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1764833
REYNOLDS HISTORIC^,
GENEALOGY COLLECTlOfcl
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01083 5152
CAMP AND FIELD LIFE
OF THE
FIFTH NEW YORK
V O LIINTE E R INFANTRY
(DURYEE ZOUAVES.)
BY
ALFRED 'DAVENPORT.
New York :
DICK AND FITZGERALD,
I 8 A \ X S 1- R F, K T .
1879.
Digitized by tine Internet Arcinive
in 2010 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/campfieldlifeoffOOdave
1764833
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"FOR GOO'S SAKE DON T LET THEM TAKE MY FLAG'
" Feeble and trembling poor Frank toed to write his nama.
"Tha left hand foil upon the bed and he cou'd not a:ge the poor brave man t
any more oKenion."
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Davenport, Alfred.
Camp aiul field life of the Fifth Now York volunteer
infantrv. (Durvoc zouaves.) Bv iMfred Davenport,
New York, Dick and Fitzgerald, 1879.
485 p. front (port.) pi. 19*"".
another copy.
1. U. S. — Hist. —Civil war — Recriment.-il histories — N, Y. inf. — >5th.
2. New York infantry. Sth regt.. 1S61-1863. I. Title.
a
2-149SS
Library of Congress ^nr> ' CAa3523.5.5th
A
Copyright, 1879,
BY ALFRED DAVENPORT.
CONTENTS.
LKxrERS y
PUEFACE 13
CHAPTER I.
THE DRUM-BE AT.
Fort Suintor— The Attack— The Evacuation— Tho President's Pmc-
l:»ia:ition— Letter by thfi Secretary of War— Governor Morimn'
Proclamatiou— Call of the Adjutant-General, State of New York. .
17
CHAPTER II.
FROM XEW TOEK TO VrRGISIA.
Organization- Fort Schuyler— First Experiences— Our Quarters —
The Men of the Eegiuiont— Sunday at the Fort -The First Gun
from Fort Sclmyler- A Police Deserter— Tlie Ranks Filled— Tak-
ing' tlie Oath— Fla^ Presentation— Color StTireant— Strildng onr
Tents— Reception in New York — Moonlight Departure — Arrival
at Fortress Monroe— Deserted Yillage—Our First Bivouac — Hamp-
ton Bri.lge Burned 23
CHAPTER III.
OTJR FIRST CAMP IN' VIKGIXIA.
Ki'ipi'.t rick's First Raid— An Alarm at Midn^irht— A Photograph of
<':uiii. I-ife— Battalion Drill— Kilpatrick's First Adventure— Cap-
tain llirani Duryea— Lieutenant Jacob Durvi'e- Several Expedi-
tions—Sund-.y Servicc-Onr Clmplain— Lieutenant-Colonel \Yarren
— Atijntant Hainblin— The Location— A Storm— Oil" Duty— Fox
Hill Expedition — Lientenant-Colone) Warren's Report — Corre-
Bpundiuce of the New York Ti>,its Si
ClIAl'TFrx IV.
VAC. Hr.TllEL.
? in 1 .y Evening Orders— Our Conirailcr-A Loyal Nvgro— Captain
ivilpi'riik's Ad\-ance — A Virginia Prisoner— A Fatal Mistake —
(3)
'\.t !r'>
4 Contents.
Bi^ Bethel— A Wounded Comrade— A Soldier's Tribtite— Death
of Lieutenant Grehle— Honorable Mention — A Naval Commander
— Correspondence of the New York Tribune — Flag of Truce 40
CHAPTER V.
LIFE AT CAMP HAMILTOK.
Fortress Monroe— Incidents of Camp Life — Drummed Oat — Any
Port in a Storm — Serious Accident — How to Find a Horse — Con-
traband Wit— A Graceful Digu:er— Mrs. Kilpatrick— Notes from
the Journal— On Guard by Moonli<j;ht— lints in the Wood?- A
"Fez" Stolen by Mosquitoes — A Comet — How 'wn Spent Inde-
pendence Day — Our Postponed Celebration — A Fairj- Scene — Do-
nations— Discharges and Recruits — A New Flag— Beautifying the
Camp— Losing Blood— A Lost Sentiuel— Reports of the Battle of
Bull Run— Embarking for Baltimore 74
CHAPTER VL
LIFE AT BALTIMORE.
Arrival at Baltimore — Camp at Federal Hill— Zouavps at Large —
Penalties for Pastimes — Making a Camp— Visitors— A Baltimore
Journal Si^eaks — Running Guard — "Joe " Knott — CIranfres in the
Regini.-^nt— A Revolt Subdued— The Guard-house and its Advent-
ures—An Ilhiminatiim— A Cliargo— Fort-buildioii— Reliel Recruits
Disapp<<inted— Our Bathing Ground— The Battle at (he Pump —
Camp Ballads of the Fiftii— Colonel Duryee Promotod— An Un-
successful Trip— Changes in the Regiment — Progress of the Fort
— How the Days were Spent— Captain Hambliii's Departure —
Regimental Dugs — A Loyal NewfoundLmd— Zouave Song by a
DrumiiKT B«jy— Maggie Mitchell— Blowing Out the Lights— A
Drum Major's Joke— An Expedition— Building the Barraets —
Thanksgiving Day— An Elopeu ent 91
CHAPTER VIL
THE E,VSTEBN SnORE— LIFE AT BALTLMORE.
The Eastern Shore— Objects of the Expedition— A Proclamation by
General DiK — "Marching Along!" — A Surprised Zouave — Rebel
Spirit and Rebel Spirits — A Soldiers' Reunion — Rebel Visitors
Sin<riTi:r th.' Star S[ianirleil Bainicr— Return of the E-q^clition—
Results— A Sociable I'aride - H.d)cl Fla- i:rvtr>rd— Rcci-uitin-—
Oi<ei.hiir the Barnicks— "Fort Federal Hill "-Srcoud Vrar of the
War— Our SurLceon — A Surgical Duelist— Kuiituiiir the Guard —
"The Zouave House"- A Mtuieal Masked Battery— Flag Prescn-
Contents.
5
tation by the Ladies of South Baltiiuore — Address by Johu Willis,
Esq.— Colonel Warren's Keiay— A Grand Ball at JleaJquarters—
Fort Marshall— Washiuirtoii'.s Birthaay— An Indii,'nant Zouave-
Grand City Ball— A Military Execution— Attack Threatened- The
Merrimac— Change of Ba-e— Ho for Fortress Monroe I— Farewell
to Baltimore -Our Farewell Entertaionieut— Relieved by the Third
New York— Falling' into Line— March through Baltimore— Excit-
ing- Scenes— Farewell Song 125
:, • '. CHAPTER VIIL
THE PEJJIKSULAR CAMPAIGN.
The Trip to Virginia— Scene at Hampton Roads— Changes— Camp
Misery— Beep at Big Bethel— Prime Ratiims for Six— New Yoik
Tiinei Correspondent— General McClellan's Report— Canip Scott-
Corduroy and Ditch -Hcadcjuarters- California Jack -The Fonrtli
Michigan- Fir^t Death by Sickness— General McClellan's Head-
quarters—An Officer's Letter— Letter from a Private— Fire and
Fun in the Dark— A Strategic Pig— Siege Preparations— Battery
No. 1— General Barry's Letter— Camp Warren— After tlie Battle-
Camp Buchanan— A Promise of Battle— IStarch in the Shadows—
:^lagniticer.t Spectacle— A Night View of the Camp at Panuinkey
River— Druoj.ing Skies and a Dripping Army— Review by Hon.
Wm. H. Seward— Deserted Territory— Ne;iring the Whitollousc
— Stragglers- "Dr." Warren and his "Pills"— The Sick List—
The Colonel's Order and a Donkey's Reply , ]54
CHAPTER IX. - .-
THE PENrNSTJLAK CAMPAIOi— ( C'o«//«;^:fZ).
Pamunkey Bridge— Crossing the Bridge— Killed at his Binhplace—
The Rebels Retire— Rebel Communieation Broken— An Astonished
Negro— A Descendant of Patrick Ilonry— i^eturn to Camp— Han-
over Court-house— Captain Griirui's Brazen Pet— After the Battle
—Burying the Dead— Result — A Raid and a Capture— A Recon-
noissauce— Back to Old Church— What we Fought for at Hanover
—The Chiekahomin.v— New Bridge— A Donation of Flour— A
Speculati..n in Doughinits— Sal Eratus and what She Did-A Pair
'-■f Shoes— Sk'cjuii.j: u.ulcr Arms— General McClellan's Address to
the Army— (ieih 1 ;,1 S\ kes' Speech— Picket at New 15ridgc— Re\ lew
by General Prim— Masking a Battery at Night— Stuart's Cavalrj--
Oil a Raid
i
6 Contetits.
■■■^' '''■-' \ '. ■• CHAPTER X.
THE SEVEN DAYS' BETKEAT.
Battle of Gaines' J/7f?— Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Ilill—
Then and No\y— Freedora asjainst Slavery— Sanit.iry Condition of
the Regiment— Picket Duty— A Sabbath Journal— Death of Ser-
geant Reynolds— Seven Days' Retreat— Fifth Corps Engaged-
Battle of Gaines' Mill— Death of Captain Partriil<xe— Color Serireant
Berrian— A Charge in the Woods— A Rebel Tric-k- The Field at
Night— Losees— Testimony of the Otlicers — Otlicial Reports — Con-
federate Report*— Incidents — William McDowell— " Dave " Burns
— ^Walter S. Colby— Francis Spellman — Sad Separa,tions — Colonel
Warreu's Report — General Sykes' Report 198
, , CHAPTER XI.
MAL\-EKN HILL— HARKISON'S LA^DISG.
White Oak Swamp — Charles City Cross-roads- General Kearney —
Malvern Hill— A Desperate St rnggle— Rebel Repulse— Retreat
from Malveni Hill— The Rain and the Rnads— An Incident— A
Life Solved by a Stratagem — Report of Lieiitoi>ant-Coloncl H. Dur-
yea — Letter from Surgeon Jo^^eph S. Smith— Harrison's Landing
—The Camping-Grouud— Want of Water— A ReviLW hy IVesideut
Lincoln — Moving our Camii — Reviewed by General JleClellan —
Resignation of Captain Cambrelling— Changes— Health of the
Anny — Hospital Grounds — A Death by Poison — Improved Diet —
A Rebel Salute— Death in a Tent— Pine Woods Experience —
Knapsacks Forwarded— A Niirht March — Crossing the Chieka-
hominy— Xegro Messenger Shot— Soldier llor-i>itality Refused-
Newport News— The March to Manassas Junction— On the Bat-
Ue-field 240
",, . . ;/ . CHAPTER XII.
SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RLTr.
Tlie Field- Distribution of Forces— The Hcur>' Jlouse— Position of
the Fifth— Generals Jackson and Lon^-street- Tlio Fifth EuLMcred
—Fearful Slaughter— Allison, the Coh.r-Bearer, Killed- Annihila-
tion of oarCoIorCompany— Bald Ridu-e— TheTcxan,'*— " Don't let
them take my Hag!" — Over^jowering numbei-s -" Let there be
no F'.It.-rincr in this Line!*'— A Zininve Tarj.vt'd--A Rmt— A
TcrriMe Sc-ne— Tiie Ri-mnant of our Pa>giriiei,t-Aftcr liie R.tile
— Coluuel Warren's Ri'port— (.enei-.i; Pope's Report— Personal
Sketches and Incidents— SpcUman— Chambers— McDowell— Wil-
fion — Ilager — Saphtr — llimianity — Stonewall Jjick^on — James
Contents. 7
Catboy. a Strange Coinciilence— A Rifle Shot- James Pattf rson—
Pollurd's Testimony — Bullwinkle— Sturges?— Tyndall— Strachan
—Huntsman— A Walk among the- Graves— Faulk's Lett'T— Con-
federate Testimony— Mareh to Fairfax— McD.nvell's Brother-
General McCIcllau'o Retiira to the Command— Near Frederick
City..*. 269
... CHAPTER XIII.
.;■■■', • BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
The Confederate Successes — Virginia verms Tl>e. Cotton States— The
Battle of Antietani- Tlie Enemy Retires— General McClellan's Re-
port—Crossing the Potomac— B-ittle of Shepardstown— Tenth
New York Ivegiment Transferred — Scarcity of Supplies — A Mixed
Unifi>rm — Penalties of Old Clothes — A Bread Speculation — A
Whisky Smuggle— A Drill Challenge Accepted— Crossing at Har-
per's Ferry — Colonel O'Bonrke, of the 140th New York- Snicker's
Gap— Warreuton- A Scees.-ioni^t Town — Farewell Review hy Gen-
eral McClellan— General Burnside in Command— Tlie l46th New
York— Warrenton Junction- Spotted Tavern The Henry House
• —Resignation of Colonel Hiram Duryea— Changes in the Rf,d-
nient— Before the Battle 310
-•• •••■ CHAPTER XIV.
BATTLE OF FKEDERICKSBrKG.
In Sight of Fredericksburg— The Pontoon— The Burning Citj-— The
Position — Across the River— ^Marye's Hill— A Description by the
Philadelphia T(//.'>— The Attack— Tli^ Enemy's Batteries— The
Slaughter Path— French's Division— Hooker's Charge— Howard
at the Front— Humphrej.s' Division— Sykes' Division— The Dead
and Wounded- Warrei's Brigade- The Briuiule of Death— The
Compte (le Paris— The Fifth in a Garden— Our Regulars Severely
Placed— The Gloom Pall— Forlorn Hope — Strateey — Intreneh-
ments at Night— Covering the Retreat— The T.ast Man Crossed-
The Pontoon Lifted- lueidents — Henry House- General Sykes'
Order 33S
CHAPTER XV.
BATTLE OF CnA>"CELLOUSVlLLE— OIU LAfST STRTGOLE.
The New Tear— The Situation— Death of Captain C.irtwriirht— Mor-
liiiry-Desertions-i'he Di-l-yal I^n-.-s ..f the .W.rth— The S,:l-
'ii. !■-• S- nlimenl-AM Army of Water-Carrier-^ -'liie Mud Mare!i—
lle-igiiation of General Burnside — Guueral Ho^iker in Command —
Picketed in Ice— A Death in Hospital- A Suicide— General War-
i .-/.,-
.^^l->'-
' ^-•/':"
■^
Z Contents.
ren Promoted — A Deserted Mansion— Provost Guard— Death of
Nicholas Floyt— Better Sapplies— A Square Meal— Cavalrjr Skir-
mish—St. Patrick's Day in the Ninth Massa-chusetts— Cavalry
Fight— A Spy — A Smoky Chimney — A Crippled Shoemaker ou
"Jeff" Davis— Annihilating the Men of the South— A Review —
Hybernating under Ground- Ei.-ter — Review by President 'Lin-
coln— The Two Tears' Men — Growling — Review by Generals Tog-
liardi and Meade— An Exploded Shell— The Time Fixed— Kelly's
Ford— Ely's Ford— Approaching Fredericksburg— Battle of Chau-
cellorsville — Eighth Pennsylvania Cavahy — The Eueray Repulsed
— Jackson's Attack ou Howard — Sickles — Slocura — Fieuch — Chan-
cellor House Burnt — Woods on Fire — The Two Years' Men Re-
lieved— Parting with Old Comrades — Aquia Creek — Hospitality of
the '21st New York — Washington— Baltimore — Philadelithia — Jer-
sey City — New York — Our Reception — New York Times — The
Fourth Regiment— Mustered Out— In the Battle of Life 36L
APPENDIX.
