ; a
fight was really expected. Generals Sykes and Pleasanton had
both reported that a heavy infantry force had been uncovered
near Brandy Station, and Meade turned his legions back again
to meet it. Sykes and Pleasanton were mistaken. A small
body of cavalry had deceived them. It vanished on the ap-
pearance of this huge array, and the whole affair materially
aided Lee in the better accomplishment of his intended opera-
tions.

It was well into the night before the troops made a stop in-
dicative of rest, and at midnight, their appetites satisfied with a
very rough meal, they were ready for slumber. The men had
scarcely passed into forgetfulness when shrill bugle notes broke
the still midnight air. and the " general " brought them all to
their feet again. One broad-chested fellow, of stentorian voice,
violently shook his sleepy companion who had lost himself for
just ten minutes, yelling vociferously, " Get up, you lazy
lubber, you ; do you want to sleep all the time ? " Shouts of
laughter greeted this absurd speech, and made the men more
cheerful. At one o'clock in the morning of the 13th the
column turned upon itself, marched back and again crossed the
Rappahannock at Beverly Ford, resting for the second time at
the old camp ground. There hurriedly breakfasting at six,
starting on again at se\'en, trending eastward and striking the
Orange and Ale.xandria Railway at Warrenton Junction at
noon, a halt was made for the night's bivouac at Walnut Branch
near Catlett Station at 5.30 in the afternoon. This concluded
what was really the continuous work of one entire night and
two consecutive days.

It was a busy day for the flankers. In more than usual
strength, extended well to the left, they continued on the alert,
anxiously apprehensive of an attack from Lee's columns moving
by parallel roads only a mile or so to the northward. At in-
tervals during the day the enemy's trains, where the distance
between the two armies narrowed and where prominent ridges

— 320 —

afforded opportunity for observation, appeared in full view.
In the early morning it was known at army head-quarters
that Ewell's corps was moving by the Warrenton turnpike, and
Hill's by Salem and Thoroughfare Gap. In a " confidential
circular," published at half-past ten o'clock, corps commanders
were advised to this effect, and those in the rear, the 5th and
2d, were instructed to spare no precaution against attack, as
the enemy's intention, whether to make a desperate lunge at
the left flank and rear, or throw himself on Centreville Heights
before the Union army reached there, had not yet been fully
developed.

General Griffin e\'idently anticipated battle, as he directed the
release of private Thomas Sands, of Company F, who was under
arrest awaiting execution, and ordered him to be equipped and
returned to the ranks ready for the coming engagement.

The 14th, with a four o'clock reveille and a nine o'clock start,
was to be a busy day for the 5th Corps, and a memorable and
anxious one for the 2d, the rear guard of the army. In the
ranks it was mistakenly believed that the 5th was bringing up
the rear. The 3d, 5th and 2d Corps, the three rear corps of the
army, had been directed not to move from the points they might
from time to time respectively occupy on the 14th until the
corps following had come up. These directions should have
held Sykes at Bristoe, which his rear division. Griffin's, reached
at about one o'clock, until Warren had undoubtedly appeared
or he had actuall}- got into communication with him. But
Sykes, bent only upon reaching Centreville, an.xious con-
cerning the long interval between him and the 3d Corps, and
more than impatient at what he considered Warren's unneces-
sary delay, was ready to receive any information that brought
the 2d Corps in sight. Receiving such a report, made by an
officer of his staff in undoubted good faith, without waiting to
communicate with Warren or to \-erify the report, S\-kes put
his own troops in motion for Centreville As a fact, the 5th
Corps had had time to stretch itself out, except its rear dix'ision,
before A. P. Hill's corijs, which had been directed on Broad

>1:- k

— 321 —

Run at the railway crossing and not on Centreville, appeared
in sight.

But Warren had had a day of incident and anxiety. He
awoke to find Stuart between two of his divisions, a position of
wliich Stuart was as ignorant as Warren. Caldwell's division,
preparing its morning meal, was startled by vigorous shelling
fro;ii the very direction in which it was about to move. What
force or who it was was not apparent. It was sufficiently omin-
ous to place the division of the corps in battle array to meet
an attack. Stuart, willing "to be let alone," after a few shots,
disappeared. This unavoidable detention, with other stoppages,
Ewell's skirmishers thickening about the rear and flanks, with
occasional shelling of the timber on the left, necessarily delayed
Warren until about three, when, at the rear of his columns, he
was startled by firing two miles or more to his front. It was
the enemy's artillery on the west of Broad Run firing on Grif-
fin's division lying in innocent repose on the east bank. This
digression is introduced, as the movements of the 5th and 2d
Corps were, or should have been, during the day, intimiately
connected.

Griffin's division crossed Broad Run near Bristoe, a village,
big or little, but of which but a " kw lonely chimneys remained
to show where it once stood," about one o'clock, apparently
secure from pursuit. With no evidence of the likelihood of
disturbance, the men betook themselves to the preparation of a
noonday meal, and little individual fires soon began to show
themselves along the high bluff lands lining the stream.

The impression that the corps was the rear of the army had
been strengthened by the cutting of trees along the line of
march so that they could be readily pushed over when the last
of the troops had passed, and by the urgencj' of General Pat-
rick, the provost-marshal-gcneral, who was directing the opera-
tions, that the work be expedited.

Crocker, Thomas and a number of other officers were seated
upon the bluff enjoying their coffee, and overlooking and dis-
cussing the features of the country over which the colunm had
21

— 322 —

just passed. From the west bank of the run the ground rose
gradually and the country was open and unobstructed to a belt
of timber some distance off. The soil was pretty well used up,
and the early frosts having blighted every vestige of verdure,
the grass was the color of the earth. Crocker suddenly jumped
to his feet and startled his associates with the decidedly pene-
trating interrogation of: " What is that coming across the
fields ? look ! " and then in answer to his own interrogation
continued, " a reb skirmish line, by heaven ! " The close re-
semblance of their uniforms to the color of the ground was
confirmatory that they were the enemy, and still more convinc-
ing evidence of the character of the advancing body was the
appearance of several guns (Poague's) which, rapidly emerging
from the timber, unlimbered and went into battery. Shot after
shot, well directed, was sent in quick succession into the con-
fused mass so illy prepared for such a demonstration.

The division was hurriedly withdrawn. A mounted officer
dashing through the troops had his arm torn off by a shell.
The men moved in good order, but it was manifest that there
was a general feeling that the appearance of the enemy was
wholly unexpected and unprepared for. As an illustration of
the great confidence that the men had in the courage and gen-
eralship of General Griffin, who had recently returned to the
division after a short absence, it may be mentioned that the
officers could do nothing better to reassure the troops than to
_say :" Men, General Griffin is in command." The movement
^continued until the division reached Manassas Junction. Here,
-after a few moments' halt, the division, with a good gait and in
.excellent order, started back whence it came, to the sound of
tfiring that by that time indicated a heavy engagement. It
reached the field about four o'clock and went into position on
the east side of Broad Run, where the batteries shelled the
enemy on the other side. The infantry did not attempt to
cross and was not engaged. The loss in the brigade was
slight.

While the pace of the rear division of the 5th was quickened

— 323 —

from the place which it had so quickly abandoned, the 2d
Corps was hurrying to what was to be its glorious field of
Bristoe. Before the first of its men had come upon the field,
the last of the 5th Corps had passed out of sight. It seemed
strange that the rear division, instead of being permitted to
hurry along to Manassas, had not been retained in the position
in which it was first attacked. When the affair was over and
the officers and men understood it, such was their conclusion.
But soldiers never care to investigate such matters and let them
remain for their superiors to settle, or histon.^ to discuss. Gen-
eral Sykes asserted, and his assertion must be accepted without
challenge, that he never heard the sounds of battle at Bristoe ;
did not know his rear division was attacked, and supposed
General Warren was moving on Centreville, until he received
the intelligence of the engagement with Kill. General Walker,
" Histor}' 2d Army Corps," who would naturally be Sykes's
severest critic, attributes his conduct to the fact that he had
wrought himself up to the single conception of reaching Centre-
ville ; that he believes warning of the danger of a flanking col-
umn had fallen " idly upon his ears " — so idly that when he
first heard Warren had been engaged and captured guns, he
insisted it could not have been with anything but a very small
force.

One of the head-quarter clerks tells the stor}' of the day:
" Not being obliged to carry a gun or keep in the ranks, I took
to the railroad tracks, running parallel to the road on which the
troops were marching. There were a good many stragglers
on the track, and, with a view to opening conversation for so-
ciability, I asked one of them, who liad no letter, figures or
badge on his cap, to what regiment he belonged. His answer
was prompt : ' We belong to the Ro}-al Standbacks, last in
and first out.' I took the hint, and for the rest of the day
minded my own business.

"At the big water-tank at Bristoe's I sat down on the track
and ate my grub, and while sitting there the colunm opened
on the rebels in lively style. I was just far enough av.'ay to

■ 3-4

be out of range, and yet near caoug'.i to be included in the
racket if there was change of position; and so after watching
the fight for awhile, I started on towards Centreville, where I
had orders to report that night. It was a beautiful day, and
to be able to trav'el unencumbered as I was it was very pleas-
ant, but for the troops in the dusty road it was hard enougii.
I crossed Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford, and as I waded
through the shallow water I trudged on to the heights, and
there beheld a glorious spectacle. There seemed to be five
roads leading through the woods below us. At the left the
smoke and noise of the battle at Bristoe was seen and heard,
the contending parties apparently occupying two roads. On
the right two lines of wagons, on roads perhaps half a mile
apart ; and on a third road, about the same distance away, a
rebel column. The wagoners were making all haste to bring
up their trains safely. The rebels were straining every nerve
to reach the junction of the roads and cut off the trains.

" General Meade was on the hill, observing and directing
the fight, sending off and receiving messages in rapid succes-
sion. One staff-officer after another was dispatched, and then
his orderlies, and at one time he was reduced to the company
of the signal-officer, v/ho was kept hard at work waving his
mysterious messages to scffne distant point."

Warren's day of anxiety and vicissitude closed in a bitter
punishment to his adversarw Ewell's activity, the distance
from supports, turned his consideration solely to the suggested
precaution for the safety of the rear division of the arm\- and
when Poague's guns summoned him to the right of his corps his
quick intelligence caught the railroad cut as the only point
from which to throw off the attack, now imminent from rapidly
gathering torces. The movement was executed none too soon ;
Hayes's di\-ision readied it, Owens's brigade coming up amid a
shower of balls, just in time to repel a determined onslaught
of Heth's division. Again it was renewed, but, better pre-
pared and with a more extended front, Warren's men again
threw it olT. Scx'cral liours of daylight }'et remained and the

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- . — 325 —

2d Corps might yet be crushed amid the gathering masses of
Ewell and Hill, assembling, it was believed, to avenge the re-
pulse of Heth. But night came and there was no renewal of
the assault from either side.

The troops of the 5th Corps that returned and took position
on the bluff were on the flank of the enemy, with only the run,
^ordable at all points in column, between them. It was their
conviction that an opportunity was lost in not utilizing them
for a flank movement. Their presence doubtless served to hold
back the forces of Ewell and Hill. ^leade's policy seemed to
have been one of resistance only. Some critics have referred
to the situation at Broad Run and Bristoe as a lost opportunity
for an open field fight that had been so long sought for. Pretty
much all the enemy had gathered there, and by the next morn-
ing the whole Army of the Potomac might have been. Quiet
criticisiji among the thinking ones at the time was to a like
effect. Correspondence is yet extant where this view was
maintained in a respectful soldierly tone, by line officers dis-
posed at times to think out the situation with the limited oppor-
tunities then at their command.