Cisxialtics .S99
Statistics . . . .' 41 S
Biographies of Officers 423
Names of Otlicers 475
Colonel Robert C. Buchanan, U. S. A 4S.5
Lieutenant-Colouel William Chapman, U. S. A. 4So
V^r
K-
LETTERS
Orange, Dec. 5, 1S77.
Alfred Davenport, Esq., New York :
My Dear Sir : — Yours of the 4th is received. I am very glad
to learn that you are engaged upon the histon,- of the 5th New
York. The gallant services of that admirable regiment on so
manv fields certainly merit being handed down, and form no un-
important portion of the history of the war. The pride and in-
terest I have always felt in the regiment, since it first came under
my command, will make }our work dearly gratifying to me.
' ' " In haste, very truly yours,
■ Geo. B. McClellan.
' '/^- ■■. - ' '' New York, y^jz/z/ary 26, 187S,
Alfred Davenport, Esq. :
Dear Sir: — I have received your note of the 14th inst. in-
forming mc that you have undertaken the work of preserving the
record of the 5th New York Infantr}', and am greatly pleased to
U-arn of your undertaking. Though my connection with the
regiment was brief, extending only from .April to July, 1S61, I
\y.\w. always preserved the kindest memories of my friends and
'■"r;-.radcs of the Fifth, and felt pride in knowing that I had been
a Mv inbcr of so gallant and distinguished an organization.
I know of no regiment that had a better record for courage,
gallanir)'. discipline, and faithful service throughout the war, and
10 Letters.
the men and officers well desen-e to have a complete and correct
record of their deeds presen'ed to their country.
I shall await the publication of the work with great interest,
and will much enjoy its perusal.
Remain, etc.,
H. E. Davies, Jr.,
Late Maj. -Gen. U.S. Vols.
Fort Brown, Texas, April 15, 1S78.
Mr. a. Davenport, New York :
Dear Sir: — An absence of more than two months from this
Post must be my excuse for not having sooner answered vour
letter. I am very sorry that 1 can not send you the " order " you
wish. It should be among the records of the 2d Division, 5th
Army Corps, but they, as you are aware, did not go VNith me
when I succeeded General Meade in command of the corps. It
is barely possible that General Warren, U. S. Engineer, now at
Newport, Rhode Island, might furnish you with it.
My opinion of the 5th New York Volunteers never changed.
I doubt whether it had an equal, certainly no superior among all
the regiments of the Army of the Potomac. Its death-roll and
list of casualties will tell how and where it stood better than any
words of its commanders. / have alu'ays tnavttained it to be
the best volunteer organization J cjcr knew.
Yours very respectfully,
'-■*' •■' ' .- ■ . ■ -:■' George Sykes.
In reply to a letter from the author to General Hooker,
he speaks as follows :
Garden City, L. I., N. Y., June 2, 187S.
Mr. A. Davenport:
.... May each and all long live to enjoy the fruit of
their noble works. You tell me that General Sykes once had
^^10
I ).,
\'
Letters. \\
your regiment in his command, and that you have the testimony
of that gifted soldier as to your discipline and conduct. This is
proof, of the most satisfactory character, of the high claims of
your regiment to its soldiership and noble bearing. You could
furnish me with no higher authority in our armv, and this opinion
is cherished, of that officer, by all his associates in arms, not only
in our last war, but also that of the war in Mexico.
Let me say, then, through you, to your regiment, that it is
almost their duty to themselves and to their old commander to
cherish and preserve everj- syllable he ever uttered in their com-
mendation.
General Sykes never was much of a blower for himself, but
whenever heavy work had to be done he was a perfect whed-Jiorse
in battle or out of it- .
Sincerely yours,
J. Hooker, MaJ.-Gen.
The following communication, by George L. Catlin, Esq.,
United States Consul, La Rochelle, France, was addressed
to the CoMPTE DE Paris :
CONSULAT GfiXERAL DES EtaTS UnIS \
d'Amerique, 3 Rue Scribe, Paris, v
le lo Mai, 1878 S
Monseigneur le Compte de Paris :
I have the honor to address you in compliance with the request
of Mr. Davenport, of New York, who is engaged in the prepara-
tion of a histoiy of the volunteer regiment from that city, known
as the 5th New York Volunteers (Dur\-ee Zouaves), Both he
i'nd I strved in that command, which, you may remember, was
brig.uied with the regular troops under General Sykes ; and Mr.
liavenport writes me that he is desirous of incorporating in his
vvork a comojlimentary mention of that regiment which he under-
st.THfls you have been somewhere kind enough to make in your
••*'■'■. itni nniiniscences of the Peninsular Campaign in Virginia,
iM c.i-,i: you recall any such mention, I shall esteem it a great
l^avor if you will direct me to where a copy of it can be found.
12 Letters.
Should you, on the other hand, not recall it, I am requested by
Mr. Daveni.ort, the author, to say that a brief note from yourself,
expressive oi your favorable recollection of the 5th New York
Zouaves wonki be received and published as a valuable addition
to the interest '.-f his book.
Feeling- in common with every Union soldier a gratitude for
the service so honorably rendered us by your sympathy and your
sword during the trying days of the Rebellion,
I am, sir, with great respect, very truly yours,
George L. Catlin.
The C'jiiipte de Paris replied to the above note as fol-
lows :
Chateau D'Eu, Seine Inferieure, )
June 13, 1878. S
Sir :— T do not think that I mentioned in any special manner
the 5th Nlv.- York Zouaves in my History of the Civil War in
America ; but this is only because, having so many events to re-
count, I had not space enough to mention singly any organiza-
tion under thai of the, brigade. I remember veh- well the 5th
New York in the Peninsula just after the battle of Williamsburg,
and the soldier-like appearance of this tine body of men. This
appearance struck the best judges, for else the Zouaves would not
have been i^rigaded under General Sykes with the regulars, who
were justly considered as a model for the other troops.
This fa\orabie opinion was fully justified when the regiment
had to go tb.rough the ordeal of the battles on the Chickahominy,
and I well remember, on the evening of the bloody day of Gaines'
Mill, how few, but how proud, were the remnant of the 5th New
York after holding so long their ground, on our right, against
Jackson's attacks.
Believe me, sir, yours truly,
L. P. D'Orieans,
_ ^, Comptc de Paris,
ro Gro. L. Catlin, Esq., Paris.
y.rr' ."■!■' I ;r .
PREFACE,
The period of American History commencing with the
choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the
United States, on the first Tuesday of November, i860,
and the immediate adoption by the South Carolina Con-
vention of a resolution repealing the act of admission to
the American Union, and ending with the assassination of
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, nnist
ever possess a remarkable interest to the student of history ;
and as the events of that period must necessarily leave
influences and conditions, political and social, of an extra-
ordinary character, they must have a greater or less interest
to every citizen. The sword is sheathed, and the dilapidated
fortresses and crumbnng earthworks are deserted and losing
their outhnes, and peace has for many years blessed the
nation that was rocked to its foundations by the upheaval
of a civil war unparalleled in history. It may be expedient
to "let the dead past bury its dead." But the past is jwt
dead ; it lives in the hearts, the thoughts, the affections, the
hopes, the jealousies, the taxations, and the sufferings of
millions. It lives in the memory of the bereaved at the
hearthstones of the people — it lives in the remembrance of
the active men of the time who still animate, influence, or
lead public policy — and it lives in the purposes of whole
communities who, moreover, are resolved that the past shall
'.'( ^ <lic. To the loyal heart which throbbed with devotion
to the country in its peril — to the memories of the men wiio
laid down their lives in its defense — to the survivors of the
(13)
*-/•!!
14 Preface.
heroic dead — to the young men of the present, the voices
of freedom and humanity utter the injunction, Let the
Past live in the loyal heart forever !
This is the argument of the present vohune. The Fifth
New York Infantry, known as the Durye'e Zouaves, heard
the drum-beat, they responded to the appeal to arms, and
in a i'ifi days were assigned to their post at the front, and
held it for two years, during the whole time for which its
members were enlisted. It has been deemed only an act
of justice to place its record at the side of other similar
contributions to the history of the war, and the effort has
been made by the author to embody the events in which it
took a part, in so complete a form that nothing material to
its chronicles should be omitted. Many of the lesser inci-
dents of camp and tield life are incorporated, as a faithful
picturing of the varied phases of a soldier's life during the
war.
It was hoi)ed by the author, as well as by others, that the
work would be undertaken by some one or more of the able
officers of the regiment, but the active duties of civil life
have prevented them from making even the attempt to col-
lect the materials. Under these circumstances the author,
albeit with great distrust of his ability to execute the work
in a manner worthy of his subject, felt constrained to let no
further time be lost in its preparation. He has availed
himself of all the aids he could command, but is aware that
many interesting incidents and facts are in the possession of
officers and members of the regiment whom he has not been
able to consult. The record, however, is so full as it is now
presented, that no essential link in the nairative has been
omitted.
It is juoper to make acknowledf^nicnts to Lieutenants Sir.i-
ucl Tiel)0!it, R. M. r.^'.'iK'y, and William H. rckclc ; Cap-
tains \\"i;iia!n II. ChaMii>L'i>, James McConnclI, and Tho.iias
R. Martin ; Adjutant A. S. Marvin, Jr. ; Sergeants C. V. G.
w
Preface. i 15
Forbes, Robert Strachan, E. AT. Law, and George A.
Mitchell; Corporals James H. Franklin, James R. Murra}-,
and Miron W'inslovv ; Benjamin F. Finley, Joseph Stilwell,
Daniel J. Meagher, James \V. Webb, Mrs. H. C. Vail and
family, Afrs. James H. Lounsberry, Alonzo Ameli ; and
especially to Hons. S. S. Cox, Fernando Wood, ami Lucius
N. Robinson, Mrs. Gordon Winslow, and others, for in-
teresting information.
In the preparation of the work the writer has consulted
and is indebted to L. P. D' Orleans, Compfe de Paris,
" History of the Civil War in America," "Swinton's Army
of the Potomac," A. H. Guernsey, LL.D., " Lossing's His-
tory," Rev. J. S. C. Abbott, "Pollard's Southern History
of the War," Prince de Joinville, Hon. John T. Headley,
Colonel W. Estvan' (Confederate Army), " General McClel-
lan's Reports and Campaigns," "Pope's Reports," "The
Rebellion Record," "Reports of the Committee on the
Conduct of the War," " General W. F. Barry's Report,"
"Joel Cook's Siege of Richmond," the files of the Soldier's
Friend, conducted by William Oland Bourne, and the War
Correspondence of the various journals of the time.
The work is committed to the press in the somewhat
confident hoi)e that whatever may be its imperfections, the
officers and members of the regiment, as well as the public
who may be interested in its narrative, will accept it with
the indulgence which they may kindly accord to the tribute
oflcred by an ex-private to the honor of the regiment in
^vhich he served. A, D.
i\s.r >
- - .,-._. CHAPTER I. . .-'. -^ ,
- . '■;.-' , THE DRUM-BEAT. . ' '■ .
Fort Sumter— Tut- Attack— The Evacua-hon-— The President's Proclama-
tion—Letter BY 1 HE Secretary of War— Gov. Morgan's Proclamation
—Call of the Adjltant-General, State of Nrw York.
Friday, the twelfth day of April, i86r, must forever re-
main memorable in the history of the American Union.
On that day a force of ten thousand men, after long prepa-
ration, and with well-built and well-appointed batteries,
under the command of Gen. Beauregard, opened their fire
upon Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, and con-
tinued the bombardment of that fort, defended by a heroic
band of seventy men under Major Robert -Anderson, until,
after thirty-si.\ hours of almost uninterrupted attack, the com-
mander deemed it no longer prudent to maintain the un-
equal contest, and was permitted to retire his force without
the loss of a single man, and bearing with him the t^ag of
honor and renown.
The event had been for some time expected, and the
delay of the Government at Washington to take the initiative
in offensive measures was regarded by many as evidence of
a hesitating and vacillating policy, lint the result proved
tlie contrary. The responsibility of a deliberate, long-medi-
tated, and treasonable attack upon the property, the peace,
and the existence of the Republic, by the act of the twelfth
of April, fell, in all the weight of its momentous consequences,
upon those who assumed it. The eyes of the whole nation
were turned to this point.
i'-fore the peo[)le of the Union there stood a boasting
•iiKl e.xcitcd army, exasperated at the cool and defiant hero-
i^uj of the little band of loyal men who refused to lower
(^7)
i8 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
their flag or shrink from their post of duty, ambitious of the
distinction so long coveted of destroying the Union. Only a
few events in the military history of the world present such a
contrast. Every hour the interest of the nation was intensified.
The suspense as to the decision of Major Anderson be-
came painfully deep as the hours tlew by, and when at last
the enemy became convinced that ihey had no other alter-
native, the hand of Edmund Riffin, of Virginia, who
begged the privilege and the honor, fired the first gun in
the actual inauguration of a bloody war. That gun boomed
with accumulating thunder over the nation. The flash of its
fire blazed through the electric wires, and the hearts of
millions bounded with an awakened spirit of loyalty as each
successive bomb and shell beat against the slowly crumbling
walls of Sumter. The die was cast. The deep, devoted
loyally of the j)eople was with the Government and the flag,
and when on the second day the heroic band left the shat-
tered ruin, it was only as the advance guard of the millions
who rallied to the honor and the glory of the Republic.
Two days afterward the President of the United States
issued the following proclamation :
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, the laws of the United States have been for some
time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof ob-
structed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too
powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial pro-
ceeding, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law ;
Now. therefore, L Abraham Linci^ln, President of the LTnited
States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution
and the Laws, have thought fit to call forth, and hnchy do call
forth, the milira of the several States of ;he L'liion, to iho aggre-
gate number df SfVen;y-five thousand, in (irder to sup[)ress said
combinations, and to cause the Laws to be duly executed.
' ::;-i«;,iVj;:'. ^ • r<
i .--J 3*1; .P&- '1 ' //
. -.■•.'. TJie Dnim-Bcat. ... 19
The details for this object will be immediately communicated
to the State authouties through the War Department.
I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid this
effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of
our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government,
and to redress wrongs already long enough endured.
I deem it proper to say that the tirst service assigned to the
forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts,
places, and property which have been seized from the Union ; and
in every event the utmost care will be obser\'ed consistently with
the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction
of or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful
citizens in any part of the countrv.
And I hereby command the persons composing the combina-
tions aforesaid to disperse, and retire peaceably to their respect-
ive abodes, within twenty days from this date.
Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents
an extraordinar}- occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in
me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress.
Senators and Representatives are, therefore, summoned to as-
semble at their respective chambers, at twelve o'clock, noon, on
Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider
and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, the public
b.ifety and interest may seem to demand.
In witness whereof, I have, hereunto set my hand, and caused
the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one,
and the Independence of the United Stales the eighty-fifth.
Abraham Lixcolx.
Hy the President : - . .
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
.At the same time the calls were made upon the several
■-'.'■e-, and the Clo\-einor of New \"ork. Hon. I'"iv.viN I),
•i''. (^AN", received the fallowing conmuniication from the
^^ xc Department :
20 Fifth Nciu York Vchiutcer Infantry.
■ ■■ ,•■- [■':'-:" War DrrAVT:>.'L.\T, Washtngton, )
•' '■ "" ■ April II, iS6i. \
Sir: — Under the Act of Conrics.. " for calling- I'onh the militia
to execute the laws of the L'i;;o;/, suppress insurrccliuns, repel
invasions," etc., approved Fthrunry 20, 1795, I have the honor to
request your Excellency to c.tusc ii) be immediately detached
from the militia of your State l!-,.' quota designated in the table
below, to serve as infantry or r;'.le;aen for the period of three
months, unless sooner dischargT.d.
Your Excellency will please t o.-iauunicate to me the time at or
about which your quota will be expected at its rendezvous, as it
will be met as so'MI as practi. able by an officer or officers to
muster it into the service and jxiy ^A t!ie United Stales. At die
same time the oath of fidelity to the United States will be ad-
ministered to every officer ana man.
The mustering officer will i.e ii;^tructed to receive no man
under the rank of cornmission< cI t. irir. r v.ho is in years apparently
over forty-five or under eighteen, .n- who is not in physical
strength and vigor.
The rendezvous for your Sta;.- will be at New York, Albany,
and Elmira.
■ 4ik; I have the honyr to be, \ery respectfully,'
. , Your obedient scrviat,
S\yi01^ Q.A-\\V.\u:)V., Secretary of War.
To his Excellency, Edwin D. Morgan, . " ,, :.
Gai'ernor of Neur Yorlc. :• •' :-••,':•■
The quota for New York S;:ite was seventeen regiments,
with an aggregate total of, olVio m- and men, 13,280.
April 16, 1861, the Senate and Assembly of the State
being then in session i)assed an Act, "To authorize the eni-
bn,!\ing and etiaipnient of a vi'.!pi;u;cr rnilitia, and to [>ro-
\ide fur the public defense," ciiid !iu: following i.uoclaination,
by Governor Morgan, was issued :
The Drum-Beat. 21.
Proclamation by Edwin D. Morgan,
Gcniertior of the State of Nc7u York.
The President of the United States, by proclamation, and
through the Secretary of War, by formal requisition, has called
upon this State for a quota of seventeen regiments of seven
hundred and eighty men each, to be immediately detached from
the militia of this State, to serve as infantry or riflemen, for a
period of three months, unless sooner discharged. Now, in con-
formity with the aforesaid demand, and by virtue of the Act of
the Legislature of this State, passed on the i6th day of April,
instant, entitled " An Act to authorize the embodying and equip-
ment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defense."
and the power vested in me by the Constitution and Laws, I do
call for the aforesaid quota, consisting of six hundred and forty-
nine officers and twelve thousand six hundred and thirty-one men,
forming an aggregate of thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty.
The organization of this force to be in conformity with article
eleven, section two, of the Constitution of this State, and with
the rules and regulations embraced in general orders, number
thirteen, promulgated this day. The rendezvous for this State
will be at New York, Albany, and Elmira, headquarters at
Albany.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the privy seal of the State, at the city of Albany, this
[L.S.] eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
Edwin D. Morgan.
By the Governor :
Lock woe D L, Doty, Private Secretary.
The Adjutant-General of the State, J- Meredith Read,
Jr., issued a General Order, No. 13, under date of the iSth
<!ay of April, specifying the number of regiments to be raised,
directions for the election of officers, etc., and declaring that
tile furce voUuiteering uuticr ti:e ])rovisions of the Act, would
h<" cnrullcd for the term of ireo years, unless sooner dis-
cljargcd.
CHAPTER II.
FROM NEW YORK TO VIRGINIA.
Organization — Fort Schu\xer — First Experiences — Olr Qi-arters — The
>rEN OF THE Regiment— Slnday at the Fort— The First Gin from Fort
Schuyler- A Police Deserter- The Ranks Filled — Taking the Oath-
Flag Presentation— Color Sergeant— Stkiking oi-r Tents— Reception
IN New York— Moonlight Departure— Arrival at Fortress Monroe —
Deserted Village— Ol'r First Bivolac— Hampton Bridge Burned.
This regiment was organized under the Proclamation of
the President of the United States, issued April 15, 1861,
calling u\)on the several Governors of the loyal States for
seventy-tive thousand men.
On Thursday, the iSth day of April, 1S61, J. ^^. Read,
Jr., Adjutant-General of the State of New York, issued a
general order for the organization of seventeen regiments
of volunteers, the quota called for from this State ; and on
the following day, the fgth, some of the best material in the
city and its suburbs began to enlist under the banner of
Colonel Abram Dcryke. This ofticer was well known to
the citizens of New York, and had a wide reputation beyond
its limits, having been in command of the Seventh Regi-
ment, N. G. S. N. Y,, with which he had been connected
for a period of twenty-one years, and which was universally
acknowledged to be the best drilled and mo:st efficient
militia organization in the United States. "The Seventh
Regiment is to the National Guard what West Point is to
the Regular Army," On Tuesday, the 23d, four days after
the recruiting commenced, so irreat was the zeal and ambi-
tion to serve under this jjopular iciuLT. that c!!oni;h jiicked
men were enrolled to make uj) e!L;ht companies of about
fifty men each ; and accordingly, on the evening of this dav,
(22)
From N'c'zu York to Virginia. 2J
A. B, C, D, E, F, G, and K, were inspected and mustered
i:i!u the State service, at their rooms in Canal Street, a little
c.ist of Broadway. Companies I and H subsequently joined
at Fort Schuyler. A guard was stationed at the doors to
prevent the men from leaving at night, notwithstanding
wliicii many of them found opportunity to make their parting
visits to the city, from which they were so soon to be exiled.
The organization was called, at this time, " The First Regi-
ment, Advance Guard."
The next day each man was giveri a blanket, and marched
by lours front, down to the foot of Canal Street, North
River ; embarked on a steam-tug, and after a pleasant sail
around the Battery and up the East River, arrived at Fort
Schuyler about 6 p.m., nothing of importance having oc-
curred on the trip. Immediately on arriving, they com-
menced their active duties by carrying lumber, barrels of
provisions, etc., to their respective places of storage at the
f'irt. At about lo p.m. supper was served, and the regi-
ment made their first acquaintance with the biscuit which
afterward became so proverbially known as "hard-tack."
Thursday, Aj>ri/ 25.^— Thti men, in good spirits and humor,
v\i?re turned out at 5 a.m. A wash at the pump was the
tir>t jireparation for a drill, which lasted until breakfast, at
7-.>o. We were then at liberty until 10.30 a.m., when we
W'-re again assembled for drill, which lasted until noon.
I*:iiner was served at i p.su, after which we were oft" dutv
until 4.30, when we were again drilled until 6 p..m., the
^•>ir for supiier, after which we were again at liberty. At
'J P.M. all lights were extinguished, and silence deep and
p'-'found fell upon us, until roused by the reveille.
/■'n'/,n, April 2(i. — Colonel Durye'e, in full dress, inspected
I' •' rci^iment in the evening, and their moveuK^nts pleased
' '■' •'» l"ii;^ii!y tliat he complimented theui on their rapid
i ' ' 'H-.^s, and, accomininied by ladies, inspected the quarters.
iie barracks were very comfortable, about forty-five men
24 Fifth Nezv York Voliuttar Infantry.
being assigned to each of the compartments, which are a
part of the fort. The structure is of stone, with large,
roomy fire-places, in which bright wood-tires were kept
burning at night. Around these fires the men congregated
to smoke their pipes and hold their councils. Outside of
the fort were tents, which were a part of those used by the
French army in the Crimea. The cook of General Can-
robcrt, the French General, was catering for the regiment.
The men quartered in these tents christened them by such
names as the " Bower of Beauty," " Schuyler Cottage," and
others equally suggestive of sentiment or war, as their fancy
dictated.. There was one mess at least who lived on the fat
of the land and water. They had built a small brick fur-
nace, but where they obtained the material was a mystery.
They always had something extra, fried clams, fish, beef-
steak, etc., w-hich was equally a mystery. There was evidently
a latent talent for foraging, which became subsequently more
generally developed under very different circumstances.
The location of the fort is a very healthy one. The con-
stant breeze from the Sound gave to its inmates a supi)ly of
fresh air, and there was no impediment to the use of the salt
water in which to bathe. The surgeons had nothing to do
except in the case of one of the men who had broken an
ankle wrestling with a comrade. The steamboat from the
city touched every afternoon at the Government wharf and
unloaded the stores, wiiich were carried up to the fort by de-
tails of men from the different companies. In the afternoon
the men mounted the ramparts and saluted the Sound steam-
ers, and were saluted in turn by them. A short time after
the regiment arrived at the fort a large flag-statT was erected
above the rami)arts, which was climbed by one of the men
for the puriu)se of adjusting the halsards. The "Star
Spangled Hinner" was hoisted for the first time, and there
being DO ordnance to salute the colors, three hearty ciicers
were given tVom several hundied i)atriotic throats.
!.v -';,-
. From New York to Virginia. 25
There were men among us who could respond to any duty —
representatives from all the trades, with a sprinkling of law-
yers, book-keepers, sailors, and members of the Volunteer
Fire Department, many of the latter belonging to Company G.
There were also veteran soldiers who had served in the British
army of the Crimea, and elsewhere ; Italians who had fought
under Garibaldi ; Frenchmen who had served in the ai mies
o{ la belle France ; Teutons from the Prussian army; and
soujc of the fighting sons of Ireland, ever ready for the
fray ; others who had fought in the Mexican war, and ex-
regulars of the United States. Notwithstanding which, about
eighty per cent, of the regiment were natives of the soil,
among whom was Havens, a nephew of '•'■ Benny Havens,
>h ! " of West Point memory ; the Van Warts from Tarr\-
town, descendants of "the Van Wart" of Revolutionary
memory, and many others of grand old lineage. Although
this was a volunteer citizen regiment, there were many vet-
eran warriors who composed, with the educated officers,
accomplished in military affairs, a nucleus around which to
form one of the best disciplined and most reliable bodies of
men that ever left the city of New York, or rallied under any
odier name, for the seat of war.
On Sunday a service was regularly held in the forenoon, to
which all were invited, but the attendance was not compul-
sory. In addition to the service the " Articles of War" were
read. It was the great day for visitors from the city, who
came by boat and private conveyance, bringing the news-
papers to their friends, and sometimes the remembrances
from home which are not found in a soldier's bill of fare. A
party made a visit to the fort fiom a private yacht, one of
their friends being enlisted in the regiment. They desired
permission from the Colonel to give their friend a sail, but
ti'io indulgence was not to be tb.ought of. They were so wroth
at ihc refusal, that upon setting sail for their departure, they
showed their d'.*nance by bombarding the fort with a revolver.
2
i
26 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
On Tuesday, April 30th, our first gun was fired, and it was
also the first gun that ever had sent its diunders over the
waters from the ramparts of Fort Scluiyler. It was a brass
piece hoisted into its place by the men.
On the following day, May 1st, we had a different enter-
tainment. Two men, one of them a Metropolitan Police
officer, who had come up and enlisted in his imiform, ran
the guard. They were overtaken by Capt, Dumont, and
put under arrest in the guard -house, and at evening parade
were drummed out. Tuesday, May 7th, the men being nearly
all supplied with their uniforms, made a fine appearance on
drill or dress parade, especially as they were becoming very
proficient. They had been kept hard at work drilling by
companies, and exercising in the simple battalion movements
on the glacis outside the fort. The rapid increase in our
numbers made strict government imperative, and the disci-
pline was more severe and exacting after Lieut.-Col. Warren
entered upon his duties.
There had been some severe storms of wind and rain, which
those on guard were obliged to endure, besides some work
with the spade draining the parade-ground under the direc-
tion of the Lieut.-Colonel, which began to impress upon the
minds of the thoughtless that the life of a soldier was not
that of a sinecurist. In addition to this there was some
grumbling because rifles were not substituted for Springfield
muskets, as was promised on enlisting.
On Thursday, the 9th of May, tne men were examined
by Dr. Alexander B. Mott, and a few were rejected ; the
ranks were full, and he said that a finer body of men could
not be found in Christendom.
We were sworn into the United States service by Capt. T.
Seymour, 1st U. S. Artillery, who was in Fort Sumter at the
time of the bombardment by the rebels. We took the oath to
serve for two years, unless sooner discharged, and the men now
reali^icil that tliey were in fact soldiers of the United States.
From New York to Virginia. 27
At evening parade, on Saturday, May nth, a handsome
stand of colors were presented to the regiment, the gift of
Gkorge Kemp, Esq., of the firm of Lanman & Kemp.
Adjutant Hambhn read the following letter of presentation:
Everett House, May 7, 1861.
COLOXFL A. DURYfE,
Advance Guard, N. V. Vols., Ft. Schuyler :
Sir : — Having been a member of the 7th M. for many years,
during the greater part of which time the corps was under your
command, I have noticed with the utmost interest your gallant
and successful eftbrts to raise a regiment of volunteers in aid of
oar beloved countrj' in her present unhappy difficulties. No one
who is acquainted with your patriotism can be surprised at this
manifestation of your active and most honorable zeal.
All who know your military ability must rejoice that you are
in the field in defense of the National Banner. It is, indeed, a
consolation, at this period of trouble, to feel that if the noble
heritage, bequeathed to us by our fathers, is menaced by treachery
and rebellion. Providence has blessed the land with true hearts
and strong arms ready for the emergency, and has caused to rise
up among us noble and worthy leaders, among whom few are to
be named before our old commander of the National Guard,
Colonel Duryee.
I now take leave, sir, to present to you, for the Advance Guard
of New York Volunteers, a flag of the United States, emblem of
our dear country's prosperity, might, and happiness — not less, I
sincerely believe, in the future than in the past. This color will
Ik? presented to you, on my behalf, by Mr. Thomas \V. Cart-
wright, Jr., and Mr. John Gillen, both young men of irreproach-
able character and steady habits, who, for the purpose of en-
listing in your regiment, have just suspended their labor of several
>< ars in my employment — to return to it (I trust wiih honor and
'n health) after the triumph of law, order, public faith, a:id of the
Ciiiisiiiutinnal Government of our country shall havecnaMed you
;•> release them from the service which they are now entering
'•vith the most unbounded confidence in their gallant leader.
28 FiftJ', iVezu York Volnntecr Infantry.
May God preserve you, sir, and be favoraljle to the righteous
cause to which, like a true soldier, you have devoted yourself.
Pray accept this flag which I now offer. I know you too well
to doubt that the men who are so fortunate as to serve under you
will bring it back again to this city with honor and in glory.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient sen^ant,
George Kemp.
The colors were handed to Color-Sergeant Charles E.
Mather, of the IJroadway Sc[uad of Police. He was one of
the tallest men in the regiment, being 6 feet 4 inches, and
handsomely proportioned.