Warren gathered trophies of guns and colors and prisoners
and added to his accumulating laurels. Such success as a
temporary corps commander could not make it long doubtful
that he must soon find a place among those who should be
permanently assigned to high command. Before many months
roiled by he succeeded Sykes in command of the 5th Corps.

Monaghan, of I, was a recruit of '63. He was a constitutional
growler at everything and against everybody, yet withal a good-
natured, open-hearted, witty fellow, always ready for duty when
he was up. His besetting sin was straggling. He had been a
sailor in the merchant service, beyond the age when the habits of
h'fe can be conveniently changed. Tempted by the large boun-
ties offered at the time he forsook his calling and entered the
infantry. Of all the arms of the service his early training least
fitted liim for, was that of the foot soldier. To lug his pack was
d harder job than to march. He fell, out on cver\' tjccasion

— 326 —

and was never up until ever>'body else had comfortably dis-
posed of themselves. Twitted with his delinquencies, he styled
his associates a lot of land-lubbers, pack-mules, fit only to tramp
and no use to furl sail or climb the ratlines. He would show
them how to march if they'd give him the deck of a gunboat in
a heavy sea for his parade-ground. The movement from the
Rapidan had taxed his greatest energies. Aware of the prox-
imity of the enemy, he had strained himself beyond his ordinary
capacity and crossed Broad Run with the usual column of
stragglers some time after the main body had been upon the
other side. He had been up so little during this march, and
his associates having seen nothing of him, they had given him
up as "missing." He managed, however, to work himself
along with the " stragglers' brigade," a body which had learned
from long experience how to care for itself

This body, true, tried and brave, reaching the grounds later,
had not progressed so far with their meal as had the " regular "
ti^oops, when they were startled by the appalling sounds of
cannonading behind them. The rear, the place of their choice,
the spot of their own selection, selected from its more than
usual safety, had at last been assailed. Nearest the bank they
caught the heaviest punishment, and some were killed. This
so increased their gait that Monaghan shortly afterwards, going
at a prett}- active pace, found himself near the limits of his own
command. His companions first recognized him, the new part
he was playing bringing him into more than usual prominence.
With a number of his newly made acquaintances of the " strag-
glers' brigade," he had secured the services of an enervated
and abandoned cavalry steed, improvised a bridle, and three
of them had mounted the animal and were making reasonably
fair progress in their flight. Just as Monaghan was recognized
they were approaching a ditch, which in the days of his )-outh,
when the hinges of his knee-joints were supple, the poor war-
worn steed would have cleared with a slight eftbrt. The three
sons of war who bestrode him urged him forward, first with
oaths and then with kicks, but he did not undLTstaiuI their bad

— 327 —

English, and paid no attention to their other hints. Then, irt
the compassion of their hearts and their desire to get him across^
the ditch, they dismounted. But the horse had arrived at an
age when he knew his own mind, and cared not for the views
of others. The three valorous knights, by dint of pulling and
pushing, got him to the middle of the ditch, and there they
were obliged to leave him. Monaghan, who had been shouted
at and guyed by his comrades during the performance, joined
his company and poured forth such a stream of sea-phrases
that the air around seemed to grow salt. He got on as far as
■the Junction, but disappeared on the return to Bristoe. He
evidently quickly comprehended this deflection as a temporary
affair and concluded to await the return of the regiment before
he should attach himself to it permanently.

The 2d Corps, with but the three hundred yards between it
and the enemy, silently, without an audible word of command,
with no hum of voices or buzz of conversation, began its with-
drawal in the very early evening. Stretching out its columns
over the broad plains of ]\Ianassas, after sixty-nine hours in
which it had been continuously in column on the road, or
fighting and skirmishing with the enemy, it found rest from its
toil between three and four o'clock in the m.orning near Black-
burn's Ford, on the left bank of Bull Run. General Morgan,
Inspector-General of that corps, says of that campaign: "Short
as it was, it was more fatiguing than that of the seven days on
the Peninsula, since the marches were much longer."

The Confederate army was still arriving long after dark.
The arrival of each new brigade was indicated by the bursting
out of fresh camp-iires from the locality of its bivouac. The
enemy's fires covered the entire slope of country within the
vision in front of the 2d and 5th Corps. The lines of the
2d Corps were so close to the enemy that conversation was
audible and the words of command could be distinctly heard.
Its withdrawal was therefore a delicate manoeuvre. The enemy
were evidcntl}' concentrating for a purpose, and upon discovery
of our attempt to elude them coulu have subjected us to a ter-

'T .

■ - 3^8 -

rible artillcr>' punishment. Hill's atid Ewell's batteries con-
trolled both the ford and the railway bridge, and the light from
the bursting of the shells would have revealed the line of
march for some distance beyond.

That the wear}', jaded troops of the 2d Corps might have
some relief if such contingency had happened, the 5th Corps
•was left in position until ten o'clock, that its batteries might
divert the attention of the enemy's artillerists should they at-
tempt an interference with the withdrawal of the 2d Corps.
Then, at that hour, it quietly stole away. In the matter of
actual rest, the 5th had had but little advantage over their com-
rades of the 2d. They were in no sense prepared for strong,
orderly e.xertion, when the ner/ous strain attending the pres-
ence of an active, watchful enemy had ceased, so when the
column had stretched out to the Junction, and the men knew
they need no longer be war}' of the foe, with the broad, familiar
plains of ]\Ianassas before them and Centreville Heights their
known destination, they betook themselves to the gait that best
suited their temperament, the strong and energetic to hurr\-
through and complete the journey, to secure the most they
could of rest out of what would be left of the night; and the
weary and weak to move by slow and easy stages, snatching
here and there a moment of repose by the wayside.

It was three o'clock when division head-quarters went into
bivouac in the locality of Centreville. Tliat the scattered com-
mands and straggling soldiers might be directed to their proper
bivouacs, division and brigade head-quarters at inter\'als well
on until daylight sounded their respective bugle calls. A
tedious search was thus avoided and the sleeping soldier saved
the use of profane imprecations in response to inquiries from
his roving companions, and the latter were not misled by the
sulphurous directions usualh' given them under such circum-
stances.

It was rest the soldier needed, not subsistence, and as soon
as he found the place indicated for it, he dropped down to
sleep sati.sfled the morrow ;\ould afford ample opportunity to
answer all consistent demands of the most exacting stomach.

.r-I;rvr; -.l.;

•r ■^-

— 329 —

October 15, 1863, we started for Fairfax Court-House. On
the 1 6th and 17th we made two short marches for position.
Marched on the iSth to Fox's Mill.

On the 19th we crossed Bull Run and went to Groveton,
camping on Benjamin Chinn's farm. A detail was sent
out to cover the ghastly reminders of the Second Bull Run.
On the 20th we marched to Gainesville. The year before two
valuable horses belonging to Captain Davis, of General Til-
ton's staff, disappeared at the same time. Captain Davis had
a bridle and breastplate made for him by the brigade saddler
different from anything in the army. When we arrived at
Gainesville, some troops were halted there, and among the
horses was one seated on his haunches like a dosr. On the

horse was the identical bridle and breastplate belonging to
Captain Davis. At once our boys exclaimed : " Captain Da-
vis, there's your horse and bridle." This sitting down was a
trick of the horse that was lost by Captain Davis, and the
writer has never seen any other horse do it of his own motion ;
but this horse would always rest that way. The officer who
claimed the horse told a plausible story of how he acquired
the animal ; but Captain Davis appealed to the officer's divi-
sion commander, and in the course of a few days his property
was restored to him.

U'^ ; 01:

— 330 —

Such is the picture of the rear guard. If you were ever
on the rear guard of a retreating army you know how tedious
it is. You do not move more than ten feet at farthest before
you have to halt, and then ten feet again a few moments after-
wards, and so on all day. You have not time to sit down a
moment before you are ordered to move on again, and the
rebs dash up every now and then and fire a volley in your
rear.

This practically closed the marches and manoeuvres incident
to Lee's flanking operations. The frequent shifting between
.the 15th and 19th was due to " indications " that failed to indi-
cate. The enemy, mistakenly reported to be advancing first
from here and then from there, in fact never crossed Broad Run
in any numbers. Lee, disappointed of his purpose to absorb a
few of the nearmost divisions of the Union army, returned and
occupied the country between the Rappahannock and the Rap-
idan, leaving a strong advance party well fortified on the left
bank of the former river near the railway crossing. This force
and the well-appointed work it occupied subsequently fell into
the Union hands in one of the most spirited and brilliant affairs
of the war.

On the 24th of October the brigade moved up to Auburn,
and on the 30th to " Three Mile Station." near Warrenton
Junction, on the Orange and Alexandria Railway, a section of
country with which the troops had long before become quite
familiar. Here it remained until the morning of the 7th of
November, when it moved out to take its part in the memor-
able assault on the works at Rappahannock railway station.

Illustrative of the general worthlessness of the substitute class,
a necessarily se\'ere case of discipline administered to break
one of the most notorious and disorderly among them occurred
about this time. Shields, of H, inflamed with liquor, was a
fiend. Sober, he was quiet, inoffensive, tractable. He was a
soldierly appearing, muscular, brawny fellow, of a height to en-
title him to the rigiit of his company. Liquor he would have
if within reach, no matter the cost or coasequences. At Gen-

:.M

— 331 —

treville the sutlers had found opportunity for a thriving busi-
ness. Shields, refused permission to leave camp, eluded the
guard, and returned in a state of roaring, disgraceful drunk-
enness. His loud, abusive profanity- promptly brought the
guard down upon him. On his way to his place of confine-
ment he broke from them, seized a musket from a neiCThborincr
stack, and, thus armed, defied his captors to retake him. His
strength had doubled with the stimulants he had poured into
him, and for a inoment the detail hesitated to approach him.
Finally he was dealt a blow that levelled him to unconscious-
ness and was eventually removed to the hospital, for his injuries
for a time seemed likely to prove fatal. He ultimately re-
covered, was tried by court-martial, and, suffering an ignomini-
ous punishment, subsequently returned to the ranks. But his
punishment was of no avail ; all his confinement to no purpose.
Time and again he returned to his cups ; again and again he
repeated his offences. Believing that the discipline of the regu-
lar army was best suited to his composition, an application to
transfer him was favorably considered and he was assigned to
the 4th Artillery. Some months afterwards on the march the
regiment passed his battery in park. Shields had not yet been
conquered; spread out, with a quarter turn, on the fifth wheel
he was undergoing that severe and trying ordeal that should
have broken the rebellious spirits of the most hardened of-
fenders.

The Bull Run battle-field, where the short afternoon halt
was made, near the Henry House, on the march to New Balti-
more, still bore striking evidence of the fierce work of death
that twice waged so severely about that dwelling. The ex-
posed remains of an officer of the ist Michigan, who fell there,
recognized by his teeth, were given more decent sepulture and
the grave properly marked for subsequent identification. Near
it the rain had uncovered the body of a cavalryman. Fie had
been buried, booted and spurred, with belt and sabre. His
uniform and accoutrements were in an e.xcellent state of ores-
ervation. The flesh had .^lipped from the bones, and in at-

— 332 —

tempting to lift the body by the belt, the skeleton fell in a con-
fused mass of bones and clothing. The grave was dug deeper
and sufficient earth thrown over it to construct a mound, and,
with that alone as a mark of recognition, it was left as another
one of the still unnumbered and forever unknown dead. Num-
bers of unburied Confederates still lay about, notably, as recog-
nized by the insignia on their uniforms, of the llth North
Carolina and 1 8th Georgia.

The grave of Colonel Fletcher Webster, son of the distin-
guished Massachusetts statesman, killed whilst gallantly leading
his regiment in the second battle, had received more considerate
attention. Identified by a suitable head and foot board, the
withered grass upon the mound was ready to bloom again
when the season should come.