The routine of our camp was enlivened a few days after-
ward by the arrival of our band of musicians, which added
a new interest to our dress parades. A Maine regiment,
brought by a steamer, disembarked on Willett's Point,
opposite Fort Schuyler, where they went into camp. Some
of the men paid the Fifth a visit.
Rumors were current in regard to an early departure of the
regiment, and the men were anxious to get into active service.
Every day added to their impatience, as tiiey were willing
to go anywhere to meet the enemy.
On the morning of Wednesday, the 32d, the regiment was
fully armed and equipped, the tents had been struck, and we
were under marching orders. Knapsacks were packed, and
officers and men ready to move when called.
One of tlie daily journals of Xew York gave the following
narrative of our movements to its readers :
" The orders to leave the fort reached the regiment on
Wednesday last, and the prospect of active employment being so
near at hand, delighted the men greatly.
" The greatest activity at once became visible througiiout the
entire encainpiiuiit. llie tents were struck and ev(r\iliing put in
v:i
From Neiv York to Virginia. 29
order for immediate evacuation, \vhen, to the chagrin and dis-
appointment of all hands, orders arrived countermanding those
previously given, and the regiment was doomed to a new and,
what at first appeared, a more acute disappointment. Fortu-
nately the obstacle (whatever it might have been) to their im-
mediate movement was of but brief duration, as the orders post-
poned their march for only one day. Short as it was, however,
there was no disgxiising the fact that both officers and men were
considerably put out of temper by what seemed to be a most ex-
traordinary' course of proceeding. The tents having been struck,
and the regiment placed in readiness to march, all the materials
of comfort and convenience were out of immediate reach, so that
when sleeping-time came on Wednesday evening the men were
left to select the softest grass on which to make their beds. Still
there was no complaint of any kind ; everything was taken as it
turned up, and both officers and men endeavored to accommo-
date themselves to circumstances with the best grace. In this
they altogether succeeded.
" The bivouac of Wednesday night was one of the most
picturesque and delightful that can possibly be imagined. Out
in that lone fort, on the soft, green sward, over eight hundred
men lay down to repose. There was no covering at all above
them save the cerulean .sky, but there, wrapped in their blankets,
they all lay down, and perhaps slept sweeter and sounder for
their devotion to their country' and to their duty, than many
who are enabled to stretch themselves on beds of down. Some
of the officers' tents had not yet been struck, and these were
certainly centers of attraction during the night. Camp fires were
liglited at short distances from each other all along the encamp-
ment, and the watchful sentinel having been placed on his nightly
guard, the whole garrison went safely and quietly to rest. The
scene at the midnight hour, when so many stalwart men were
slce[)ing as calmly as children, was far different from that of the
same aftemoon when the roll was called for the last drill within
the fortification prior to the departure of the regiinent. Over a
thousand citizens from New York, Brooklyn, and adjacent places
Were present to witness what was really a sight worth seeing.
The whole regiment was uniformed in ihe full Zouave costume.
11 ji i
30 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
and armed and accoutred in splendid sU'le, they presented a gal-
lant and unbroken front. The drill of the past month was
certainly not lost upon the men, for their evolutions were as
regular and as perfect as if they had always made the science of
arms their profession. The spectators were delighted with them,
and expressed their pleasure by frequently applauding.
" The tlnal preparations for departure were made early in the
morning. The few tents which had remained standing were
struck, and the baggage of the regiment packed for transmission
to the city. The steamboats chartered to remove the troops
were at the dock at an early hour of the morning, and everybody
was prepared to start."
Thursday, May 2T^. — \\^ left Fort Schuyler at one o'clock
in the afternoon, and embarked on three tugs — the Satellite,
Only Son, and C. P. Smith — the baggage and tents occupy-
ing a fourth.
We were indeed on our way at last. It was an exciting
and exhilarating scene. As the tugs moved off, the fort saluted
each respectively with one gun, and the men on board gave
three hearty cheers for Fort Schuyler, in response to the salute.
The officers and men were all in the highest spirits, and as
we passed the revenue cutter Vixen, near Throg's Neck, each
of the steamers were again saluted.
At Riker's Island, where the Hawkins Zouaves were en-
camped, as the steamboats approached, the men were drawn
up in line on the brow of a hill overlooking the river, in honor
of the Zouaves Three guns were then fired from the fort,
and the men gave three cheers for Hawkins' Zouaves. The
enthusiasm was very great, and cheer after cheer rent the air.
Along the piers as we a})pioached the city, there were
crowds of people who saluted us with clieers and waving of
handkerchiefs.
The bolts landed at the foot of East Fifteenth Street
about four p.m., and upon disembarking, the regiment 7)ro-
ceeded to Fourteenth Street, and after forming in order.
From New York to Virginia. 31
marched through that street to Broadway. The sidewalks
and windows of the houses were thronged with people, and
from every building floated the national flag.
It was a splendid sight, and one that will not soon be for-
gotten by those who witnessed it. The regiment, eight
hundred and forty-eight strong, fully drilled and disciplined,
marched with their long, steady stride in solid ranks, and
eyes to the front, amid the cheers and plaudits of thousands
of spectators.
It was a proud day for the Fifth. Their faces were bronzed
by exposure, and every man of them felt and looked like a
soldier ; but on the other hand, how many a silent tear was
dro|)ped, or a murmured prayer offered by a mother, sister,
or wife for the safe return of the well-beloved one who was
so proudly marching to do battle to preserve a nation, and
die, if need be, under the flag that was waving above him
with its stars and stripes, the emblem of the States, one and
inseparable. The regiment marched to City Hall Park,
which it reached about half-past five o'clock, where they
were reviewed by Mayor Wood, Judge Edmonds, Judge
Davies, Aldermen Brady and Henry, and others of the
Common Council. Superintendent Kennedy and Inspect-
or Carpenter, with a squad of twenty-six of the Eleventh
Precinct Police, were in attendance. A large number of
I.idies and gentlemen occupied the balcony of the Hall,
among whom were General Nye, Dr. A. B. Mott, Conli oiler
Haws, and a number of the officers of Colonel Blenker's
re;4iinent. After going tiirough a parade drill, the Zouaves
marched up Broadway through White and North Moore
Streets to the pier, receiving an ovation at every step. Fi-
nally, a little before sundown, they were all embarked on the
1'>f:^(\ Steamship ALibiVJuu Cai^ain Sclicnck, and bound for
l-ojtrcss Monroe. Kiiul ftieiuis and well-wishers had not
fors.iken ihcm yet. and a> long as the steamer could he
reached, they were showered with fruits. In the meantime
32 Fifth Neiv York Vohcntccr Infantry.
the rigging and sifles of the vessel were swarming uith
Zouaves, some of them climbing even to the trucl->, and
waving their fez cajis in the air. As the steamer drew off
into the stream, the air was rent witli cheers.
The vessel made a short stop in tlie bay, and ihen de-
parted on her seaward path. It was a beautiful mooi:Iight
night, the reflection of the moon's rays on the water making it
look like molten silver. The ship was too much crowded
for comfort, but as it was not a pleasure excursion, ihc men
did not murmur, but made themselves as comfortable as
their new circumstances would permit. Some, unused to
the sea, soon became unpleasantly conscious of the change ;
the ship rolled when it reached the swell of the Adantic ; but
the majority of the men enjoyed the novelty of the situation.
About seventy-five miles out, the steamer was saluttd with
a prize in tow, which was shortly afterward followeil by an-
other. On Friday, the 24th, as we were steaming along, the
cry suddenly resounded through the ship, " Man overboard ! ''
The ship was quickly hove to, and the officers and guard
kept the men in their places. In a few moments some of
the sailors were seen carrying one of their shipmates below,
wet and dripping. The result showed that he was se\ere!y
injured.
On Saturday, the 25th, we were in sight of Fortress Mon-
roe and the men-of-war in the offing, the crews of which
manned the rigging, and loudly cheered us— a compliment
M-liich we returned with loyal vigor. ^Ve were landed at the
(lovernment wharf by the steam-tug Yankee, near the
Hvgeia Hotel, and were surrounded by swarms of soldiers,
wlio asked all manner of questions, and said that they had
but ju-,t cleared out the little village, the Newport of Virginia.
It was not many minutes before every cottage was looked
■•■•"•■:-:!i. and ail sorts of odd traps w :rc fjund, bat of little
■•■■:•:. Oni; uf thi bo)s appeared dressed in a complete
iuilui.1 uniform of tlie ancient style. This amusement did
J to
From New York to Virginia. 33
not last long, a vigilant guard under orders having brought
the men to a halt. It was saddening to see a deserted
village ; one old negro and a few stray dogs and cats were
its only remaining inhabitants.
The regiment was soon formed and marched about two
miles, and encamped, or rather bivouacked, the main body
being located in a wheat-field, the outward post.
* The Colonel took possession of the Segar mansion, which
was delightfully situated near the waters of the bay, and
Company G, Captain Denike, was encamped in a beautiful
orchard near by, as his guard of honor.
This was a splendid location for a camp, with good water
and plenty of oysters, fish, etc., close at hand. A short dis-
tance from this place the largest female seminary in Virginia
was located, but now, of course, deserted, except by the
family in charge, with a itw slaves. The town of Hampton
is about one and a half miles distant, on the other side of
Hampton Creek. The bridge connecting with the town
was burned the day of the landing of the Zouaves, by the
Confederate, Afajor, Carey, and some of our men, skirmish-
ing on their own account, crept near enough to see the rebels
in the act. The Zouaves were complimented by the Con-
federates, at this time, with the name of " Red Devils," which
they retained during the war.
2*
.r. M u. -. ,M
'Of
••/; ... ■■•' IM
Our First Camp in Virginia. 35
The regiment bivouacked for the night, having as yet no
tents. Guards were estabhshed on the outskirts of the
camp, and soon all were slumbering, except those on post.
About midnight two shots were heard, and instantly there
was a tremendous sensation. The drums sounded the long
roll ; it was taken up in the other camps, and excited men
were rushing to arms. Some who were not yet supplied
with muskets formed in line with the rest, with dirk-knives
and revolvers in hand, ready to fight for their lives. But it
was soon learned that one of the sentries had mistaken a
sentry of another regiment for a Confederate, and blazed
away, and was fired at in turn by him. Happily no blood
was shed, and we passed the night without being scalped,
after having one other false alarm. These incidents served
at least the purpose of good exercise in an important part
of a soldier's life.
The events occurring in the regiment were described by a
correspondent of the New York Timfs (Friday, May 31), in
the following; letter :
1761833
" Camp Butler, near Hampton, Va., 1
Tuesday, May 28, 1S61. \
"The New York Fifth, Colonel Duryee, and Second. Colonel
Carr's, regiment, are still encamped between Fortress Monroe
and the old village of Hampton, one of the first settled in Vir-
ginia. The advent of the Zouaves seems to have produced a
panic throughout the surrounding country. The inhabitants
have all fled, with the exception of a frw who adhere to tlie
cause of the Union. 'Red Devils' is the complimentary appe!
lation which the Secessionists have bestowed upon the follow-
ers of Colonel Dur>ee,
" On Sunday night. Captain Waugh, with his entire company,
occupied the Female Seminnrv, a large building, on an elevated
site near the camp, which had given shelter to the enemy. The
American flag now waves over it, and can be seen for miles
around. The same day Captain Kilpatrick made a reconnois-
'--^.
f
rxeraTt
36 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
sance, bringing back valuable information concerning- the forces
of the foe. Major-General Butler, on Monday, reviewed the
Zouaves, and expressed to Colonel Dur^'ce and his officers his
delight with the excellent discipline of the corps, and his appre-
ciation of the abilities of the commandant."
A Confederate of the enemy had been using the cupola
on the top of the Seniinary, as a lookout, and from his lofty
position, from which the country could be seen for miles
around, had been in the habit of signaling information of
anything occurring in the neighborhood of the fortress.
Colonel Duryee therefore took possession of the building,
and, placing the band on the roof, they played the " Star
Si)angled Banner," while he raised the stars and stripes to
the flag-staff, amid the cheers of his men.
General Butler issued the following proclamation, appoint-
ing Colonel Durye'e to the command of all the forces at Old
Point Comfort :
Fortress Monroe, Va., )
May 27, 1 86 1. f
Special Orders, No. 5.
Colonel A. Duryee, Fifth Regiment New York Volunteers,
will at once assume command of the camp of the two New York
regirnents, Segar's farm, and issue such orders and make such
regulations, consistent with the Articles of War, as will insure
good order and a thorough system of instruction and discipline ;
he will see that a proper guard is posted each night over the
well, and on and near the bridge leading toward the tort,- in such
manner that there can be no danger of harm to them. .-\ny
depredations committed on the property of citizens, or any un-
necessary inconvenience imposed upon them by any member of
the conmiand, must be promptly noticed, and reported in writing
to the Major-General commanding the Department.
By command of
Major-Ccneral BUTLF.R.
Grh-.r Tai-.madgp:,
Acting As:ista}it Ai^j'-i-f^Jif-Ctiternl.
Our First Camp in Virginia. 37
Proclamation by Colonel Duryee.
To the Inhabitants of Hampton and vicinity :
Having been placed, by order of Major-General Butler, in
command of the troops in this vicinity, outside of the walls of
Fortress Monroe, I hereby notify all, that their rights of person
and property \vill be entirely respected ; that their co-operaiion
in maintaining law and order is expected, both by reporting every
violation of them when committed by any one attached to the
camp, and by preserving local order and restraining such of their
fellow-citizens as may entertain perverted intentions.
You can rely that ail offenses against you will be severely
punished ; that no effort will be spared to detect the guilty ; and
that you, as a community, will also be held responsible for every
act committed by any one of your number where the particular
offender is not surrendered. Be assured that we are here in no
war against you, your liberty, your property, or even your local
customs ; but to keep on high that flag of which your own great
son was the bearer ; to sustain those institutions and those laws
made by our ancestors and defended by their common blood.
Remember all these things, and if there be those among you
who, maddened by party feeling, misled by willful falsehoods or
a mistaken sense of duty, have thought to obliterate the national
existence, let them at least pause till they learn the true value of
what they have imperilled, and the nature of that into which they
are asked to plunge. We have all confidence that in Virginians
in arms against us we have honorable foes, whom we hope yet to
make our friends.
Colonel A. Duryee,
Acting Brigadier-Gftieral.
The Times correspondent, a few days later, photographed
the Fifth as follows :
Camp Butler, near Hampton, Va., /
Sunday, June 1, 1861. S
The friends of Coknel Dur\i'e's Zouaves, who greeted with so
i-i;c}i enthusiasm their first public parade in New York, would
have been gratified beyond measure had they been here yesterday
38 Fifth Nexv York Volunteer hifantry.
to witness the battalion-drill in the morning-, conducted by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Warren, and the brigade evolutions, under the
direction of Acting- Brigadier-General Duryt'-e, in the afternoon.