Captain John P. Bankson, acting as Brigade Inspector, whilst
on the march to Gettysburg, had lost a pocket album, contain-
ing a few mementos and photographs of his family, somewhere
in this vicinity. With no thought really of its recovery, he rode
over the locality where the brigade had bivouacked on that
occasion, and, much to his surprise and satisfaction, found it.
The contents, sadly injured by the exposure, were still recog-
nizable and worth preserving.

On the line of the same march, occupied by a few old men
and women, lay a hamlet of twelve unpretending dwellings,
known to the neighborhood — it was unknown elsewhere — as
Buckton. A haggard and worn specimen of the men stood by
the roadside with a cynical and contemptuous expression of
countenance, indicative of a wholesale condemnation of the
entire Union arm.y and its cause. An officer of the regiment,
seeking information as to his likely destination, respectfully
mterrogated him as to the direction of the road. He framed
his interrogatory to afibrd opportunit}' for a sharp and curt
reply, of which the old fellow was prompt to take advantage.
" Where does this road go to, my good man ? " said the officer.
PromptK- came the facetious response : " It stays right here
where it is and don't go anywlierc." But the old man quaked

— 333 —

somewhat under the stern chorus, for all who heard the inquiry
and answer seemed to be of like thinking ; they responded in
unison — " Beware, old fellow, beware, there are Massachusetts
men behind us ; an answer such as that to them will bring
down upon your hoary head and shrunken shoulders the dire
vengeance of all New England."

Major Herring received his just and well-deserved promotion
to lieutenant-colonel whilst in camp near Auburn, and shortly
after, forced by severe illness, and at the urgent insistence of
the surgeon, left for

a few weeks on sick
leave. At the same
time Lieutenant
Kelly was promot-
ed to the captaincy
of G, 2d Lieutenant
Bayne to the ist
lieutenancy of A,
and Sergeant Jo-
seph Ashbrook to
the 2d lieutenancy
ofK. _ I / '^W

Captain Den dy
Sharwood was re-
lieved from his de-
tail as acting bri-
gade commissary, color-sergeant samuel f. delanev.
and, as the ranking officer present, the command of the regi-
ment devolved upon him.

Late October and early November were cold, chilly times and
frequent and drenching rains added to the discomforts. In a
region so prolific in timber, huge fires blazed continually and
their cheering warmth was a fair substitute for the more desir-
able and attractive winter-quarters fire-place. There was but
little opportunity for visiting, the prevailing inclemency making
camp-life at home a necessity. i\.oad-building and picket-duty,

— 334 —

outside of the usual routine of drill, parade and instruction,
occupied the time, and enjoyments and amusements were not
wanting within regimental limits to fill up the leisure. The
" Joe Hooker retreat " was not forgotten. Antidotal against
dampness, moisture, depression and despondency, an exhilarat-
ing excitant for fun, merriment, wit and wisdom, it was in un-
usually active demand.

w^^y^^^'

CAPTAIN AND DRFAET-MAJOR ALBERT H.
WALTF.R>.

CHAPTER XIII.

RAPPAHANNOCK. STATION.

EVENTIDE on the 6th blazed in the golden glory of a
November \^irginian twilight, and the setting sun " by
the bright tracks of its fiery chariot gave promise of a goodly
day the morrow."

The unsuspecting soldiers had no knowledge of the presence
of the enemy ; no intimation of the work cut out for them to do
on the following day. It was the general conviction that after
a few more days of inaction they would build winter-quarters
and rest on their laurels until spring. They turned in that
night happy in the thought and slept the sleep of the lazy.
They turned out the ne.xt morning at half-past four to the
sharp, clear sound of the division bugle-call, hastily followed by
the reveille and " general." Amazed, disappointed, drowsy, life
seemed to them, for the time being, a failure.

The brilliant sunset of the 6th kept its promise, and the
morning of the 7th broke sharp, clear and cloudless. No
rations had been ordered to be coolccd, nor extra ones given
out ; no ammunition had been issued beyond the usual sixty
rounds ; no enemy was lurking near-. From these facts the
men concluded that, notwithstanding the early start and the
apparent haste of the movement, it could have no other object
than a change of ground, to the vicinity of the river, where
wood and water were more plentiful and available.

The regiment led the brigade and the brigade the corps, and
at six o'clock was out on the well-trodden road that ran beside
the railway, forging ahead, amid clouds of dust, directly to-
wards the river.

General Griffin, temporarily absent, had been succeeded for

(335)

- 336 -

the time by General Joseph J. Bartlett, an officer distinguished
for his splendid fighting qualities, a former brigade and division
commander of the 6th Corps. Rumor had the 6th Corps also
on the move on a road well to the right and far in advance.

Invigorated by the cool, bracing autumn morning, alert and
active, the men stepped out smartly and willingly, yet wholly
unsuspicious that the day would close in the glories of a suc-
cessful and well-fought fight.

The route, familiar from repeated marches, had no new or
fresh attractions. Bealton Station had entirely disappeared
Its buildings burned, railroad track, ties and telegraph-poles
destroyed, it was a wreck of its former self. Destruction and
ruin of all telegraph and railroad facilities had, as far as pos-
sible, followed the track of the Potomac army when Lee so
recently hustled it back unceremoniously from its late advanced
position on the Rapidan.

About noon the right of the column ascended a wooded
ridge which rose abruptly from and terminated the level plain,
over which the march of the morning had been conducted.
On the left of the railway the ridge descended again to another
plain, which extended to the river. Here the column halted
with the right (iiSth Pennsylvania) resting on the railroad,
the division deploying in line of battle to the left, the other
divisions of the corps as they arrived extending the line in that
direction.

The 6th Corps was already on the ground, in position to the
right of the railroad, which here for some distance passed
through a deep cut. In front of the 6th Corps there was a slight
ascent, the base lightly timbered. It rose gradually until it ter-
minated at the river in quite an eminence. On this eminence,
out of sight of our line of battle, was a lunette work manned
by a strong force of infantry supporting a battery of brass twel\"e
pounders. The garrison were not aware of our approach. The
work covered the high trestle railroad bridge spanning the river
at Rappahannock Station and a pontoon laid abo\-e it. This
was apparenll}" tiie cncuiy's extreme ielt, iiis rigiit extending

— 337 —

by a hea\y skirmish line on the left bank of the river in the
direction of Kelly's Ford.

The sun glistened on the long line of stacks to the left, and
the men lay behind them in blissful ignorance of the near ap-
proach of battle. Prompted by the cravings of an appetite but
poorly appeased with an unsatisfactory and hurried breakfast,
the soldiers betook themselves to the preparation of a little
coffee. Soon the smoke of individual fires curled upwards, and
as they were observed from the different head-quarters, staff
officers dashed off rapidly in every direction and ordered their
immediate extinction. Disappointed, the men yielded com-
placently to the inevitable and, quieting their hunger with hard
bread, reflected that if a fire could not be built at high noon
there must be somebody pretty close whose purposes were un-
friendly.

A sergeant whose inquisitiveness was only equalled by his
bravery — and he was very brave — slipped out of the lines and
ascended the hill in front, cautiously. He soon returned, and
told those nearest to him that the enemy were in force and for-
tified some distance beyond. While he was yet speaking, the
stretcher-bearers and ambulances passed through the line from
the rear to the front, and the presence of these forerunners of
suffering made it plain to all that a fight was imminent.

Soon the order to " fall in " brought the men to attention,
and the officers were ordered to the front and centre for special
instructions from the commandant. Captain Sharwood in-
formed them that the enemy was strongly intrenched just
beyond the ridge on the left bank of the river, and that General
Sedgwick, who had been assigned to the command of the 5th
and 6th Corps, had already given directions to carry the works-
The officers rejoined their companies, adjusted the alignement,
and after a further delay to permit the left of the corps to swing
around and if possible envelop the enemy's right, at about
three o'clock the order was given to " load," followed immedi-
ately by an advance.

Descending the further slope of the ridge, the line halted. A,

— 338 -

wide, extended plain, without tree, bush or knoll, was in view
in ever\- direction, terminating on the right in the slope and
eminence on the other side of the railway. The extensive and
formidable works, a mile to the front, were plainly observable.
The guns in the work that crowned the crest to the right com-
manded the entire plain. A line of rifle-pits extended from it
towards Kelly's Ford. The plain was covered with a heavy
growth of dry, thick grass, above which, as they knelt or lay
prone at their posts, the heads and pieces of the skirmish line
could be distinctly seen. It was the intention to carry the
works with the skirmishers if possible, and with that in view
the line had been doubled. Beyond, some five hundred yards,
were the enemy's skirmishers. The lines lay watching each
other without exchanging shots. It was not intended ours
should open, unless forced to, until the general advance began.
The guns, too, remained silent, apparently awaiting opportunity
for a better range.

It was a stirring sight. The sun, slowly sinking, glistened
on the bright barrels of the muskets far away to the left as the
line swept around in graceful curve almost to the river. Both
regimental standards were unfurled, and there was wind enough
to float them even when the line was not in motion. With all
this taunt the enemy still maintained silence.

The right of the regiment, which was still the right of the
corps, rested on the railwa}', without crossing it. General
Sykes now rode to the front of the regiment and, inquiring for
the commanding officer, gave Captain Sharwood, in a tone to
be heard through the command, specific directions that under
no circumstances was he to cross the railroad; that the other
side was reserved exclusively for the troops of the 6th Corps
who, charged with some specially delicate duty, must under no
consideration be interfered with, and with some severity con-
cluded with an intimation that the consequences of any failure
to fully comply with these instructions would personally fall
upon the captain. He pluckily accepted the responsibility — it
was his first essay with a regimental command in action — and

— 339 —

expressed his willingness to bear the brunt, should he fail to
discharge it. The color sergeant was charged not to swerve
from his point of direction, and it was no fault of the sergeant
that the instructions subsequently failed somewhat of complete
fulfilment.

The left brigade of the 6th Corps, on the other side of the
railway, in which was our sister regiment, the 119th Penn-
sylvania, and upon v/hich subsequently fell the heaviest work
of the day, was commanded by Colonel P. C. Ellmaker. As
General Sykes rode away for better opportunity for observation,
he took his position for a time immediately in front of it.

"Forward, guide centre, march ! " now rang out simultaneously
along the entire line. The skirmishers, the 20th ]\Iaine, rising
from the tall grass, began their advance with a vigorous volley,
to which the enemy lost no time in reph'ing. It was a glorious
pageant of real war. Rarely is the sight seen of an advanc-
ing line so extended, all in view, and under fire at the same
time.

Upon the other side of the railroad were the heavy masses
concealed from the enemy's view, arrayed in charging columns,
while upon ours was the single line of battle stretched out for
a mile or more in full sight, evidently intended to draw the fire
while the charging columns concealed by the timber assaulted
the earthwork. The setting sun tlung a mellow glow over the
landscape, and the mica dust covering the uniforms sparkled in
its golden hues, and the gentle beauty of the scene made it
impossible, for the moment, to believe that a battle was begin-
ning.

A puff of smoke appeared from a single gun on the crest,
and a well-directed shell, striking some twenty paces in front of
the regiment, ricochctted, passed over head and burst well to
the rear. Another and another quickly followed, all aimed well
and bursting in such uncomfortable proximity that dust and
gravel stung the faces and sprinkled the clothing of the men.
Steadily, and with as perfect an alignement as if on parade, the
r'j_^imcnt moved forward to^\'ards the forts. The brightly

— 340 —

gleaming musket barrels, the men with their bronzed, deter-
mined faces, shoulder to shoulder, the firm step of the moving
line, the visible defiance of danger, formed a part of the grand
picture not to be forgotten. The colors seemed the point on
which the gunners drew their sights. They were repeatedly
struck, but stanchly the bearer bore his standard nobly onward.
Both solid shot and shell hurtled, whistled and flew about in a
reckless way. The fragments of exploded shells brought to
mind the bitter experiences of other fields.