A command composed as this is, constantly under military dis-
cipline, in camp, makes wonderful progress in the course of a
single week. They are something more than holiday soldiers,
who know how to make a brilliant dress parade, on State occa-
sions, over Russ pavement. If you could see them maneuvering
on rough, plowed ground, covered with dust, forming- in line of
battle, springing into column, compressed into close column
by division, deploying into hollow square, charging bayonet as
one man, firing by file, by company, and by wing — performing
with precision all the evolutions which make war wonderful and
soldiering a science — you would imagine that they were veterans
of ver)' long standing, rather than hewers of wood, and drawers
of drafts, and drivers of quills, who have left their trades, their
banking-houses, or their professions, to fight for the old flag that
traitors have dared to dishonor.
We have, as \et, had no collision with the enemy, but it has not
been because no opportunity has been afforded the secessionists
for coming in daily contact with the things they loathe.
On Tuesday, May 28th, Captain Judson Kilpatrick, an officer
educated at West Point, in command of Company H, who knows
no fear — except the fear that he shall not speedily have an oppor-
tunity of paying his compliments to the foe — left camp with forty
men, and proceeded to the bridge at Hampton, which had been
burned by the enemy, designing to repair it. He found it so
much injured tliat with the implements at hand he could not re-
construct it. He built two docks, took possession of about thirty
boats, opened a safe and easy communication with the village,
crossed, took possession, and after posting a strong guard at the
bridge-head, scoured the country for miles. After leaving the
village, he received information that about one thousand seces-
sionists were at hand. Nothing daunted, the intrepid Captain,
throwing out scouts in advance, rapidly passed up the nxui
toward Vorkunvn, and arrived at Newmarket Bridge just m time
to 3ce a small force of the enemy pass over, taking up the planks
as they left. On his return he dispersed a body of twenty-five
Our First Camp in Virginia. 39
men, who had fired on Mr. Isaac Case, agent of Messrs. Wheeler
& Wilson, of sewing-machine celebrity, who accompanied the
regiinent to take care of a charger, worth $600, presented to
Major J. Mansfield Davies by that firm. He caijtured one horse,
three mules, four drums, harness, several hundred bushels of
grain, arms and military stores. Leaving these in charge of a
small guard, commanded by Lieutenant Carlisle Boyd* — one of
those quiet, gentlemanly men, who at the post of danger generally
give a better account of themselves than the blusterers — he re-
turned to Hampton, where he caused to be published to the as-
sembled citizens the proclamation of General Duryee. Again
crossing the stream, he raised the Stars and Stripes on the build-
ing but recently occupied by Colonel Mallor\', of the Contederate
army. His men stood around him while the ceremony was per-
forming and greeted the flag with rousing cheers. The Captain
made them a stirring little speech, to which they responded
heartily. And then, after a day well spent, marched back to
camp, bearing many trophies with him.
The next day, ?vLay29th, Capt. Hiram Duryea, of E Company,
marched far back into the country, meeting armed men who fled
like deer at his approach. His men were " sp'ilin' for a fight,"
and bitterly denounced " the chivalry " for the retiring manners
for which they are becoming noted in these parts. He brought
back large quantities of provisions and tools.
The same day Lieut. Jacob Dun,-ce, of Company G, son of the
Colonel, raised the flag of our Union over ex-President Tvler's
summer residence, " Marguerite Villa," at Hampton. It was an
offset to the performance of Mr. Tyler's daughter, who a short
time since, it wUl be remembered, hoisted a secession flag at a
village somewhere at the South. On Thursday, May 30th, Capt.
Robert S. Dumont, of Company B, went on a scouting exptfdition.
in the course of which he met many armed men in uniform, who
uniformly carried themselves back into the interior of old Vir-
ginia at a quadruple quickstep. Lieut. Dumont, with a few men,
<'r..ve a superior ftirce into the woods, and returned with a ven,-
lir^e feather in iiis cap. Capt. LHmiont brought back itifi.mia-
(ion of so much importance concerning the position of the oj)-
* Captain U. S. A. (1878^
40 FiftlL Xc7i' York Volioitcrr Infantry
[ posing- forces, that it was communicated to Gen. Butler in a writ-
1 ten report. Capt. Denike, of Company G, and Capt. Swartwout.
f of Company F, have made similar armed excursions with equally
j important results. Col. Dur}-ee himself, with a small force, a
I few days ago returned into camp from Hampton, bearing with
[ him the first secession flag that has been captured.* and a quan-
j tity of arms, odd portions of uniforms, etc.. which had belonged
\ to the secessionists. This morning the men attended divine serv-
I ice on the lawn in front of the Colonel's quarters. Rev. Dr.
IWinslow, the Chaplain, conducted the exercises and preached a
very eloquent sermon. Dr. Winslow is a parson of the old Revo-
lutionary- school, and, on the Colonel's staff, will be as serviceable
1 in the field as he is in the pulpit. Yesterday, under his direction,
I a bridge was built over a little stream which divides one of the
f outposts from the camp.
I Thus the week has passed, not without its excitements.
\ Rumors were constantly brought into camp that the enemv was
\ advancing in force, and the men have slept on their arms nightly.
[ They evince an excellent militar)' spirit.
i The appointment of Col. Duryee to the post of Acting Briga-
l dier-General leaves Lieut.-Col, Warren in command of the Zou-
i aves. Col. Warren has been many years in the regular ser\'icc,
t is an accomplished officer, and an excellent disciplinarian. A
I few nights ag-o, when scouts rushed in out of breath, reporting
I that the enemy was advancing in a large body to cut off the
r picket guard at Hampton Bridge, Col. Warren, without alarming-
I the camp, proceeded with only three men to take command of tlic
[ ^:s.xi\, and remained all night with it. It was not rashness on
\ his part, by any means, for he knew well how to post his little
I force so that the enemy could not get the best of him.
The Adjutant of the regiment. Joseph E. Hamblin, has been
offered the position of Adjutant-General, but has declined it. He
** fully deserved the compliment, and the whole regiment was
•This flat:, which still hnd a threaded needle sticl^iii;; in it, wa^ presented by
Col. Dury.'^ to the New V,.rk Histnric.U .Society. The first Cnfcder ite Mn,' tal<en
in the fi.rhl ..WIS captured in .Vlexundri.i, Va., on May 23d, by t»„ U:ii..n men
named William McSpe Ion, of New York Cily, and Samuel Smith, of (Juecns
County, N. Y. On May 24th Col. Ellsworth captured the Confeder.-ite flas, and
lost his life, at Alexandria, Va.
'V:;/.-:
Our First Cavip in Virginia. 41
pleased with it. But the whole regiment would have united in a
I'lutcst ag-ainst his leaving the command ; and his reason for
(Ifclinmg the promotion was that he was so much attached to the
regiment that he could not endure to be detached. No man in
ti.o regiment has performed multifarious and arduous duties bet-
ter, and is more respected by his brother ofticers and beloved by
tiic men th;m Adjutant Hamblin.
There are now four regiments encamped here — Col. Allen's,
Col. Carr's, Col. Bartlett's. and the Zouaves. The laws protect-
ing the property of private citizens are strictly enforced by the
Brigadier, and those of the people that remain are on excellent
terms with the soldiers, while families that at first fled are begin-
ning to return. As soon as it becomes generally known that they
will nowhere be safer from insult, violence, and lawlessness than
within our lines, the deserted villages in this delightful neighbor-
hood will again be populated.
We have experienced as yet but few comparatively of the hard-
ships of a soldier's life. We are particularly fortunate in being
sent to this delightful Old Point Comfort. It is one of the healthi-
est places in the world, and no point could have been selected at
which an army may be concentrated, provisioned, and kept in
good sanitary condition, that is superior to this. And nature's
great bath-tub lies at our feet. We may go further and fare worse.
G. C.
On Tuesday, the 4th, only two com])ar.ies were left in
camp ; the rest v/ere sent on a scout to Fox Hill, about five
Fniles distant. They were accompanied by the Troy regi-
ment and others, and expected to have a fight. The night
before had been a trying one ; the regiment was out on
parade, when a storm, which had been tlireatening to break
at any moment, burst u])on them in all its fury. The men
were dismissed to their tents, but before reaching them were
tompletely drenched. The tents were small, and not being
^^•'tci-j>roof, the rain soaked through so much that the inmates
:'nd tile contents were thoroughly wet. The earth floors
'"au;4ht the drii)[>ings, and were soon turned into muddy
42 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
beds. The men passed a sleepless and disagreeable night ;
the whole camp was flooded, and the next day blankets,
overcoats, Bibles, and Prayer-books were spread out to dry,
and the men waited patiently for their clothing to dry on
their backs.
The provisions were scant at times, and the officers were
disposed to be cross — a feature which did not make matters
any more cheerfu'.
Much of the spare time of the men when off duty was oc-
cupied in cleaning their arms and accoutrements, and it was
required of them that they be kept in prime order, or the
guard-house or extra duty awaited the delinquent ; and as
nothing was allowed to rub them with, the men were com-
pelled to use earth and old pieces of rags, if they could be
procured. But all, both otticcrs and privates, were held to
a strict account in their various spheres of duty, and the
discipline was very severe. It may have been rigorous, but
it was the only way to make good soldiers of such a diver-
sified body of men as composed this regiment.
• On Wednesday, June 5th, Sergeant I) , of Company
G, resigned as a non-commissioned officer, on account of
being reproved by Captain D , of Co. B, the officer of the
day, for not compelling six men who had been with others
on a scout of fifteen miles that day, to leave their supper
immediately, and take seme prisoners down to Fortress
^ronroe. The Captain himself had been lying in camp nil
day. Exposure and hard service were beginning to show
their effect on the men, and there were a number on the
sick-list, several being sent to the hospital. In the morning
the sound of heavy cannonading was heard in the distance.
It was probably some of the men-of-war bombarding Con-
federate batteries near Norfolk.
Captain Winslow, Lieutenant Hoyt. and Lieutenant Fer-
guson, with Company K, and a company of the Second Troy
Regiment, made a nocturnal expedition into the interii^r,
Ojir First Camp in Virginia. 43
capturing two men, a secession flag, uniforms, and other
troiihies.
According to the following extract from the New York
Ddily Times, the flag was presented to the Union Defense
Committee of New York :
" Oiiartermaster Bailey INIyers arrived yesterday from Fortress
Monroe, bringing the secession flag which was captured by Colo-
nel Duryee's " Red Devils," the Zouaves, at Hampton. The trophy
was sent by Major-General Butler through C2uartermaster Myers
to the Union Defense Committee, with a letter highly compli-
menting Colonel Duryee and his command. The flag is made of
a coarse red and white flannel, with a blue field of the same
material, the stars, eight in number, being made of white cloth ;
the ends are somewhat whipped out by the wind. It is at the
rooms of the Committee."
The Fox Hill expedition having returned, I can not do
better than give the full report of Lieutenant-Colonel War-
ren, who was in command :
Camp Butler, June ^, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of an ex-
pedition in front of our lines, on the 3d and 4th instants. About
4 P.M. on the 3d instant I was handed a communication from
Colonel Allen, addressed to Colonel Duryee, commanding the
brigade, which was as follows :
Camp Dix, June 3, 1S61.
Colonel Duryee:
Sir: — I am directed by General Butler to call upon you for a
detachment of men to accompany three companies of my regi-
m"nt to ascertain the correctness of the reported capture of 126
f'tiicrrs and men of the regiment, this morning, at Fox Hill, and,
if so, to recapture them, or if not, to conduct them in.
In haste, yours,
W. H. Allev,
Colonel First Rtginier.t.
And, at the same time, I was directed to have ready a detach-
44 Fifth Ncii' York Volunteer Infantry.
ment for the purpose. Orders were right away given by me to
Captain Hull, Captain Kilpatrick, Captain Wiiislow, and Captain
Bartlett, to have their companies in readiness, with canteens,
haversacks containing one day's rations, and fifteen rounds of
ammunition in their cartridge-boxes. This was promptly com-
plied with, and at 5 P.M. we received the order to march, cross
the river at Hampton, and interrupt any parties returning toward
Yorktown or Williamsburgh from the neighborhood of Fox Hill.
Owing to sickness and the number of men detailed for guard,
the aggregate force of the four companies was only eight officers
and 200 men. As Captain Kilpatrick's company were drilled in
the duty of skirmishers, it was thrown in advance after crossing
over to Hampton, and seized the cross-road about a mile beyond,
at which point any land expedition returning from Fox Hill would
be compelled to pass. The main body passed through Hampton,
but being overtaken by a violent rain-storm, took shelter in an
abandoned house, and waited there till dawn of day. Numbers
of colored persons were examined, and all agreed that no force
had passed in the direction of Fox Hill, nor could any rumor of
the capture of Colonel Allen's men be discovered.
I determined, however, to advance in the direction of YorktowTi
sufficiently far to show forces at that place that they could not
conduct small expeditions with impunity so near to us, and be-
sides to assure the citizens that all our authorized expeditions
would respect peaceable persons and property. With these ob-
jects 1 concluded to go to a place called the County .Bridge,
about nine miles from Hampton, where there was said to be a
batter)- of several cannon, and capture it if practicable. About
two and a half miles beyond Hampton we came to Newmarket
Bridge, which spans a branch of Bark River. This was partially
destroyed by fire, hut not so much so that we did not succeed in
making it passable in a few minutes.
About two miles further on the scouts in advance met a wagon
containing two or three men, who at once turned around and
fled. Several shots were fired over them to induce them to stop,
but without rUVct. Fr.im that tir.v; on we frcqurntl'/ saw men
on our flanks in the wdods, ami heard shots, giving warning of
our advance. At one house, where there were several women.
Our First Camp in Virginia. 45
our passing by caused great terror, and their lamentations were
piteous. Their cries, " Oh, my dear father ; oh, my dear brother,"
and entreated us to go back and spare the shedding of blood,
fell painfully on our ears. The presence of Rev. Dr. Winslow
and Ur. Gilbert, however, soon quieted them. Some of my men
filled their canteens at the well as we passed on. We reached
the County Bridge at 9 A.M. The stream is a branch of the Bark
River, and is easily forded, and the bridge is uninjured. There
is a frame building church on the other side, in rather a dilapi-
dated condition. No human being was in the vicinity, nor did it
give evidence of having been occupied, except by a few persons,
since the rain.* Trees cut down near the bridge indicated that
arrangements had been made to dispute its passage. There
were no breastworks other than an old pit. which had prol>ably
been a cellar, which would have effectually sheltered about fifty
men. The floor of the church was strewn with corn-cobs, and
had been, probably, occupied as a stable.
We were told that horsemen, to the number of forty, came
here every night, and that the guns were removed last Saturday,
the 1st inst. Some letters, all of a private nature, picked up in
the vicinity, indicated a speedy abandonment of the place. We
regretted very much to find no enemy there, as the vicinity is
ver\' favorable to infantry operations. We returned by a road
about one mile to the east of the one by which we advanced,
and which crosses the stream, the bridge of which we had re-
paired in the morning, about one and a half miles lower down.
The heat of the sun, on our return, was intense, but on reaching
this stream again about 3 P.M., a violent shower came on us, and
soon all were wet to the skin. The bridge at this point was
entirely destroyed, so we concluded to ford it. Finding the
water over the men's heads, the passage was accomplished by
swimming. A few who could not swim were passed over on a
little scow which was there. This filled once with water, with
three men in it who could not swim, but these were all rescued
at once bv those who could. It continued to rain, with slight.