McCandless, of K, was the first man struck. A piece of shell
took off his foot at the ankle-joint. McCandless meant to do
well, but he was getting old, and his years and ailments would
not allow his body to respond to his will. He had lost so
many muskets, when missing from the ranks, that Crocker, his
company commander, to teach him a gun had value, ultimately
charged one against him on the pay-roll. As the stretcher
bearers bore the poor old fellow to the rear, he still clung vig-
orously to his piece and seemed content to lose his leg if he
could keep his musket.

The firing was now telling disastrously on the left, and the
pressure from that direction was so great that Davis, a corporal
of the color guard, severely wounded, was carried along for
some distance before the ranks could be made to yield suffi-
ciently to let him drop out.

It was clear that unless relieved from this continued pressure
the right must lose its line of direction on the railway and be
forced across it, which presently occurred. Sharwood was
vexed. With earnest gestures, in a loud voice he called out
again and again. " The guide is left ! The guide is left ! " Fi-
nally some one in the ranks, who could not restrain his pro-
pensity even at such a time, replied, " No. he isn't; he's being
pushed right along with the rest of us." It was neither the
fault of Sharwood nor of the regiment. The pressure began
from a point beyond their control, and when it reached them
Avas irresistible. But unchecked, the advance continued in the
ficc of a still more rapid fire of both large and small arms.

— 341 —

The colors never left the plain, never swerved from the point
of true direction.

A ditch hidden by the tall, rank grass lay directly in the path
of the advance and, without a warning of its presence, the line
was floundering knee-deep in its green and slimy water. The
disappearance of the skirmish line, as it passed through it, had
not been noticed. The men were soon upon the thither side
and the obstruction forgotten.

But the enemy's gunners were not to have it all to them-
selves. They had had time enough to severely punish the in-
fantr}'. From the rear, at a rushing gallop, with drivers lashing
their steeds at every jump and gunners mounted on the limbers,
came a battery of brass twelves. Unlimbering in an instant,
its rapid, well-directed fire threw up the dust on the earthworks
at every discharge, and for the moment the enemy's gunners
fell back. When they resumed firing, their fire was directed
not toward the line of infantry, but upon the offending batter}-^
but the fire soon subsided. The line of battle of the 5th Corps
halted, and now the attention of the enemy was wholly directed
to an effort to repel one of the most brilliant, sweeping, spirited
and successful assaults of the war.

Covered by the timber, the assaulting column had been
formed of the 5th Wisconsin and 6th Maine as a double skir-
mish Ime, supported by the 49th and 119th Pennsylvania in
line of battle. These regiments composed Russell's 3d Brigade,
1st Division, of the 6th Corps, temporarily commanded by
Colonel Ellmaker, of the 119th Pennsylvania. General Sedg-
wick's assignment to the two corps had advanced General
Wright to the command of the 6th and General Russell to the
division.

The skirmishers, who had been concealed b\' the same ditch
which had astonished the men of the 5th Corps, now deployed.
From the ditch the bald slope rose rather boldly until it termi-
nated in the emitience on which were the guns which had so
severely pounded us.

To th.e scL'iding skirmish fire was now added desperate vol-

uiii. f\:..'

— 342 —
leys from the infantry garrison ; canister and grape were sub-

^■..-■■-A

4 "d

V'-'>?^yrr-"-

//L

"GOING INTO ACTIOX."

stitutcd for shot and slicll, aiul L^uns and nuiskctr}' poured their

— 343 —

deadly charges into the advancing line. It was the work of a
moment, but the line suffered severely. The deadly effect of
the fire materially thinned the ranks of the heroic men who
bore the brunt of the assault. Closing the intervals in the
skirmish line and the gaps in the line of battle, the advance
swept forward until the abandoned works and the deserted
guns were in their possession. But the works were not wholly
deserted. An officer of the 6th Maine despatched a little
Louisiana artillery lieutenant, who was lingering after the
others had gone, and was just about to pull the lanyard of a
shotted howitzer.

" Drop that lanyard ! " shouted the 6th Maine officer. The
Louisianian refused, and his life paid the forfeit. Many brave
fellows into whose faces the muzzle of the gun was pointed
were saved from wounds and death.

This was probably the bright, smooth-faced youth, with skin
as clear and blood as pure as one in early infancy, who lay
dead beside a gun trail. Some rude creature had promptly re-
moved his boots. His foot wasn't the size o{ a fourteen-year-
old boy's, and what practical purpose those boots would serve
was certainly doubtful.

The 20th Maine, still flushed with the memories of its gal-
lant deed at Round Top. not to be outdone by the better
opportunity for distinction offered its brethren, \\ere by the side
of the others the instant the works were taken.

The garrison, driven from their works and cut off from their
pontoon, retreated, still in goodly numbers, to a thick copse of
timber to their left and our right. From there a persistent and
destructive fire told severely on the flank of the troops, who,
yet unsupported, held the captured works. But Upton's brig-
ade was speedily upon them, and men and guns and standards
were all yiclJcd as the trophies of the fight just as the evening
twilight shimmered into the shadowy darkness.

General Russell and Colonel Allen, of the 5th Wisconsin,
were both woundefl. Line officers and enlisted men were killed
an<i di.-;i'i/!ed in nunil'crs !arg^:l\' (-Iisproportii:)natc to tl'.e force
engaged and time einiilc'Ved in the operation.

— 344 —

The results of the affair were 1,500 prisoners, four guns and
seven battle-flags. Congratulatory orders from army and' corps
head-quarters suitably recognized the gallantn.' and efficiency
of the storming party^ General Russell was specially assigned
to deliver the captured colors to the War Department. With
his usual modesty and indisposition for display, it was currently
reported that, finding the secretary employed, he bundled up
his sacred treasure and, noting its contents upon the outside,
hurried to the front again in spite of his wound, and left with-
out even presenting himself in person to the head of the war
office.

It was quite manifest after the struggle had closed that the
martial line and fluttering, defiant standards of the 5th Corps,
so prominently displayed upon the plain, were intended to at-
tract the enemy's attention while the columns meant for the
deadly work of the assault were massing concealed by the hill-
side. It was rough handling for a parade occasion, but the
honors achieved by the daring and determined action of our
brother soldiers compensated for the inconvenience.

The prisoners were of Early's division, Ewell's corps, the
famous Louisiana Tigers and Hoke's brigade of North Caro-
lina troops, all commanded by a Colonel Godwin.

The Louisianians, consulting largely a prospective improve-
ment of diet, did not seem to be seriously discomfited. " Boys,"
shouted one, " we are all going to Washington to live on soft
bread and fresh beef," and thereupon, with happy unanimity,
the rest chorused his sentiment with approving cheers.

General Sykes, after the fight, took Captain Sharwood to
task roundly for permitting himself to be forced across the rail-
way. The captain, greatly elated over the result of the fight,
responded : " General, if the devil himself had been in command
he could not have prevented the men yielding to the over-
whelming pressure from the left that forced them from their
position."

" Well." said the general, smiling at the odd way in which
the captain relieved himself iVoni his responsibility, " if that

345 —

powerful personage could have done no better, it certainly
exonerates you from censure or reproof."

Captain Sharwood had conducted himself heroically. He
managed his trust with a skill and sagacity that fully compen-
sated for his lack of experience as a regimental commander.
He had secured the unbounded confidence of his soldiers and
won a .respect and esteem that would have followed him
through what promised to be a most successful militar}'' career;
but his race was nearly run. Shortly after the fight, typhoid
fever seized him in its most virulent form. Hurried expediti-
ously from the front,
he died as he was be-
ing borne uncon-
scious into his resi-
dence, on the 2 1 St
of November, 1S63.
Captain Sharwood
entered the service
prompted solely by
a pure spirit of patri-
otism and had en-
deared himself to a ^'-^ \ ;
large circle of mili-
tary friends. His -- -^
superiors trusted _ " '
him ; his soldiers ad-
mired him. He was
a man of culture and captain df.ndv sharwood.

refinement, and with his bright intelligence he had promptly
gra-sped and discharged the new and tr^-ing duties of his sol-
dier's life.

It was indistinguishable darkness when ever\'thing was over.
Too late or tired for supper, moved to a patch of adjacent tim-
ber, the wear}' soldiers promptly sought in sleep the rest they
so much needed.

A \isit to the captured entrenchments when the morning

'S.^.,

— 346 —

dawned showed the usual debris found on all baule-fields.
Canteens, haversacks, muskets, harness, cannon, limbers, and
other articles not military', such as trinkets, mementos and
diaries, lost by the wounded or abandoned in the hurry of a
sudden and forced departure, were the silent witnesses of quick
work and unexpected retreat. The earthwork itself gave evi-
dence of a severe pounding. The view from the parapet was
complete over the entire plain. The most indifferent artillerist
could not have failed of effective practice.

An adjutant of one of the regiments in the assaulting column
had his horse killed in this action. The ball had entered the
stomach and bowels. The adjutant had heard the thud, but as
the animal did not stagger, he could not conceive that it was
his horse that had been hit, and rode him through the rest of
the engagement and well into the darkness. In the act of dis-
mounting, in the rear of his regiment, the horse rolled over and
kicked out as if suffering from some internal disorder. It so
happened that this occurred in rear of a company composed
entirely of Pennsylvania Dutch, all of them farmers and well
acquainted with horses. Summoning one of them to his aid,
the adjutant gave instructions to bleed the horse for the colic.
The Dutchman, more skilful than his officer, before executing
the directions, began a diagnosis. Feeling around the body
of the horse in the darkness, he came across the wound, and
inserting his finger its full length, announced the result of his
investigation by remarking : " Odjutant, dot horse no colic got;
vot ails him is he is dead ; dere vos a ball gone clean through."
The trusty brute had kept his feet to the last, and then rolled
over and expired.

A general officer of division of the 5th Corps, with whose
habits in battle his staff had not \'et become fully acquainted,
was out upon the skirmish line, while the skirmishers were
actively engaged, closely observing the enemy through his
field-glasses. The group receiving more than their fair share
of attention, one of the statT ventured to remark : " General, are
\"OU aware xuii are on the skirmish line?"

- 347 —

' " Fully, sir, fully," was the general's quick response. " Gen-
tlemen, you have my permission to retire and seek- whatever
cover or protection your tastes or inclinations dictate. Come,
orderly, you and I will attend to the rest of this business."

The cut was keen ; of course they did not retire, but stuck it
out manfully, each one vying with the other as to which could
expose himself the most recklessly.

The next day after Rappahannock Station General Bartlett
brought the entire brigade under discipline. Rations had be-
come lamentably short. It was not unusual on such occasions
when any mounted officer appeared to set up a universal shout
of " hard tack." General Bartlett happened in the vicinity of.
the brigade. He was mistaken for the commissary, and pierc-
ing yells of " hard tack, fresh beef, coffee," followed him out of
hearing. He remembered it though, and for this little innocent
amusement the punishment was that each regiment should be
drilled in battalion manoeuvres until the division commander
ordered a cessation. A " hard tack " and not a " Hardie " drill
the men styled it. The general was in such a mood that he
would have continued the exercises into the darkness if a sud-
den order to move had not prevented. By the time another
opportunity was at hand for resumption full rations had
arrived, well-lined stomachs created a better feeling, and the
old offence passed into forgetfulness.

The effect of this Rappahannock Station success seemed to
have worked some little enthusiasm into the now non-demon-
strative army. Within a few days General ^leade. or "Old
Four-eyes," as he was still familiarl)' called in his absence, ap-
pearing in the vicinity of one of the divisions of the 5th Corps,
was received with rousing, approving and appreciative cheers.

On the 8th the brigade moved to Kelly's Ford, crossed the
river there and bivouacked some five miles bej-ond. On the
afternoon of the 9th it returned to Kelly's Ford, recros.sed the
river during the evening and went into bivouac in the vicinity
of the wagon-train park. On the loth position was sliiftcd to
a more flivorable .site in a nei,:hborHV^- belt of timber. It had

— 348

snowed on the 8th, and cold, bitter winds followed the storm.
This camp was not distant from that spot of pleasant memories
and associations, in the vicinity of Gold Farm, where the regi-
ment had remained for a week or so just preceding the Gettys-
burg campaign. On the 19th the camp near Kelly's Ford was
broken, the river again crossed and a camp established at Paoh
Mills, on the banks of a stream which appeared to bear the
neighborhood designation of Mountain Run. It empties into
the Rappahannock just below Kelly's Ford, and the mill is situ-
ated a few miles from its mouth.

Here the Confederates had
been for some time encamped,
with the evident expectation
ofa winter occupancy. Their
quarters had been substan-
tially constructed. The work-
manship was good ; shingles
covered the roof instead of
canvas. Hinged doors and
■>■ window sashes, with glass,
1^:t were decided improvements
^% on the winter homes of the
hJ; Union soldiers. It was rather
. r surprising that when the ene-
^^ . my abandoned these homes
they had not destroyed them,
but with the exception of
what had been probably a
very scant supply of furni-
ture, which had been removed, they were as complete as when
occupied.

At this camp Captain Charles H. Fernald met with an acci-
dent which resulted in a broken leg. It necessitated his with-
drawal from the front temporarily, and he was sent home for
treatment.

And here Major IIcnr\- O'Neill, icturning froni his detail to

MAJOR AND BREVF.T LIF.UTFNANT-
COLONEL HENRV O'NEILL.

— 349 —

the Philadelphia draft rendezvous, with his commission in that
rank, assumed, in the absence of the other field-officers, com-
mand of the regiment.

The major was somewhat elated with this new and prominent
rank. With a courage that never flinched, and distinguished
for braver).-, he lacked some of the requirements indispensable
to the proper discharge of the high responsibilities of his new
station. He had been advanced by virtue of his seniority.
His promotion received no distinctive announcement of
approval. There was no outspoken complaint, but many
serious mutterings of apprehension. His known inaptitude for
command, except in courage and willingness, was a source
of much anxiety. His readiness to accept suggestions, his
profound respect for his superiors, it was conceived would
carr>- him with reasonable success through the campaign which
it was then prettv' well understood would shortly open. Nor
was the major disposed to be rigorous, overbearing, offensive
or dogmatic. He felt that he was in some measure lacking in
militar>' qualifications, and except where his personal prejudices
carried him beyond propriety was ready to receive advice and
counsel. He had not forgotten the quaint pronunciation of the
land of his nativity. His Celtic speech was quite apparent, and
his mode of expression, whether meant to be humorous or
intended to be serious, was always pro\'ocative of laughter.

The major was the feature of the Mine Run campaign. The
many mistakes he made, the narrow margin he at one time left
for his entire command between freedom and captivity, and his
ultimate displacement with his full acquiescence Ivy the lieuten-
ant-colonel of another regiment, make it essential that he should
be fully and fairly understood as a man and an officer.

O'Neill has long since been gathered to his fach^.s. He
served his country faithfully. Absolutely without fear, he was
a striking figure in every engagement, from none of which sa\'e
two was he absent. He remained with his colors to the very
end, and, upon his return to civil life, was appointed to positions
C'f trust and confidence. He d\cd with the esteem and respect

: Lin . ■

— 350 —

of those whom he ser\-cd, and with the affection and regard of
his surviving military associates. He had only failed as a regi-
mental commander. This place he never sought, and when it
was thrust upon him at a trying moment, he gracefully conceded
his inefficiency and cordially yielded to the necessity for his
withdrawal, but insisted upon his right to still measure swords
with the foe. " Do with me," said he, " what best suits your
judgment. You may deprive me of any command, but not of
my right to fight, and that I will do wherever you may place
me."

The major's first public appearance in the garb of his increased
rank attracted considerable attention. It was fiashy and gaudy,
of a style apparently his own, and new and bright, strangely in
contrast with the rough, well-worn garments and insignia of his
brother officers. His cap, on the top and around the brim, was
braided with rows of gold tinsel, and broad gold stripes adorned
his trousers. A tight double-breasted jacket, mounted with
most gorgeous shoulderstraps, with the sleeves braided to the
elbow, fitted his body jauntily. The enormous legs of his boots
extended almost to his hips, a bright scabbard, fine Damascus
blade, and shining spurs completed his appointments. The of-
ficers gathered about him in amazement at such magnificence,
and mildly suggested that he had violently abused the " bill of
dress " in arraying himself in such unusual raiment. He in-
sisted that it was " rigulation," and defended his taste for dis-
play by reference to his early training whilst on duty with the
British Indian contingent.

" This was the way we used to dress in Injee," said he,
humorously, with quaint Celtic accent, "and it was a beautiful
sight entirely to see the ' callants ' " — a term of his own for the
British officers — " paraded on occasion of state. I disremember
just when it was, but it was v.-hen the governor-general made
a Mason of the rajee. The liftenant-gencral in command was
kivered with his medals and his medallions and his sash and
his plumes, and the foot and the horse and the artillery were
out in full rigimentals. The mjcc cinie down with his camels

H)-j'< .In

— 351 —

and his aliphants and his whole ratincw, and there was bowing
and scraping and damn humbugging over the owld divil, until
our regiment was reached, and then at command they let out
of them such a screech that it made the aliphants cock up their
trunks and trumpet like the divil, and made the camels and the
whole ratinew fooster and fumble and tremble at Her Majestie's
Foot. Och ! there was a divil of a time," and so he dismissed
all the adverse comments, seemingly conscious that his happy
illustration had conquered the prejudices of his American as-
sociates. The ridicule which for a while everj'where greeted
his appearance sorely taxed the patience of his brother officers,
but in their attempts to criticise him they were likely to wind
up with explosions of laughter.

About this time a review of the battalion was ordered, at
which the major constituted himself both commandant and re-
viewing ofticer. He appeared mounted, his trousers hidden al-
most completely by his " seven-league boots " and with his sword
at a right-shoulder-shift, his favorite way of carrying that weapon,
he dashed madly to the right of the regiment. All the earlier
ceremonies of present arms, opening ranks, stirring music, the
personal observation of front and rear rank, were omitted. The
major's habit was to run his commands together with such
rapidity that the words were scarce distinguishable, concluding
with the command of execution — that he always had right —
in a high and piercing key. Better probably that he did, for
that alone indicated the movement. The cautionary directions
were altogether of his own manufacture. He disdained to be
cramped by adherence to the tactics. Familiaritv^ with his
methods, and general knowledge of what he proposed to accom-
plish, extricated the battalion from staggering difficulties. On
this occasion he had announced the review, but continued him-
self in command. From the right he began the ceremony with:
" Break into open column of companies right in front the kiver-
ing sergeants will be responsible for the distance — ' march,' "
and then seeing the column properly in motion, hurried off to
take his place as the reviewing officer. llaviag passed in

— 352 —

creditable shape, tlie leading captain was conducting the col-
umn to its place preparatory to the formation of line for the
concluding " present," when, tired of the operation, or believing
that it had really ended, O'Neill suddenly broke up the affair
with the startling and unheard-of command in stentorian tones :

" Halt ! disperse, and be d d to you ! Every man to his

quarters at once."

OFTEN SEEN AFTER A
HAKU MARCH.

CHAPTER XIV.

MINE RUN.

XE RUN is an in-
considerable stream
flowing northward
and emptying into
the Rapidan at Mit-
chell's Ford. Its
precipitous, rocky,
wooded banks are
themselves formid-
able, and strength-
ened, as its left bank
was, b_\- -L.V..1.; earth-
works, the dislodgement of the enem\- b\' direct assault from
that position, in a season of biting cold, long nights and short
days, was soon determined to be wholU' impracticable except
at a loss disproportionate to the results expected.

The enem)-'s works faced east and extended to the southward.
His left rested near the Rapidan ; his right in the vicinity of
Hope Church. It was designed to draw him into action before
he was secure in the occupancy of this position. With this in
view, the army was divided into three columns, the first or
right column, consisting o( the 3d (French) and 6th Corps
(Sedgwick I, the former leading, was to cross the Rapidan at
Jacob's Mill Ford; the second or centre column, consisting of
the 2d Coqys (Warren), was to cross at Germanna Ford, and the
third or left column, composed of the 1st (Xewtonl and 5tii
Corps iSykesl, at Culpepper Mine Ford. The march of this
left column, directed towards Parker's Store, a name which
-5 l.35ij

-354-

grew to greater familiarity' in the next campaign, was neces-
sarily the most extended. The right and centre columns were
to rendezvous in the vicinit>' of Robertson's Tavern.

The 2d Corps was at the rendezvous at the appointed time,
but French, who was leading the two right corps, stumbled on
the wrong road, struck the enemy in some force in the vicinity
of Locust Grove, and after something of a tussle, in which both
sides suffered considerable loss, finally straightened himself
out and reached his rendezvous twenty-four hours too late.

Foiled by French's blunder in what bid fair to be a real sur-
prise, a change of plan was necessitated and Warren was sent
to strike beyond the enemy's extreme right near the head of
the run. Too little of daylight was left to attempt the assault
after the columns were disposed for it, and the operation was
suspended till the dawn. Meantime the enemy had not been
idle. During the night he so strengthened and extended his
fortifications that when daylight revealed their increased and
formidable proportions General Warren deemed the enterprise
too hazardous an undertaking to warrant his attempting it. The
nipping cold had become intense. Every soldier hit would
have probably died on the field, and Warren, believing that his
commanding officer would sustain his action, heroically declined
to fire the guns which were to announce the general assault,
and so with a few indifterent skirmishes, and the affair at the
Grove and Robinson's Tavern, and an occasional artillen,- duel,
the Mine Run lines were abandoned, and what promised to be
.a fairly successful campaign passed into history without a
tattle.

And now for the narrative as it chiefly bears upon the per-
formances of the 1 1 8th Pennsylvania in this the last of its field
operations in the waning days of the stirring and eventful year
1863.

The camp at Paoli Mills was broken at seven o'clock on the
morning of the 26th of November, and rationed for ten days,
and with ammunition trains only, the column commenced
its march towards the Rapidan, crossing it at Culpepper

— 355 —

Mine Ford. It was a lonesome, drearj^ tramp. Save where
the route lay along the Stevensburg Plank Road, it was by
narrow roadways through dark, dense forests so thick with
undergrowth as to be impenetrable to the eye beyond a few
yards from the roadside. It was a tedious and wearisome day,
and its work was not completed until ten at night, when the
tired troops were halted, as far as their limited geographical
advantages permitted them to judge, somewhere in the vicinity
of the Wilderness Tavern.