* ir.i^ Bct'u-li, " Rep-rt .^f Committee on the Cniidiict' of tlie W.ir," iVol. I. p
"''■''..1 t General W.irren ^:lys : " I h^J liecn un the t;pnind six d.iyj previously. anJ
h.«d rtconuoiiercd it, tliuivgh iiubuily then preiont knew that I h.id done so."
4.6 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
intermission, till our return to our camp, about 5i P.M. The
expedition was out about twenty-four hours. The sleep the men
got was while under arms in the house at Hampton, lying on
the floor. Owing to inexperience and eagerness to set out, my
directions for supplying theihselves with rations were imperfectly
complied with, and they suftered severely for want of something
to eat. Nothing, however, was taken from the people along the
road but a little corn-bread and milk, which was paid for at more
than twice its value.
The cheerful manner in which most of the command bore their
hard march under a broiling sun, and crossed a deep stream by
swimming, and finished the last four miles of their march in
their jaded condition, with wet clothes, over a muddy road, all
show what they may accomplish in the future. And the respect
paid to persons and property was, in my opinion, as great a
triumph for our cause as would have been a victory over armed
men.
After describing the immense resources of the country, in
wheat and corn, fowls and cattle, and tliat if he had been
directed to do so he could have brought in large numbers of
the latter, the report continues :
The only thing taken was a horse, which was given to the
Rev. Dr. Winslow to ride. It was in the possession of a negro
boy, who said it belonged to a man (not his master) who had
joined the secessionists. A fine Pointer dog followed us in from
one of the deserted houses. The negroes we met were seem-
inglv glad to see us. The poor whites seem to desire neutrality,
though many of them are with the secessionists. On our return
we met a young gentleman with two beautiful, well-dressed
ladies — one of them very young — going in a buggy toward York-
town. I begged them to stay at home and aid us in restoring
peace to their country, and told them that I would insure them
protection, and also requested the gentK-nian lo iiifurm others
Iv. met in tlie place to uhicii lie was ropairin-- to the samecliect,
He s.iid he would do so, but it would do no good ; they would
not believe us. He said frankly that the procianiatiun of General
Our First Cauip in Virginia. 47
Hullcr had proved but a snare to those who trusted in it ; that
his uncle, Mr. Sinclair, had seen all his chickens killed before his
c-\'.s, not even the mother of a little brood was spared ; houses,
tn.i, had been plundered of their furniture, and people would
never return again while a Northern man remained on the soil
of \'irginia. To one of the ladies, at her request, I gave the
IcUcrs we picked up at the County Bridge, the only proof I could
:s'ivc of my sincerity. It is in vain to attempt to pacify or render
these people friendly, unless the greatest rigor is used, not
Tji.TcIy toward those who are caught com.mitting depredations,
which is difficult to do, but toward every one found beyond some
'itablished line without authority. I would respectfully suggest
that no more seizures of cattle or provisions shall be made, even
sUu-n left behind by avowed secessionists. They will otherwise
iMrr>- it off or destroy it. But if it remain unmolested by us, we
uiil find abundance of means at hand to sustain us whenever we
> house to advance in force. Small scouting parties in front of
< ur lines keep up a needless alarm, and must fail in capturing
<lflachments of the enemy, who, being well mounted and ac-
<i-iainted with the country, fiee at our approach. Besides, these
sc.iuting parties tend to demoralize the regiment, and prevent
that attention to drill and discipline so essential to the real
''pcrations of war. Let us remain quietly within our lines, pre-
paring for the greater struggle ; let our foes even think we fear
' them, if thereby their temerity may place them more within our
^rr.isp ; and when we do move, let it be like the bound of the lion
from his covert.
Then after describing the character of the country for
;nilitary operations, the report closed by saying :
f celing that any compliment paid by me to the men under my
command might be constr-ued as an indirect one to myself, I
respectfully submit this report of their march without further
comment.
Very respectfully, ynur obedient,
G. K. Warren,
Lit-ut.-Col. Com. Expedition.
I'J Colonel A. DuRvi^.E, Com. -^th Regiment, X. Y. S. V.
.)Wu.e.w«
48 Fifth Nczu York VoliDitccr Infantry.
The following narrative is by the correspondent of the
New York Times :
On the morning- of the 4th, at about I o'clock. Captain H.
Dur\ea took a detachment of three companies and started for
Fox Hill to rescue the men of Colonel Allen's regiment, who
were reported to have been captured by the rebels. After a
forced march of nine miles they arrived at a farm-house at Fox
Hill, where it was reported that there was an intrenched enemy,
but there was none to be found.
They halted there a short time, and procuring a guide, started
Tor Back River, a distance of five miles further on ; but on ar-
riving there they were again doomed to disappointment — the
enemy had gone.
Lieutenant George Duryea took twenty men, and started up
the river to secure boats. While on this duty he stopped at a
farm-house owned by a Union man, who offered him and his
men a bountiful breakfast, which was declined, though milk and
corn-bread were furnished to the men. He secured a few boats,
but soon after an aide from head(}uarters reported that Colonel
Allen's regiment was safe, so the boats were not needed, and a
return to camp was ordered, by a different route, however, the
command passing through Hampton. While passing through
the village. Lieutenant Burnett, with a flanking party in advance,
was struck on the right breast by a spent ball, inflicting but a
slight wound, the ball falling from his shirt to the ground. It
did not keep him from pursuing the march. With this single
exception, everybody arrived safely in camp after a march ot ten
hours. On Saturday afternoon we had another general call to
arms, by a report that two companies of the Troy regiment were
being attacked at Hampton. The men sprang into the ranks ;
some of the Troy regiment rushed down to Hampton, without
waiting for the connnanJ ; aides were galloping along the road at
full speed; and the Zouaves, with trfteen rounds of ammunition,
left their camping-ground and halted at the main road. There
were a few miiiutes of suspense, and then word came that it was
a false alarm. The news was received wiili great disappv>int-
ment, and the men marched downcast back to camp.
CHAPTER IV.
BIG BETHEL.
SlNDAY F.VENING ORDERS— OuR COMRADES— A LOVAL NeGRO— CaPTAIM KiL-
patkick's Advanxe- a Virginia Prisoner— A Fat.\i. Mistake— Big Bethel
—A Wounded Comrade— A Soldier's Tribute— Death of Lieutenant
Gkeble— Honorable Mention— A Naval Commander— Correspondence
OF the New York Tribune— Vi-ag of Truce.
Sunday, the 9th of June, was spent in the usual duties as-
signed to the day. The regiment was out on parade as
u^^ual. After it was dismissed, the men were again assem-
bled, and each man supi)hed with twenty rounds of cartridges
m addition to what he had in his cartridge-box. Ail was bustle
and activity. The men felt confident they were going out
I'll an expedition somewhere, but in what direction was
entirely unknown.
Taps were sounded at the usual hour, and all not on spe-
cial duty were ordered to their tents. A few minutes later
ilic orderlies of the companies went to each tent, and in an
imdertone notified the occupants that at half-past ten o'clock
every man would be called to immediately equip without
noise or hght, and fall in line in front of the tents ; each man
was to be supplied with one day's rations and a canteen of
u.iter.
They were to tie the white turban twice around the left
arm, as a distinguishing mark, and the watchword " Boston "
was given. Several able-bodied men were detailed to re-
;"it t(i the surgeons, from which it was inferred that some-
*'■'!.; in earnest was to be done. About 9.30 r..\i. a body
<-'f iiiL-n marched away tVom the legiment ; they made ^o iit-
I'O noise that it seemed a mystery where they came from.
, ; /■
i
50 Fiftr .\vTt' York Volufitcer Infantry.
They were Co:. litanies H and I, under the command of Cap-
tains Kilpatiick and Bartlett respectively, and were to proceed
in advance of the regiment as scouts and skirmishers, and
also to stop all persons that might be going from Hampton
toward the encinv, It was now understood that the regiment
was to act in cor.cert with Colonel Eendix's 7th New York
(Steuben Rilles) from Newport News, for the purpose of sur-
prising and capnuiing at the point of the bayonet, if possible,
a Confederate camp, at a place about eleven miles from
Hampton, and known as Bk; ]U:thf,l.
Two other regiments were to follow as supports in case
they were required— Col. Carr's 2d New York (Troy regi-
ment), and C<- uMitl Townsend's 3d New York (Albany regi-
ment). Lieutenant Greble, of the 2d Artillery, with eleven
regulars and one riiled six-pounder from the fortress, accom-
panied the expedition. A negro named George Scott, who
had been working on the Confederate earthworks, had run
away, and giver. L-iich information to General Butler, that
he determined to send a force against them, and hence the
present movemeiit.
The negro acrompanied the forces as a guide, being sup-
plied at his request with a ritle and ammunition. At mid-
night, the regiment being in line, 740 strong, and fully pre-
pared to move, tlio order was given to march. They accord-
ingly fded off on the road, and soon reached Hampton River,
which was crossed in boats under the charge of the naval
brigade. This occasioned some delay, but the march was
soon resumed, the men stepping off briskly at route step and
arms at will, 'i'he men were all in good spirits and sanguine
of success. .Vfter coveting about six miles of ground, a halt
was ordered
Those on the ii^,'ht of the regiment, at head of column, saw
a briglit light ijointing toward the enemy's position. It was
a Confederate si-i.al. Further on another was seen, and
again we came to a ^light halt. For the purpose of undei-
Big Bethel. \ 5 1
standing our position at this time, we will follow Captain
Kilpatrick's movements.
As already stated, he and Captain Bartlett, with their coni-
paiiies, left camp two hours before the departure of the main
l)ody of the regiment. He advanced cautiously after getting
beyond Hampton, and established pickets one and a quarter
and two and a half miles beyond that village, with the
necessary reserves.
The pickets fell in with the regiment as it came up to
where they were posted. After reaching Newmarket Bridge,
Captain Kilpatrick took twenty men with him, after the regi-
ment came up to a sup[)orting distance, and advanced again,
posting now and then a picket at important points. Aftei
il)proaching to within a short march of New County
Uridge, he saw through the trees what was supposed to be a
camp fire. He halted his men and held a short consultation
with his non-commissioned officers, among whom there was
a diversity of opinion, some thinking that it was a Confeder-
ate camp, and others that it was only a picket outpost.
He determined to reconnoiter and ascertain to a certainty
'I possible, and accordingly selected a squad of eight men
tor the purpose : Sergeant Benjamin F. Onderdonk, Corporal
Andrew B. Allison, Samuel Wilson, Andrew Whitehead, John
Kuck, James S. Boyd, Fred. Bollet, and Edward Engel.*
1 U'.-y crept carefully through the woods, when suddenly they
*xTe brought to a halt by a challenge : " Who goes there ? "
I iu-y did not answer. The challenge was repeated a second
- d third time, when Kilpatrick immediately answered : "Who
"taiids there ? " A prompt reply came : '' A Virginian." And
•»' ihe same time they heard steps pattering on the road in re-
''^'••\X, and also saw a horseman, who was not vet mounted.
•■.ii:t ' ';ii.!iri!n:ik subiemiently was Colontl of ihc rst Mounted Ritlei, .-ind
•^ ■ 'f '■fU.iu'ior-Geiier.il; AUi-on uas killed :U second Hull Rmi. .i;- colcr-bearer
■■•>: I Mix • It.^yd iu.;t his arm ; Bollet received four wounds ; and Enjjel was
•••"Hi uouiiJcd in the same eni.iweniciit.
52 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
making preparations to leave. Corporal Allison sprang in ad-
vance, ordering him to halt, and supposing the enemy in
force, the Captain gave his squad the order, "Fire and
charge ;" which was instantly obeyed, the rest of his com-
pany following them. The whole atfair was over in a mo-
ment. Sam Wilson, putting his hand on the horseman's
shoulder, who had not time to mount, ordered him to sur-
render, at the same time disarming him of one of his revolv-
ers, while another took the remaining one from his belt.
On the prisoner instinctively feeling for them, he found they
were gone, upon which he delivered his sword. It was an
unusually long and sharp one. The prisoner proved to be
a Captain Whiting, and the officer of the guard. He was a
splendid-looking specimen of a Southerner, standing more
than six feet in height, and a perfect gentleman. He was
taken with an escort to the rear.
The main body of the regiment had now come up on a
double-quick on hearing the reports of the pieces. Soon after
this occurred heavy firing was heard in the rear, in which the
report of cannon could be distinguished, and supposing that
the enemy had in some way come in contact with the New-
port News regiment, the Fifth was right-abouted and marched
double-quick about two miles back on the road by which
it had just approached. Company K, Capt. Winslow, being
thrown out on the right as skirmishers, advanced through
thick woods and wet wheat-fields. It being now about day-
light, upon coming up to where the firing had been heard, it
was discovered that a most lamentable mistake had occurred.
Col. Bendix, with his commind, the ^i\\ New Yotk, who
marched from Newport News in comi^any with detachments
of the sth Massachusetts and of Col. Phelps' Vermonc
regiment, who were to meet and act in conj unction with the
Zouaves, according to the i>lan dc\ iscd to surprise and cap-
ture the Confederate camp at Dig liethel. discovered Col.
Townsend's 3d New York, who were marching with twc
■ ' • .'I'M-"
.. , - •: Big Bethel. -;i - - 53
twelve-pound howitzers, on the main road from Hampton,
r.'.Iowing the Fifth at a proper supporting distance as a re-
serve ; and in the uncertain light of the morning, supposing
that they were an enemy, opened fire upon them, and before
the mistake was discovered had killed and wounded eleven
of Col. Townsend's men. It was saddening to see them lying
at the little house just off the road, the victims of careless-
ness or want of discretion, although prompted by patriotic
zeal and courage. Half an hour after, the Zouaves, under
orders, singing the " Star Spangled Banner " and other patri-
otic songs, went hurrying back to the attack.*
Before marching, however, a detail of five men was made
from Company G — Benj. F. Finley, John Gillen, Ed. Hoff-
man, James Martin, and E. AI. Law — to burn down a hand-
some residence from which a shot had been fired at Surgeon
Howe, of the rst New York, who took charge of the detail
personally.t It was ascertained to a certainty that the shot
was fired by the owner of this elegant place, a Mr. Whiting,
who was also an officer of the Confederate army. He was
seen escaping to the woods from the rear of the premises,
and the negroes also confirmed the intelligence. It was
handsomely furnished with all that a refined taste could sug-
gest ; but before applying the torch, the former slaves of the
owner were allowed to appropriate clothing and whatever
■ • r.en. Warren, " Report of Coram"tte<; on the Conduct of the War," Vol. I., p. 383:
" It was planned for a night attack with very new troops; some of them had never
y^r-n tnught to even load and fire. It was planned to proceed from two different
I«inii distant from each other six or seven miles. The ground between was un-
known, and then the map wliich Gen. Rutler furnished was a wrong map, made in
i4i1, and the roads were .ill laid down wrong. The specific p<^unts of instruction
*erc that the troops at Newport News being some three miles nearer, should start
•>!'■ ut an hour after the otheis. The true state of the case w.as that they were
■«'- "'. f iir mile-, nearer, and that brought on the collision which took place, and
'•''■'. I .^ i'-.e\i!.i!i'ic. I think the two roi^iniciits, when they arrived on the croiind
■ •:•■-• early nvjrniiii;, finding things not at a'.l as they bad been instructed, were
Mi.tl.icd in firins on each rither. I am satisfied of that."
t < illen was subsequently wounded and crippled, and HolTman killed at second
»3'iU Run,
54 Fifth Ncii) York Volunteer Infaittry.
their fancy dictated, while Hoft'man played the " Star Sj^an-
gled Banner" and other airs on the elegant piano; after
which, Col. Duryde having arrived at the scene, the torch
was applied, and on the return march back to camp, there
was nothing left of house or contents but the brick chimney
and a heap of smouldering ruins.