On the 27th the regiment was detailed as flankers, a duty
which threw Jt well to the left of the column, and devolved
upon its commanding officer a delicate, important and critical
responsibility. This the major sufficiently realized to admin-
ister to his officers before the movement began a few words of
caution, advice, and instruction. " This," said he, " is an im-
portant 'juty:'the enemy may be upon us at any moment.
We are far out in his country, and there are no troops to the
left of us ; it behooves you, gentlemen, therefore to ' look sharp '
and not be ' marking time ;' " and turning to Captain Kelly,
which intelligent officer had unhappily fallen under his dire dis-
pleasure, he continued : " Kelly, you'll just be after keeping on
the line, and not be prancing about picking out dr}- places — but
mind and look sharp, Kelly." Captain Kelly, neat and dapper
in his appearance, had been in the habit on the march of avoid-
ing, if there was opportunity, pools of mud and water that inter-
fered with his notions of personal cleanliness. It was a knowl-
edge of this, probably, that induced the major, who was of
opinion that a soldier should shun nothing, to be unduly severe
on him.

To Donaldson was specially assigned the centre, to Donegan
the left, while the major assumed the control and supervision
of the right. The deploj'ment was effected with some irregu-
larity, and the march began at seven o'clock. Slow progress
was made through the dense and thick underbrush and timber
until the road on which the main column was moving inter-
sected the Fredericksbur<jf and Oran'j-e Plank Road. Here the

— 356 —

column turned abruptly to the right into the Plank Road, the
flankers conforming their movements to the new direction.

The centre of the flankers was well around in the change of
direction, when loud noise and apparent confusion in the
inarching column attracted such general attention as to in-
stinctively cause a halt. The column itself was not in sight,
but the commands " halt," " front," " steady there," " load at
will," " load," came from it in loud and distinct tones, and then
away off to the right a single cannon shot boomed sullenly;
then there was rapid musketr}- firing for a moment and all was
quiet again.

The disturbance arose from a daring and partially successful
attempt to steal the wagon train. The train was moving par-
allel with the troops. When the leading wagon reached the
Plank Road, where it should have turned to the right, two ex-
pert fellows, who had adroitly concealed themselves, sprang
from the timber and, mounting beside the driver, with levelled
pistols compelled him to continue in the same direction. The
others, who had not seen what had taken place, naturally fol-
lowed. No one in the vicinity had any other instructions ex-
cept to follow, and no one knew that the train was not pur-
suing the course marked out for it until Captain Bankson, the
brigade inspector, observing it winding over the hills away
outside of the lines, set himself about td inquire the cause,
and return the straggling trains if possible to their place.
Meanwhile the enemy, who lay concealed in small force await-
ing the result of the ruse they had practiced, becoming alarmed
at their own temerity, opened fire on the mules, killing them
promiscuously, and then made their escape. This was the
musketr\- that had attracted attention when the column and
the flankers halted. There were no animals to bring the
wagons back again. The delay in procuring others to replace
those shot, and detaching troo[)S to protect the wagons in the
interval, was not deemed to be warranted by the small loss at-
tending their destruction, and besides, as the enemy was be-
lieved to be near in consider.ible strength, Cantain Bankson

— 357 —

assumed the responsibilit}-, and b}- his direction some fifteen or
twenty wagons were destroyed.

The enemy singly and in small detachments seemed to have
worked his way close up to and occasionally inside our lines.
He was evidently, at great personal risk, in search of informa-
tion as to the purpose and direction of a campaign which had
apparently so far baffled him.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sherwin, 22d ^Massachusetts, noticing a
cavalr}^'man closely buttoned in a Union great coat intently ob-
serving the column, rode to him and, not receiving satisfactory
responses to his interrogations, demanded he should open his
coat and expose the uniform underneath. His hesitancy con-
firmed the colonel's suspicions. He instantly drew his revolver,
and with his other hand tore open the coat. Beneath was a
Confederate uniform. Further parley was unnecessarj.' ; a well-
directed shot brought the career of the spy to a sudden termi-
nation. His body lay where it fell, and many, as the column
passed, to confirm the stor>- which was soon abroad, dropped
out to view it. This man had evidently been instructed among
other things to count the numbers mo\'ing to the Union left.
Unable to secure a satisfactory' point of observation from a dis-
tance, and deeming the duty of sufficient importance to warrant
the risk, he took his life in his hands, and ventured once too
often within the Union lines. Scouts and spies on both sides
had always at hand sufficient clothing to elude investigation,
except when too closely pressed.

These affairs reflected materially upon the vigilance and
sagacity of the flankers, but the major could not conceive that
he was in any wa\' responsible. Referring during the day,
while the march still continued, to the capture of the wagon
train, he said: "Where's that old woman Donegan, and what
in the divil did he let the wagon train be captured for? —
tlie ould pirate." An oftlcer ventured the repl}' that the
blame could not be attached to Donegan, but the entire line
was more or less directlv in\-olved in the blunder. This
ar-iujcd tr,c major, lie cijnsidi-red that per.-onally he had

- 358 -

been charged with delinquency and, turning abruptly on the
officer who had ventured this wholesale condemnation of the
management of the morning, said : " On me, is it ? to the divil
with them ; do they think I was bothering about a lot of bush-
wackers?" and then subsiding a little and drifting off to his ever-
paramount animosity to Kelly, continued : "And when did you
see Kelly larst ? Och ! that Kelly is an ould divil ; tell him I
want him ; I want to keep my eye upon him." And so, with
an apparent complacent conviction that wherever blame might
subsequently fall it must be upon Donegan and not upon him-
self, he dismissed the subject entirely.

Quiet restored, the march was resumed, the column still
moving on the Plank Road. The flankers preser\'ed the requi-
site distance, more alert from the events of the morning, until
they were suddenly plunged into the bed of an unfinished rail-
way which ran parallel with the road. The cuts were in many
places of a continuing depth of six feet and upwards, and along
the entire route the banks rose high enough to practically cut
off all opportunity for observation. What purpose flankers
would serve, instructed to be vigilant, in such a place of con-
cealment, was beyond the ken of those who had a reasonable
comprehension of the duties of troops who were to be, for the
time, the " eyes and cars of the army."

When this had continued long enough to satisfy those in the
rear that this path had not been taken to avoid obstacles and
obstructions, several of the officers essayed to push forward and
find the major. To move afoot along a column of flankers in
motion requires many long and rapid strides. Eventually the
major was reached, and when it was respectfully intimated that
he was pursuing a most unusual course in conducting his troops
by a route where they were wholly useless for the duties allotted
them, he seemed to be decidedly of the opinion that it was the
enemy's business to find him and not his to find the enemy.
Remonstrated with seriously and besought to move his flankers
to the rising ground upon his left, he persisted in continuing
llicni where they were and could net be moved iVuUi his deter

— 359 —

mination. It was while moving in this same cut, two days
afterwards, a short distance beyond Hope Church, that Miles's
division of the 2d Corps stirred up quite a skirmish.

Darkness was now fast approaching and the column had not
been seen or communicated with for some hours. O'Neill had
failed to keep up his communications, but had been permitted,
nevertheless, to wander along without being looked after, not-
withstanding the direction had been changed to a point not in-
tended when the march began in the morning. During the
afternoon of the 27th the 1st and 5th Corps v^-ere withd^rawn
from Hope Church, on the Plank Road, the point to which the
march had been directed, to Robertson's Tavern, on the Turn-
pike, some miles to the north of it. Of this O'Neill was not
advised, and it was a long time before he discovered that the
column had left him, to make the Tavern, at some of the by-
roads which connected the Turnpike with the Plank Road.

Still in the cut, the flankers were halted and Thomas sent to
communicate with the column. He travelled in the direction
he supposed the right one, a mile or more, but his search was
ineffectual. He saw nothing of the troops, heard nothing to
indicate their whereabouts; saw, in fact, nobody. Receiving
the report of Thomas and his failure to discover either the
troops or whither they had gone, the major immediately faced
his flankers to the left and moved them as a skirmish line to a
rising knoll about a mile distant. The location was near Hope
Church, as was subsequently ascertained, and not far from the
point where Warren two days afterwards formed his columns
for the intended assault on the enemy's right. It was by no
means a comfortable position ; a single regiment exposed with-
out support, with no communication with other troops, nor a
knowledge e\cn of where they were, with a long winter's night
before them.

A prospect of a hard figlit or wholesale capture in the morn-
mg was ccrtainl\- not conducive to the quiet repose to which a
weary march had entitled the soldiers. Most commanders so
situated would have utilized the hours of darknos for a means

- — 360 —

of extrication before the break of dawn should reveal their weak
and exposed position. Instead, O'Xeill was determined to rest
where he was and take his chances for withdrawal in the broad
h'ght of day. His better judgment may have been swer\-ed by
the very comfortable quarters which presented themselves in
the shape of a cosy old house located on the top of the knoll
and near which the right of his skirmish line rested. This he
promptly announced, for that night at least, should be devoted
to the uses and purposes of a regimental head-quarters. Tak-
ing no thought of the gravity of the situation, with apparently
no anxiety at the dangers attending his exposure, leaving direc-
tion to have the line remain as it was, and to be wakened in
case of alarm, and remarking that he was very wear\-, after a
light bite, booted and spurred, he rolled himself into the best
bed in the house and never awoke till the dawn of day aroused
him.

The house, locked, bolted and barred, had been apparently
but recently abandoned. This conjecture, from these superfi-
cial indications, was subsequently confirmed by actual investi-
gation. Kelly and Walters proceeded to a closer examination.
With a bayonet they pried open the shutter and Walters, raised
on the shoulders of a couple of .strong men, hoisted the sash
and jumped into the total darkness that prevailed within. A
sudden crash followed. Feeling his way cautiously to the front
door he succeeded in unbolting it, and with the aid of the little
daylight still left and a bit of candle fortunately at hand, Wal-
ters discovered the obstruction that impeded his progress from
the window-sill to the floor. An old-fashioned spinning-wheel
was just beneath it, and his heavy jump had smashed it to a
useless mass of rubbish.

The house had indeed been but recently vacated. Upon the
sideboard was a chicken, freshly cleaned, picked and ready for
the fire. The table was set with bread newh' cut, cups filled
with coffee, or what liad the appearance of it, and the faniilj-
were evidently just about to sit down to their e\'ening meal
when tlie coming o( this small body of trot^ps, \^iiich the}-

V %

\\

r

— 36i —

doubtless mistook fm cue advance of tlie army, abruptly termi-
nated their prep'ir.itivri.s. It was from what was spread upon
the board O'Neiii look his little bit-^. The presence of the
fowl was conceale.i iVoni him, and the dainty morsel cooked
and disposed of later on, when he had wrapped himself in slum-
bers. , All present promplly applied themselves to the bread
and coffee, heedless of the remark tliat insidious poison might
lurk within, promising, however, ari investigation and analysis
when there was more leisure and less hunger. The kitchen
ceiling was hung w itl"! strings of dried fruit. The floor of the
loft was covered with, walnuts, chestnuts, shellbarks and hick-
ory nuts. The beds were neat and clean, well covered with
quilts, upon which kiy quiie tasty blue and white counterpanes.
Glowing embers still flickered in tlie old-fashioned fireplace;
fed with fresh logs and stirred wiih e.vpert hands, they soon
lightened into a ruddy, cheerful blaze.

Relieving each other occasionally from their duties on the
line, the officers utilized the opportunity the house afforded for
enjoying its fire and partaking of its supplies. The situation
seemed too perilous to warrant repose, and the night was spent
about the roaring, blazing fire, cracking jokes and nuts and
lunching at intervals on stewed fruit, chicken and the balance
of the soft bread. Seiiuus thouglits occasionally found utter-
ance as to the careless content of the commanding officer,
who snored away lustily, t^.ttally obli\:oi'.s of his grave respon-
sibilities. Vv.- -;,.,, .4 >

And so the night passed, followed by a dark and gloomy
morning. Threatening clouds hung low, promising a heavy
and early rainfall.