A consultation of officers was now held as to future move-
ments. Col. Duryee was of the opinion that the object of
the whole movement — a surprise of the Confederate camps
— h.aving been defeated, it was not good judgment to ad-
vanc ; any further, but he would advance if it was the wish
of the majority. The latter course was soon decided upon,
and Capt. Kilpatrick, wi:h his Company H, and Capt. Bart-
lett, of Company I, again took the advance as scouts and
skirmishers, ahead and on the flanks of the regiment. We
soon reached Little Bethel, which the Colonel had particular
instructions to destroy. It was a low wooden structure, and
was a noted place of meeting for the secessionists of that
part of the country, where they planned and matured their
schemes of treason. In a few moments it was a mass of
burning ruins. Further on, when a short halt was made,
some of the Zouaves went into a house on the roadside, and
soon appeared with a large earthen pot of honey. But they
were not left to enjoy it alone, as they were surrounded in a
moment and a score of hands were fighting to get a dip at
that unheard-of luxury in camp life. Soon everybody had a
fistful, and were licking their dripping fingers with keen rel-
ish, when suddenly we heard the comtnand, " Fall in ! Shoul-
der arms ! March ! " Here was a dilemma not anticipated,
but it was the work of a moment to stoop down and grasp a
handfiil of earth to remove the honey from the hand. After
niarthing some distance we caine to a halt near a country
school-house. In a tsvinklin.; it was fall of loyal visitors, of
whom one played master mounted on the platform, and was
trying to preserve order by pou'.iding the desk with a heavy
-f ;;-.'
■ 1 ; : It
■■' . ' I
■ -. Big Bethel. 55
s'.ick, when he was assailed by such a cloud of books and
fiatcs that he was glad to vacate. Some were at the black-
board hanging Jeff Davis with a piece of chalk ; others writ-
ing not very complimentary messages to " the secesh " in
^•oneral, which must have provoked their ire if they were
read after our departure. But this amusement was suddenly
cut short by the appearance of an officer, who ordered them
to immediately rejoin the command.
At 8 A.M. Captain Kilpatrick met and drove in the enemy's
picket guard. He then detached twenty men from his
company, made a reconnoissance, and found the enemy about
two or three thousand strong, who, as was afterward ascer-
tained, were under the command of Colonel Magruder.
'1 hey were posted on the opposite side of a stream, which
was the north-west branch of the Back River, on ground
shgluly elevated. The road passed down a hollow as it
neared the approach to the bridge over the stream in front
of their works, which widened out on each ilank into a mo-
rass. They were behind two strong earthworks each side of
the road, which commanded the bridge, and were intrenched
along the bank of a wooded swamp on their right, and had
niasked their battery, which, as was afterward ascertained
<ltiring the course of the battle, mounted at least ten guns,
some of them ritied. These completely raked the only road,
in tront, which was the path by which our regiment was ap-
proaching. Directly in front of the enemy's right was the
niorass, impassable for man or beast, without artificial help,
and in front of their left was the stream of water, running
from the niorass or pond. Between their left and the Union
tioops was comparatively open ground, partly planted with
corn, which bordered on a piece of woods, adjoining which
"^^^'-i an open plowed ficKl. About half a mile to lUc if.ir of
I 'i> field was a farui-liou.se, being on the riujlu of tiie road as
f icing the enemy ; on the left of the road was the morass
Liefortj mentioned, directly in front oi the enemy; th_-n a
$6 FiftJi New York Volwiteer Infantry.
small space of ground, with a rail fence, and rome old sheds ;
a young pear!, orchard, soil very soft ; then a little narrow lane,
that ran to llie left at right angles with the road, bordered
with stonewalls ;;r.d a barn^ next to which was a corn-field.
About this time Lieutenant-Colonel Warren came up, and
taking comnianu of two companies, went forward as skir-
mishers.* They advanced on the left and right of the road
rapidly, supported by the rest of the regiment. Lieutenant
Greble advanced along the road with the three guns. The
long roll and the cries of the enemy to "turn out" could
now be plainly heard. The regiment formed in line of battle
in the corn-hcld on the left of the road, and soon after ad-
vanced in fours by right flank up the road, and turned into
the open, plowed held on its right, facing the woods, and
formed in hne of battle. Colonel Townsend (3d New
York) had now come up, and formed on the left of the road.
Most of us experienced a strange sensation, as we were
standing there, expecting every moment to receive a volley
from the woods into our closed ranks. It was our first
formal battle. Every i«an looked a shade paler, but it was
the effect of stern determination and suppressed excitement.
Colonel Duryee said the cavalry were coming out, but the
result showed that he was mistaken. The Confederates had
not the slightest intention of leaving their well-protected and
intrenched position, unless it should be to the rear. At
twenty minutes of ten o'clock the loud boom of a cannon
was heard, and Captain Denike, of Company G., took out
his watch, and s;iid, " Men, the ball has opened." This first
sliot was fired by the brave Lieutenant Greble, a regular
ofticer, who, with eleven regulars from the fort, aided by a
few of the AIas>achusetts men, had charge of one rifled
]:)ieee and two tv/elve-ptiun;! h.owit/.crs, and had placed them
• " Report of CViumltlLc on the Conduct of the War" (p. jPj). General W.ir-
ren : '" I pushed up vviih two comp:iiiit.-s r\ho:id of the rctsiment, wittiin f.vo or three
hundred y.\rds of llu oiiv.'iiy, and discovered that they had caiinun, etc."
Big Bethel. • 57
in the road side of the woods, within five hundred yards of
the enemy's works, supported somewhat by three companies
under Lieutenant-Colonel Warren.
Ahnost instantaneously the first report was followed by
another, and a shell came whizzing through the air, with its
disagreeable shriek. Now they come thick and fast, and the
regiment was ordered to charge through the wood. At the
word of command, on they rushed, with a Zouave cheer,
through the thick brush of the wood, which was raked by
grape and canister, shell and solid shot. Soon the companies
became mixed, and separated into detached squads, on ac-
count of the thick undergrowth of the woods. It was impos-
sible to preserve the line in breaking through the brush and
dodging trees, or even to keep in view of one another. The
wood resounded with cries of "This way, Company A,"
" This w^ay, Company G," mingled with various emphatic
injunctions not necessary to be repeated. The firing now
became very heavy, but on account of our being so near the
rebel works, and their fire directed by inexperienced artil-
lerists, their shots were aimed too high, and cut oft" the tree
tops and boughs, which was more agreeable to the Zouaves
tlian the loss of their own heads and limbs. The men were
now ordered to lie down and keep covered as much as pos-
sible, and await future developments. In the meantime some
01 the boys, on their own responsibility, had crept to the
unior edge of the woods nearest the enemy, the timber being
Ij'^iinded by a rail fence, and thence kept up a fire on any
< nnfeilerate that exposed himself above their works. It was
•1 little to the right of this position that Major Winthrop was
killed. Part of the Steuben RiHes had also crept up on tlie
'^uht, and kept up a galling fire, while some of the Zouaves
' -iiJied up the road. Captain Kitpatiick and live or .'~i>c
•'■''■■IS were standing well to tlie iVoiit in the woods, with
<- '^lonel l)uryee, who was about ten teet to tiie right, ti viiig
tiJ ^et a view of the Confederate posuion, when a gra[)e-shot
' ' ■■ ■ f< '
w
58 Fifth Nczv York Volunteer Infantry.
cut tlirough the Cajitain's thigh and scraped the other leg,
and went through the thigh of Tom Cartwright, of Company
G, who was standing near him ; another shot, at the same
moment, tore otTa portion of the rectangle on the left shoulder
of Colonel A. Duryce. Captain Kilpatrick's inquiry on receiv-
ing the wound, ''Are we going to stay here and be shot
down, and do nothing ?" was answered by the order to foil
back toward the edge of the woods, and to re-form, the Cap-
tains and officers using the most strenuous exertions to get
their companies together, with only partial success on ac-
count of the undergrowth which separated them. There
being no order for any general movement to outflank the
enemy, or change ])Osition, from the Biigadier-General
(Pierce). commanding, and the officers and men being eager
to get at the enemy in some way, in the absence of direct
orders, they were not acting in concert, but moie or less on
their own responsibility. Colonel Duryee and officers were
exerting themselves to get the men again into a battalion
front and calm their excitement, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Wirren called out that they would flank them on the left.
The morass in front, which was impassable, prevented the
Zouaves from forcing the batteries at the point of the bayonet,
without orders, in which undertaking some of the officers
would have gladly led. They were in earnest, and ready for
any deed of daring. Captain Kilpatrick, in his written report
of his part in the movement, says : " The whole command,
officers and men, did themselves the greatest credit, and, I
am satisfied, can conquer anything excejn impossibilities."
At this stage of the contest, soM)e of the men charged up
the road ; one of them lost a leg, which was cut off" close to
his bodv, by a solid shot ; another an arm, and one was
killed, and the undL-rtaking wjs t^nnid iiniiossiblc withcnit
support, l.ii-ulcnant Jarob l)in\cc, of Company G, called
out, "Who will follow me? I will charge the batteries,"
when he was iuniiediarely surrounded by all within the sound
■ Big Bethel. •- 59
of liis voice — about forty or fifty — among whom were most
of the firemen of his own company, comprising members of
Engine Company 12, Engine Company 7, Truck Company
9, and of old Engine Company 46, which had been dis-
banded on account of the fighting procHvities of its mem-
bers. Away they rushed, followed by Captain Denike, Cap-
lain Winslow, and Lieutenant York, and about 200 of the
Zouaves, out of the woods across the road, joined by Kil-
patrick, who went limping along with them, notwithstanding
!)is wounds, and it is unnecessary to say that the giant form
of Willian^ McDowell,* of Truck Company 9, was among
them. They dashed toward the peach orchard, on the left
of the road, falling fiat at each fiash of the rebel cannon, then
up again and on, as fast as they could move, over the soft
and yielding soil, the solid shot and canister shrieking over
their heads. About the middle of the field, Kilpatrick's
wounded leg gave out, and some of the men halted to assist
him to the rear, but he requested them to advance. A num-
ber of the men went no further. Robert Strachan, of Com-
pany I, who was in the charge, seeing that he was nuicli ex-
hausted, assisted him to the rear. Einally the little storm-
ing party, now numbering only about fifty, reached the shelter
of the old sheds, already mentioned, and just beyond was
that impassable morass that prevented them from achieving
a victory. Among that little band were men who had fought
fire and tlame, and knew no fear, and whom nothing in the
shape of man could terrify. This testimonial is to be found
on the muster rolls of their company, where the names of
the most of those who were in this the first real charge of the
war, are to be found as killed or wounded, at Gaines' Mill
or on Manassas Flains.f
' !:;ilcdat ,ccoi.<l I'.uU Run.
■f Ihi; mimbcr of members (if Coiiipnny G that bcloni^ed to the Volunteer Fire Pc-
I Ttmcnt of New,- York City w,i= tw,enty-two, of wliom five were killed, ci;;ht
•• uii.l.-il ami injured Ui\e of whom were discli.-.rged therefor), and three retunicu
■'■/::
^t-nl^t
6o Fifth New York Volunteer Infa7itry.
They approached within three hundred feet of the enemy's
works, and kept up a vigorous fire from the cover of the
sheds. Colonel Townsend, with the 3d New York, also
came up with his regiment further to the left, in good order,
the Colonel leading, and sitting erect on A white horse, the
impersonation of a valiant soldier. It seemed a miracle that
he was not killed, but such are the chances of war. Frequently
the men who seem, by their actions, to almost court death
are spared, while the fatal bullet strikes the skulking victim,
far away to the rear. Private William H. Burnham, of Com-
pany H, formerly in the regular army, had the credit of sav-
ing the life of Colonel Townsend by shooting a rebel lodged
in a tree, who had drawn his ritle on him. Burnham was
presented with a gold medal by the Colonel. The Con-
federates now abandoned the v.-orks on their right, but still
the troops could not follow up the advantage on account of
the nature of the obstructions described. Colonel Town-
send, seeing two companies of his regiment who had become
detached from his left in coming through the bushes to tiie
open field, on his left flank, fell back, supposing them to be
the enemy, as their uniform was very similar in color, and
after holding the sheds for some tin)e, the Zouaves also fell
back slowly, for there was no possible use of staying where
they were, the troops being on the retreat, having been
ordered to do so by General Pierce.
Swinton, in his " History of the Army of the Potomac " (pp.
32-33), says : " Rut it happened that there was one man
there who saw the course of action suited to the case. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Warren suggested that a regiment should be
sent round on each side to take the position in Hank, and
to liuty .iftiT recovering. Two were (fischnrKod on account of disease, one t.iVei
prisoner, August 30, i86c, .nnd paroleJ, and the others were mustcieil out with th
ct nipany, May 14, 1S63. Of tlic whole number <2i), one was an otVicer, two wcr.
ist Sergeants, two Serjeants, and six were Corporals; one, ut the time of thi
wriii;i^', is in the rc.;ular army.
• - ■ Big Bethel. -'■ 61
when these became engaged, those in front, lying in shelter
in a wood, should attack. This operation, if carried out,
would i^robably have been successful. But the regiment*
that was to make the movement on the enemy's right, in-
stead of being directed by a detour through the woods, was
advanced right across an open field, in front of the position,
whereby it became exposed to an artillery fire. It happened,
ti)o, that the left company became separated from the rest
of the regiment by a thicket ; and Col, Townsend, not being
aware of this, and seeing the glistening of bayonets in the
woods, concluded the enemy was outtlanking him, and so
fell back to his first position. The regimentt that had gone
round on the other flank found itself in a difficult situation,
where, being exposed to pretty severe fire, it was found hard
to bring the men up. Major Winthrop, aide to Gen. Butler,
was killed while rallying the troops to the assault. Gen.
Tierce ordered a retreat, and the regiments marched off as
on parade. ":[
About midway of the orchard one of the Zouaves v/as ly-
ing, shot through the chest ; Wm. McDowell, Davenport,
and one other went to his assistance ; Lieut. York took his
ritle, and the others carried him about thirty paces, but he
begged so hard to be put down again, and knowing that he
had a mortal wound, they placed him with his back against a
tree, supplied him with water, and left him to die in peace.
• Colonel Townsend's 3d New York.
t 7ih New York, Col. Bendix.
t " Report of the Committee on the Conduct of the War" (Vol. I., p. 3S3), Gen.
\VaiTcn says : " Gen. Pierce called .1 meeting of the Colonels about what should be
"ae, and news of some sort came from Gen. Butler by his aide. I am sorry to
'ay Ihey all determined that we had belter retire. I opposed it myself."