It was not yet daylight when a good-sized pig came wander-
ing along. He was sat upon instantly by one man, \\ho held
his feet as well. Anoth'-r put both h.is hands firmly around his
snout, that he might neither enter a protest nor make an appeal
to the officers. Still anotlier vainly endeavored to cut his throat
with a jackknife that had been dulled by long use upon salted
portions of the pori<er's relations. CapLu'n Wilson made his

— 362 —

appearance. The trio suddenly remembered that the eating of
pork was forbidden in the Scriptures. They rose quickly to
their feet, and, kicking the pig, to signify their intense loathing,
sent him off as a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Off on the edge of a piece of timber, along a ridge of high
ground in front, daylight revealed the enemy's cavalry deployed
on a fairly strong skirmish line. Each side watched the other
intently, neither seemingly disposed to press their investigations
beyond what might be gleaned from distant and close obser\'a-
tion. A line of infantry skirmishers evidently deceived the
enemy into the belief that it must, as it should, have had strong
and available supports behind it. It was this belief that ulti-
mately pcrniitted us to move off unmolested. The men were
anxiously watchful ; to their minds a determined dash of the
enemy, although met by a volley that would empt}- a few
saddles, must eventually result in our rout and capture.

" I'll be blamed if Owld Teddy hasn't been attempting to
effect a connection with the enemy's line," said one of the men,
and so it did appear, for if any connections were to be made at
all that was the only one in the neighborhood with which to
connect. The officers, however, did not fear the dash so much
as they did the probable discovery of the air}- condition of the
two flanks. It was quite evident from O'XeiU's disposition
he would have fought it out to a bitter end if he had been
assaulted.

" Major," respectfully observed a captain, "what do you pro-
pose to do ? "

" Observe the divils till further orders," was the very perti-
nent reply.

He would neither be cajoled, tricked or persuaded into doing
anything, and there the line remained, anxious, watchful, im-
patient until tov.-ards noon, when, evidently concluding that
something uni>t be attempted to relieve the perplexities of
the situation, he gave the order to retire as skirmishers, shak-
ing his fi.>t towards the encm\- as he did so and st}-ling them
a set <.'f ■' dirt}' blackguards." Rain now bcu^an to Kill heavily.

— 3^3 — . .

The movement had scarce commenced when the major came
dashing from the house in some excitement and commanded a
halt. Some one had purloined a counterpane. He did not
stop to inquire who, but, guided by his old antipathies, settled
promptly on Kelly. " Bring it back, Kelly," said he, " and put
it where you got it ; do you want them to think us a set of
thieves and divils ? Put it back at once." It so happened he
was not mistaken. Kelly had taken it. Prompted by the
threatening weather or with the prospect of adorning his winter-
quarters with more than usual splendor, he thought it very
proper to levy a small contribution on the enemies of his
country'.

" But, major," expostulated Kell}', " it is not wantonness, it's
not thievery ; I am not marauding or pilfering ; I really need
the thing."

But the major would not be appeased.

"Put it back, Kelly; do you mind? Put it back, sir;" and
then aside : " that Kelly is a divil ; I would not be surprised if
he had a flat-iron in each pocket, the thief of the world."

Nor was the major disposed to favor Kelly by remaining
long enough to give him opportunity to execute his directions.
He started the line in one direction just as Kelly went off in
the other, and by the time he had deposited his bundle and
commenced his return he was forced to a decidedly rapid gait
that he might not be left alone in very uncomfortably close
relations to the enemy, now astir at the withdrawal.

The storm, the good luck usually attending an Irishman's
blunders, ultimately removed all the difficulties which for the
time surrounded him, and, stumbling upon the right road, by
three o'clock the major found himself safe within the limits of
the brigade lines near Robertson's Tavern.

The experiences of the past twenty-four hours, the gravity
ofthe crisis in the aflairs of the regiment, the eve of an impend-
ing battle, had turned all thoughts to a serious comprehension
ofthe situation, and there nwis a manifest desire to seek in con-
sultation some wav to meet the difficulties. With one accord.

■ — 364 —

without any preconcerted movement, the officers gathered
about the bivouac fire for advice and counsel. There seemed
but a single solution — O'Neill must be superseded. Respected
for his courage, admired for his daring, the lingering hope that
he might be guided safely through a crisis had wholly disap-
peared with the experiences of the previous night. They recog-
nized the official peril in which they placed their commissions
by harboring such mutinous suggestions, but they resolved to
face the responsibilities and assume the attendant risk by boldly
and freely presenting the case for the earnest consideration of
the brigade commander.

At their solicitation Colonel Tilton, who had been partially
advised of the pending difficulties, consented to hear the stor}'
of their grievances at their own bivouac fires, that nothing
might be done or said in the absence of the major. He rode
to where the group was in consultation and in encouraging,
kindly tones inquired the cause of the disturbances. Crocker
took up the story and fully and fairly told of the recent occur-
rences. He was unstinting in his commendation of the major's
courage, energies and endurance, but with all that there was
such an inaptitude for intelligent direction as to essentially un-
fit him for the high responsibilities of his office. Speaking for
his fellows, Crocker earnestly urged that a field officer from the
brigade be assigned temporarily to the command of the regi-
ment until the one or the other of the major's superiors should
return. O'Neill was present and received what had been said
in meditative silence.

"Well, gentlemen," said Colonel Tilton, who had listened
patiently and attentively, " I recognize your difficulties, but I
cannot refrain from an allusion to the very delicate and danger-
ous ground upon which you are treading. Of this you were
no doubt aware when \ou assumed to go so far as you ha\-e.
I am satisfied the only motive that prompts the action you have
taken is the maintenance of the excellent reputation your regi-
ment has hitherto borne. Upon the eve of an impending battle
the situation is certamly a critical one. .1 am therctore disposed

- 365 -

not to view the matter in the strict military sense in which it
might deserve to be construed, and as I recognize the efficiency
and excellence of the iiSth, I am willing to lend my authorit}-
to relieve you from your embarrassments. Whom have you
in mind as your choice for a commanding officer? "

A unanimous response pronounced the name of Lieutenant-
Colonel Throop, of the ist Michigan.

Colonel Tilton then withdrew and shortly returned accom-
panied by Lieutenant-Colonel Throop. It was with great
reluctance Colonel Throop left his own command. He could
only be induced to do so in obedience to positive orders that
he recognized were promulgated to meet a grave crisis in the
affairs of a sister regiment, which did not seem to be otherwise
controllable. Colonel Tilton permitted a condition to be at-
tached to the acceptance of his detail, that Colonel Throop's
assignment must be accompanied by unanimous acquiescence
on the part of the entire body of officers of the i i8th, and when
Colonel Throop was presented his first inquirv' was to that
effect. To the united, hearty, affirmative response of all the
rest. Major O'Neill added : " Certainly, sir, certainly ; I don't
care under whom I serve so that he gives us a chance to
fight. Certainly I will serve under you, and with pleasure,
too, sir."

This happy relief from anxiety, this satisfactory solution of
difficulties which had reached such serious proportions, though
the night was well on and the enem}' quite close, was suita-
bly recognized in exhilarating stimulants which a provident
officer had fortunately at hand. Colonel Throop declining to
participate retired to his own bivouac, and those whose defty
hands were apt with the "Joe Hooker" formula were soon en-
gaged in the concoction of its stimulating ingredients. Limited
supplies forbade a free indulgence, and by midnight all f.itiguc.^
and anxieties were forgotten in restful slumber.

The morning broke clear and cold ; c\cr}-thing seemed quiet.
One of the men, whose eyes were wandering around in .search
of anything that niight appear, detected a persimmon tree

- 366 -

loaded with the frosted fruit some distance in front, between
the Union and Confederate lines. To see was to desire. To
desire was to attempt to obtain. Sneaking along under shelter
of the bushes, the discoverer and another adventurer quietly
and stealthily approached the tree. A careful scrutiny from its
foot assured the pair that the Confederate pickets were quite a
distance away. The discoverer silently climbed the tree and
shook down a quantity of the fruit, which his companion hastily
stowed in a haversack provided for that purpose. Another
shake was given to the tree. It attracted attention. A single
report rang out on the crisp air, a single zip flew past the oc-
cupant of the tree ; he dropped on the ground like a flash.
None too soon, for a volley crashed through and sent twigs
and persimmons scattering down upon two prostrate figures
who seemed to be not more than a couple of inches thick as
they flattened themsel\-es out on the ground. After a while
the firing ceased. Then while one, on hands and knees, peered
through a bush ready to give the alarm in case of further dan-
ger, the other gathered the persimmons, that had been shaken
down and shot down, into the haversack, and then, in the lan-
guage of that old chestnut of a quotation,

"They folded their tents like the Ambs,
And silently stole away."

Doubtless they would have stolen av.'ay as soon as the balls
began to fly, but it was a question of discipline. The soldier
without discipline is like a musket without a barrel, a pail
without a bottom, a fish without fins, and a great number of
worthless things. Now it was a serious breach of discipline to
go beyond the lines without orders, and rendered the offender
liable to a severe reprimand, or even a trial by court-martial for
desertion. When the firing commenced, the enterprising pair
were in a fix. They had hardly secured persimmons enough
for their own consumption. There would be inquiries as to
what had caused the firing. Under these circumstances their
affection for their officers would not permit the men to return
until they had obtained a fair share for them.

— 36; —

On reaching the lines safely, they offered up a couple of
quarts of persimmons to discipline ; that is, the captain. He
wisely asked no questions. His thoughts probably ran some-
what in this fashion : " Those fellows have been outside of the
lines again. They give me no end of trouble, I'll send the
persimmons back and make an example of those two men. I
might as well eat one or two, just to see how they taste. By
George ! They're good 1 A handful of them wont be missed.
It was thoughtful of them to bring me these, and generous, too,
to give me so many. Poor fellows ! they don't often get a
chance to get anything like this. Oh, pshaw ! (or something
stronger) I'll eat the persimmons up, and let the men go this
time, but the very next act of disobedience must be punished."
Discipline is a wonderful thing.

The bullets from the volley caused by the persimmon hunters
caused the regiment to scatter in every direction for shelter,
but in a few moments they reformed in the railroad cut. De
Ville, a member of Company K, who had been adjutant of a
French regiment, remarked : " Ow queekly you make one, ven
you ave broke all to pieces. If ze regiment vas French, one
week would not zem togetter bring again."

At seven o'clock on tlie morning of the 29th the bri'jade was
advanced some two miles across countr\% until it reached the
easterly ridge of the swale or valley through which flowed the
run from which the campaign derived its name. Upon the
thither ridge, distant some fifteen hundred yards, nearest to
which was the stream, was the enemy, already strongly in-
trenched upon the series of slopes of which it was formed. His
work was not yet complete, and uninterrupted by the presence
of the Union troops he continued with axe and spade, dirt and
timber, until what were first most formidable field fortifications
were made almost impregnable. He also demolished a few
small houses which apparently interfered with the range of his
guns. The enemy's ridge had a better elevation and com-
manded ours. Both were wooded ; the ground upon the other
;ide of the run at the base uf the western ridge was open, and

— 368

•y^N». •■«?!; i;4"^»jW'°^'*#'W!!'«w»» ?' ^"

appeared at a distance to be soft and marshy. When the task
\vas finished, the soldiers on the other side, on the parapet and
the ground in front of the works, plax'ed at ball with a sportive
vivacity that equalled boyhood energies.

Again within the year since Fredei-icksburg, the Potomac
army faced its whilom foe behind intrenchments dark, gloomy,
formidable. The recollections of that field, its fatalities and
sad disaster would not down. Though with serious convictions
that the task was hopeless, there was still a high resolve to do

and dare for the best."^

Contrary to precedent
the skirmishers were de-
cidedly less active than
was usual at the open-
ing of an engagement.
The early nightfall
closed upon the scene,
each side confident the
business that brought
them there would be
settled on the morrow.

With the darkness,
there was a decided fall
in the temperature. It
was a bitter, nipping
cold, so intense that
upon portions of the
line, more e.xposed than
others, the pickets were

relieved every thirty minutes, and instances were reported of

men bein<r frozen to death.

^^^•^i^-

"^■—-"^

M

*Gt;ii'jr.ii M r^aii, InspLCUir-iJt;ncr.il of tlie id Coip-i, relates the following in-
cident : " While on the picket line reconnoitring, my uniform conce.ileil by a sol-
ilier's overcoat,! asked an old veteran of the noble 1st MinneS'>ta, on picket, what
he thought of the jirospect. Not recognizing me as an otihcer. he expressed him-
self very freely, decl.\ring it ' .a d — <\ si'.;ht wor^i- than Fredericksburg,' and abiding,
' I am g'ing a^ far a^ I e.\:i tr.ucl, Nut we can't get more than two-thirds of the
w.iy up liie Idi!.' " — Walker's •• Hi--l()ry of .Second .A.rmy Corps," p. 5SJ.

— 369 —

The combinations for the assault had been perfected during
the afternoon. Warren, with his own corps and Terry's di-
vision of the 6th, had been moved to the vicinity of Hope
Church, near the head-waters of the run. Here the enemy,
though securely posted, was in inconsiderable strength, and a
little more of daylight would have permitted the formation of
assaulting columns with which his right might have been ef-
fectually turned. Night setting in before the arrangements
were consummated, the attack was necessarily postponed until
dawn.

In the meantime, during the night there were numerous
changes on our right for co-operation with Warren's morning
assault, and two of French's 3d Corps divisions were sent to
aid him. Bartlett's (our) division was withdrawn from its posi-
tion about 2 A. M. on the 30th, and moved some distance towards
the right, forming on the left of the 6th Corps, in column doubled
on the centre. The men were stripped for action, and the knap-
sacks, piled upon each other arranged in the shape of a horse-
shoe, were left in our former position in charge of Sergeant
Stone with a detail. Some of the men, heedless of the bitter
cold, also left their great coats. No fires were permitted and,
with no means to raise the temperature, the men painfully
awaited the break of day in that zero atmosphere anxious to
accord a generous welcome to the genial rays of the morning
sun. It was clear, and every star shone in all its winter bril-
liancy against a sky deep in its cold, cerulean blue.

Chaplain O'Neill remained with Sergeant Stone and the
knapsacks. The Confederates, probably to keep the watches,
awake, sent a shell in their direction. The chaplain had made
a pot of coffee. He was sipping it from a tincup, when the
shell skimmed through the air, burst against a tree near him,,
and a fragment of it knocked the cup out of his hand.

The troops were on the edge of a thick growth of pine.

Dawn revea!, 1 a position more formidable than the one from

the front of \ihich the division had just been withdrawn. The-

distance b- t:'.\een the two lines now was not over five hundred

-4

f ;'/:' !'l

— 370 —

yards. All through the hours of darkness the sound of falling
timber gave evidence of increasing strength to the enemy's
works. The run had been dammed towards its mouth and its
banks were flooded to river-like proportions. The ground
upon the summit of which was the line to be assaulted, with
the water extending to its base, ran at an angle of some thirt)'
degrees, rough and bare and entirely barren of tree or timber
of any sort.

As yet there had been no specific directions for the ad-
vance, no formal announcement of the hour for the charge.
To fix a" time alone was needed. That the works were to be
charged, and who were to do it, had long before dawned upon
soldier intelligence, previously whetted by other calamitous
military experiences.

The plans perfected and the troops at their stations, the mo-
ment was at hand to give the signal for beginning. Colonel
Throop assembled the officers in front of the centre division^
and with convincing earnestness thus announced the work be-
fore them : " Gentlemen," said he, " the orders are that at the
sound of two signal guns from Warren's position on the left,
we are to move forward and charge the enemy there " — pointmg
to his intrenchments. " Do you see those works ? we either
sleep to-night on the other side of them " — and then, with a
significant pause — " or else on the slopes leading to them."

In adding his own words to the directions for the assault
there was no semblance of an attempt at ostentation. Colonel
Throop's fine soldierly abilities were a sufficient earnest that
what he said was prompted by his conceptions of the stern
xequirements of dut\'.

Then came one of those times when the hearts of the bravest
men stand still. The frowning heights, with lines of breast-
works on its slope and strong earthworks on its crest; the
flooded, icy creek, between our men and the height, which
must be crossed under fierce fire ; the steep ascent up which
they would have to toil, while shot and shell and grape and
canister and bullet were doing their deadly work — the sight of
these were enough to chill the heart ot the most reckless.

— 371 —

We could see the Rebs. If they had not been so busy build-
ing fortifications, they could have turned us into confusion
with shot and shell, we were huddled so close together. We
were not allowed to build any fires during the day or night.
Some of our pickets were frozen, and had to be brought in on
stretchers. The rebel position in our front was worse than at
Fredericksburg. We were told that we were to attack those
works in the morning at 8 o'clock. That night there was
fought in men's hearts the hardest battle of the whole war.
The next -morning our artillery was in position. There was
but little said. There was not a man who felt that he had any
business to find himself alive next day. Rumor soon spread
that the plan of attacking had been abandoned. Many a man
pinned his name on his coat, "IVIustered out at Mine Run
this day." Some gave their home address. Warren had
declined, without he should be directly ordered, to inaugurate
a movement so doubtful of success and which would certainly
be attended by great fatality. This indeed was the situation.
The general assault, as the countiy subsequently accepted it,
was wisely and judiciously abandoned.

Meanwhile General Meade, yet unacquainted with the cause
and impatient at the delay, ordered the great guns — a battery
of 20-pounders — about the centre to open. A prompt reply
stirred up a pretty active cannonading from the centre to the
right, which continued until Meade, apprised of Warren's ac-
tion, ordered the gunnery to cease. The enemy, courteously
accepting the invitation, soon stopped firing, and the hostili-
ties for the rest of the day were left to the bickerings of the
skirmishers.

Two English officers, guests at army head-quarters, stood in
rear of the big guns when their fire provoked the enemy's re-
ply. Behind the ridge a sharp Yankee was preparing a hot
morning bite for some head-quarter mess. The Englishmen,
not disposed to take the risk of exposure attending their obser-
vations, sought cover below the knoll, near where the Yankee
was cookinij. He had watched the close interest with winch

— 372 —

the Englishmen had for some time noted the enemy's position,
and rather astonished at their hurried withdrawal at a time
when their observation would have produced more practical
results, unconsciously or purposely remarked : " That's the way
you Englishmen come to see an American fight, ha! run
away when the guns begin to fire." Not overly respectful,
but as the cook-house was not much of a school for the study
of diplomatic courtesies, our foreign visitors, accepting the
source from whence the reflection came, doubtless concluded
it was not a sufficient cause for the disturbance of existing
friendly relations.

James W. Hyatt, a private of H, not disposed to trust his
knapsack to the custody of others, had taken it with him to the
new position. It was not discovered in the darkness that he was
still carrying it. Whilst the men were crouching low to avoid
the heavy shelling the opening of our batteries had provoked,
Hyatt rose from his position and, with his knees planted firmly
on the knapsack, proceeded to tighten the blanket straps. No
other reason was apparent for this action at this inopportune
time, save that Hyatt was inclined to deliver himself of a boast-
ful address of his desire to be valorous, and assumed this par-
tially upright posture that he might be better heard. As he
worked at his straps and proceeded with his little speech, a
solid shot dashed into the ground some distance in front of
him, passed underneath him and the knapsack and striking the
root of a tree splintered it and sent up to the surface a piece
which took the heel off his right shoe. He was raised a foot
or more ; his glowing address was interrupted as if a lightning
stroke had paralyzed his organs of speech, and limp and sense-
less he fell to the ground. Stretcher-bearers straightened him
out and bore him to the rear. He gradually recovered himself,
survived the shock — for that was all it really was — to be after-
wards made prisoner in the Wilderness, and subsequently died
at Andersonville, Georgia, on the 3d of December. 1864.

Walters, who had been acting adjutant since Hand's absence,
was ot a venturcsonie, inquiring turn, and was disposed to in-

— 373 —

vestigate the enemy beyond the opportunities afforded within
timber, invited a captain of the regiment to accompany him
upon a little personal reconnoissance. Walters, mounted on
Hand's fretful steed, rode out to a position well down the slope
towards the run, while the captain stepped out smartly afoot by
his side. With the aid of field-glasses the enemy were distinctly
seen moving about the works, and a group of them had evi-
dently been attracted by the prominent exposure of these ob-
servers. The evidence was convincing when bullets began to
throw up the earth in very close proximity. But Walters did
not move ; still undaunted, he held the glass . intently on the
foe, his companion, not so stolid as he, still remaining at his
side. Again and again the bullets struck; now under, now
alongside the horse, now singing and whizzing as they passed
overhead and beyond ; still Walters steadfastly gazed. The
captain was becoming annoyed at the persistency with which
Walters maintained this uselessly exposed position, when a
voice from the line, calling loudly, " Come in here ; don't you
know you are making a target of ^'ourselves ? "

You see, the private had no right to know anyth'mg, and
that is why generals did all the fighting, and that is to-day
why generals and colonels are great men. They fought the
battles of our country; the privates did not. The generals
risked their reputation ; the private soldier his life. No one
ever saw a private in battle. It was the general that every-
body saw charge such and such with drawn sabre, his eyes
flashing fire, his nostrils dilating and his clarion voice ringing
above the din of battle. So we read in some of the histories.

I know to-day many a private who would have made a
good general. I know of some generals who w^uld have
made poor privates. A private had no such way to distinguish
himself. He had to keep in ranks either in a charge or a
retreat.

Sergeant Stone's position with the knapsacks grew decidedly
uncomfortable. He naturally sought cover and kept shifting

— 374 —

from one position to another in the hope of securing better pro-
tection. Not so with Dennis, a prisoner whom Stone had in
charge, under an arrest for some trivial delinquency. Dennis
stood erect with his hands crossed behind him, his head thrown
back as far as his neck would reach, his eyes cast aloft towards
the sky watching complacently the play of the fiery missiles as
they passed furiously overhead. " Sergeant," said he, address-
ing him in an assuring, encouraging tone, " don't be alarmed ;
don't be disturbed; stand up and take it; they are perfectly
harmless; they wouldn't break a glass."

But the sergeant declined to act upon the suggestion and
answered : " I" tell you, Dennis, they are dangerous ; they
should be avoided; such wicked creatures are not to be sneezed
at."

Dennis, of course, spread the stor}' abroad, and for weeks
afterwards, " everywhere the sergeant went, a sneeze was sure
to go."

About five o'clock, the darkness settling in the sombre pines,
the division was retired from the point fixed for its intended
assault and returned to the position from whence it had started
to make it. Chilled to the marrow by the piercing cold, and
the most cruel prohibition against fires, sluggish animation was
soon returned by the generous warmth distributed in the glow
of blazing timber.

The cold did not relax and December opened with every
promise of a sturdy winter. The ist passed in idleness, with
the fi.xed conviction that under cover of night the troops would
be relieved from the pressure attending the immediate presence
of the enemy, and withdrawn to a location convenient and ac-
cessible to a base of supplies for a season of prolonged rest.

During the day the artillery was secretly removed from its
place, and for the real guns batteries of logs were substituted.

With the earliest darkness the fires were increased in volume
and piled so high with logs that their flames would skip aloft,
until well on towards the break of day. The march towards
the Rapidan was slow and tedious. Jams and halts incident to

V "^ "Jzi^

J