^*iTiton (p. 31;'). "'Col. \V:irren, who al>ine protested .ai;ainst the retreat, volun-
' •: ■>■ r.:r.i.oi.eJ on the >;roi:nd, and toctther with Kov. Dr. \Vin>low. of his re^i-
■'. tr-.ii-lil oft' the woujidcd. While he yet remained on the ground, the Con-
f' !-raif. abandoned the position ; and the reason as'.ifijncd for this step by Col. D.
". Iliil, who was in command of the ist North Carolina Regiment, is, that he
' .titI rcinfircemeiits would be sent up from Fortress Monroe."
(/>
^2 Fifth Nc-zv York Vohintccr Infantry.
Lieut. John T. Greble, with the regulars and a few of the
Massachusetts men, as before stated, held the most dangerous
post, on the road, with the three guns. Tiie solid shot from
the Confederate batteries plowed their way straight up the
road, from which there was no cover, except that occasion-
ally some of the men took shelter in the edge of the wood
on the right of the road. Lieut. Greble would not deign to
leave his post for an instant, but coolly sighted the guns him-
self and watched the effect of every shot. Capt. Bartlett,*
of the Zouaves, stood by his side for some time. When the
troops left, he saw that he could not hold the position any
longer, and was in the act of sighting or spiking his gun
when a cannon ball struck hiui on the temple, cairying away
half of his head. The ball passed through the body of a man
standing near and took the leg otT of a third. He had only
fi\e men left with him at this time. His Sergeant then spiked
the gun. Four of the regulars were killed or wounded out
of the eleven that came with him from the fort.
Greble's body was laid over a caisson, and was dragged
off under the superintendence of Lieut.-Colbnel Warren.
Lieutenant Greble was the fust regular officer who fell
in the war. By his bravery in standing by his guns, and
keeping up a steady fire on the enemy's works, he prevented
them from using their cannon as effectually as they could have
done, in which case there would have been a very heavy loss
of life on our side. The enemy's guns were under the per-
sonal command of Major George W . Randoli^h, later the
Confederate Secretary of War.
A small number remained behind after the regiment
nioved, among whom were Philip L. Wilson and George L.
Guthrie, to rescue the wounded, but the special mission of
thi.' fiuiiKT was to biing off Thomas Cartwrigln, already men-
tioned :■-:, luvmg been shot through the thigh, and wlio was
one of his messmates.
• M.-ijor nth U. S. Infjiitry (iS;3).
Big Bethel. '/ 63
He asked the men guarding Greble's body to assist him,
'Mit they refused He went into the woods and there met
C'fUthrie, who was alone, and shouting for Tom, they were
{'.nally overjoyed to hear him answer their call. They car-
rifd him with much exertion to the edge of the wood by the
r.Kid, and leaving Guthrie as companion Phil went to find a
conveyance. He succeeded in obtaining a hand cart, and
went back with it to the [ilace where Guthrie and Cartwright
were waiting, having first handed the Lieut.-ColoncI his rifle,
who told him to make haste or he would be taken prisoner.
In this way Cartwright's life was probably saved on this oc-
ra>ion. They stopped a few moments at a farm-house on the
road, where they found other wounded men, among whom
was Jan)es I.. Taylor, of Company B, who was conveyed
tliere by his friend Corporal, afterward Colonel, Wm. Gilder,
and who died there the same night. Chaplain Winslow, of the
Zouaves, was waiting on them.
They were obliged to hurry away, as they were closely fol-
lowed by some of the enemy, who were mounted. This
l)arty, which was a mer-e squad, and was the rear guard, was
roinposed of a few of the Troy regiment, some of the "th
Steuben, some of Townsend's regiment, a few of the
7.otiaves, and many of the wounded, all under the com-
mand of Lieut.-Col. Warren.
At a cross-road they met two of tlie Troy regiment who
were driving a wagon thev had seized. Tiiey got out and
t':utwright was put in. A skirmish soon after ensued with
the enemy, who were following, and was kejn up all the
>*ay to Newmarket Bridge, Tom Cartwright also taking a
hancj in from the wagon. At the bridge they met laeut.-
Cul. Warren, who had left them a little while before, and
;■: '■ •-■ forwaid to huir\- up tlic detail of the naval brigade,
■'^noiji he tiail sent forward when he left camp with two guur;.*
• ! I'lit -C'>1. Warren did not leave c.imp witli the cxpo'lition, but a report Iiav-
" h re., hcd Cjinp Vl.imillon, occasioned by tlie iiiifurtuiiate night encounter of the
64 Fifth Nciv York Vohintccr Infantry.
The old sea-Jogs came ]nishing up the road, armed with
clubs, dragging the cannon after them, crying out every now
and then, " Heave hearty! Heave hearty, my Lads ! " All
who were at Camp Hamilton will never forget the " sea-
pirates." They were the wildest and most reckless set of
men ever got together.
The rear guaul, after crossing the bridge, pulled up the
planks, and the enemy seeing the cannon, abandoned further
pursuit. One of the latter was shot here by one of our men.
The regiment, in the nieantime, kept on their weary march
back to camp, tired and footsore. Their giant Adjutant,
Hamblin,* at every short halt to rest, threw himself on the
ground with the excUuDation, " How I like the mud ! " and
when the men got up to resume the march, it was with con-
siderable efibrt they could get their stiffened joints to obey
their will. Finally they reached Hampton, and were rowed
across the river by the naval brigade in Hat-bottomed scows,
in one of which lay the body of the lamented George H.
Tiebout, of Company A, who was shot through the heart by
a canister ball, and was the first martyr of the 5th Regi-
ment, in the first battle oi the war. Having arrived on the
other side of the river, the march was resumed, and we ar-
rived in camp about 8 p.m., all completely exhausted, at'ter
a march of thirty miles since leaving cam]!, besides standing
the brunt of the battle, which lasted two hours and forty
minutes. The first gun was fired at twenty miiuites before
10 o'clock, and the last at twenty minutes pa?t 12 o'clock.
The men had been without sleep for thirty-six hours, with
only slight halts to rest — such as are usual on a long march.
two regiments, that an engagement was guing on, he procured two piins from the
f. rt and \vciit forwrml witli s-.nie if I'le naval bri'.;adi;, wlio were dnidcing the
pun-. Afiirr -CL-iri.:; thcni «..il .. ii thwir u.iy, he ).iit spurs to hii nuilc ujul cumc up
jii-t bcf.rt; ih.j c:i-.;;;^tmi;nt.
• Sibsequeiuly Brevet Major-Oeneral.
I I.' ■ .1,
.,; '--d
1 1 1'^^-i
•: ■ . . Big Bethel. » 65
dl)tain Kilpcitrick was placed on a white mule after the
(roups had commenced to retreat, by Captaui Winslow, his
uouiid beginning to be painful ; and inflannnation having set
in, he was unable to walk. He thus rode with the regiment
li.ick to camp. He mentions in his report the bravery of
Cai>tain Winslow, Lieutenants Hoyt and Ferguson, Sergeants
Onderdonk, Agnus, and Chambers, Corporals Seymour and
•Mlison, and Private Boyd and others. He further slates
that private John Dunn, whose arm was shattered by a can-
non ball, bore himself with the greatest bravery, and said to
Surgeon Gilbert, before amputating his arm, that he could
not have lost it in a nobler cause. Private John H. Con-
way, Company K, is reported to have said, when shot in the
leg, " I have yet one leg left, and will follow my Captain to
the end of the charge." Private Joseph Knowles, of Com-
pany E, said, " Avenge the loss of my arm." But one of
the most affecting incidents was that of James L. Taylor, of
Company B. When he heard it remarked that he had re-
ceived a mortal wound, he said to his true friend, Corporal
\V. H. Gilder, "That's,all right, ' Gilly ' — don' f bother about
nie ; I can't live — take some one off the ground who can
live, and fight again." It was terrible, said his devoted com-
rade, who had succeeded, after great efforts, in securing for a
second time transportation for his dying friend, to be com-
pelled to remove him from the wagon to make room for
another who could live, and be obliged to desert him at that
njoment forever. But orders had to be obeyed.
\\ hile the regiment was in the woods under a heavy fire,
Ihe Color Sergeant, who was a man of extraordinary size,
w as overcome with exhaustion from the long march, the heat,
«>r some other cause, and fell down with them in his hand.
* orporal Jose])h A. Vai!, of Company A, sprang over and
•"Ilk thi-m from him, arul bore them aloft, uiuil ordered to
give llieni up against his will to Sergeant Brouner.
Charles i\[etca!f was taken pi isoner, and never again re-
,tl-,, • :v >;
J (V; J. ... A'.
66 Fifth Ncio York Volunteer Infantry.
turned, but jireforreJ to ca?t his lot with the traitors, and
went to work in an iron foundry in Richmond.
Captains Kilpatrick and Barllett, of Companies H and I,
respectively, and their commands, won great credit for the
extra duties they performed, having covered at least five
miles more of ground than the rest of the companies, on ac-
count of their skirmishing duties on the front and fanks of
the regiment. Captain Denikc also stood bravely to his
post, and being the oldest ofticer in the regiment, deserved
equal honor for his courage during the long and tedious
march, and facing unflinchingly the fire of the enemy.
It is to be regretted that Colonel Durye'e or Lieutenant-
Colonel Warren had not been intrusted with the command
of the expedition, instead of General Pierce, who, as it ap-
peared, had never been mustered into the United States
service, and had at the time no claim to any command.
Although General Pierce was much censured on account of
the failure of the attack, he proved himself in after years of
the war to be a brave and capable ofticer on many fields in
Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. ' He enlisted
as a private for three years, and by his bravery soon rose
lo be Colonel of a regiment, and finally was disabled by hav-
ing his arm torn oft" by a 32-pound ball in battle.
The result showed that there was a series of mistakes
from the start. And the primary cause of the failure of the
expedition should rest where it belongs — on the shoulders
of General Butler.* Colonel Di;rye'e, in his ofticial report,
♦ " Report of the Committee on the Conduct of the War" (Vol. I., p. 383), General
Warren says : " I suggested to General Pierce to send a ret;iment on each flan ' —
" he gave orders to that effect"—" to the left abnut half a mile could have crossed
the swamp, and been masked in the woods and got behind the batter^'— am certain
of it." "If Colonel T,)«n>end had gine into the wond.;, the ent;my would have
been L-jmpcKed, juiijinj of what I have since learned, to have left the ground at
cnce, or run the ri>k of haviii'.; everything cautiircd. He would h.^ve been ma.sl«td,
and they would n.jt know where he wa^ until he hud taken the battery in the rear."
"General Picrje, as I have learned since from proceedings of courl-marti.\l, was
never mustered into the service of the United .States, and really had no right to com-
I/.-'-; . !i.
O ^:!J )'. V^
' Big Bethel. . 67
r.nmcd the following officers as worthy of honorable men-
tv.n :
Lieutenant-Colonel Warren, for his aid in forming a
ji!an of attack and remaining among the last to bring away
!';ie body of a brother officer (Lieutenant Greble), and the
wniinded.
Chaplain Winslow, for his kind attentions to the wound-
ed.*
Captains Bartlett, Kilpatrick, and Wixslow. for the
c'lVctive manner in which they skirmished before the
enemy's fire.
Lieutenant Jacob Duryee, who led the charge with a
handful of men to within three hundred' feet of the enemy's
works.
Lieutenants York and Cambrellino, for their brave con-
duct.
Surgeon Gilbert for performing upon the field of battle
successful amputations, and his unremitting care of the
wounded.
Colonel Duryde also -iiientions Lieutenant Gouv. Carr,
in command of Company B ; Lieutenant George Duryea,
of Company C ; Sergeants Agnus and Onderdonk, and
^'i'r|)orals Allison and Brouner.
!=jnd the Colonels there, and T think he felt it, though they did not know it." " I
'••■Tii: the plan of the fight, which was got up beforehand, from the very beginning
••••■- lv.-J a failure, so much so, that I w.as ready to state that it was planned for a
f-il'Jre, and must have been one except by great good luck.'"
Report of the Committee on the Conduct of the War " (Vol. I, p. 333'). General
" irrcn says: " Greble's gun was spiked by his men, as they could not draw It off.
!■<•■: men of the ist New York brought away the limber and his body after all
' ''• " Rev. Dr. Winslow and myself remained on the ground, I think an hour
■"^ I .1 h.ilf. and broui;ht off the wounded we thoui;ht could live, every one of them ;
•^ '..id to dr.iw them off in hand-carts." " I think they left their works while we
*•■" ■■\ ;he ground." "We saw no one." " We went up all through the wood
' '• •»-.-e not fired at. I was Jrei.sed in this red Zou.ave unifo.m. I went down
">. or seven men, about i P.M., .ind put Lieutenant Greble on the limber and
""■' • r..;!)t down the road in pl.iin sight. There was no General then at tlie light
*• ■" '- ' The troops marched off as on parade ; the regiment left to cover the re-
"'"' *'■»' with them." " The 2d New York regiment brought off a gun."
'r:Y
.;-?
68 _ Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
The report says : " There was no flinching on the part of
any officer or private, and I might mention many more wilii
honor ; " and concludes as follows : " In closing, I can not
but speak of Colonel Townsend, of the 3d New York,
who, with his whole command, stood up nobly in my sup-
port until compelled to retreat by the terrible fire. — Per
order Colonel A. Durvee ; Lieutenant Mallory, A. D. C."
An incident of an amusing character, that occurred while
crossing Planipton Creek, is deemed worthy of mention.
One of the Captains, with part of his command, had em-
barked on one of the scows at Hampton, and seeing more
men crowding in than he desired, turned to the old salt who
appeared to have charge of it, and who was a member of
the much-abused "naval brigade," and ordered him rather
peremptorily to shove off. It was as good as a play to see
the indignant air of insulted authority with which the son
of Neptune turned and surveyed the officer.
He straightened himself, as if he was a Commodore on
his quarter-deck, and looking at the Captain from head to
feet, and from feet to head, burst out with a- round sailor's
oath, and said : " You ! Sergeant, or Corporal, or whatever
you are ! If you don't like the management of this 'ere
craft, just heave yourself ashore — quick ! I want you to
understand that I am in command of this 'ere vessel ! "
On 'I'uesday, June nth, the men had passed through so
much labor and excitement, that they were thoroughly ex-
hausted, and were allowed to rest at will, and were excused
from drill the following day. General Butler paid a compli-
ment to Colonel Duryee and his Zouaves for the conspicu-
ous part they took in the encounter.
The special correspondent of the New York Tribune
furnished that journal with the following narrative of the
sending in of a ll.ig of truce :
Big Bethel. -ti . . 69
Old Point Comfort, June 13, 1861.
Yesterday Captain H. E. Davies, Jr.,* of Company C, in Colonel
Puryre's regiment, made a visit with a flag of truce to York-
tuvvn. Tuesday evening he received orders from General Butler
:•) proceed with a flag of truce to the scene of the recent contlict,
tu look after the dead, wounded, and missing. Lieutenant C. H.
.v-.iman, of Company C, and Assistant -Surgeon Martin, were
<;it. tiled to accompany him. Starting early Wednesday morn-
1:;^'. they proceeded as far as Newmarket Bridge, which they
lound partially destroyed, and which they repaired so as to pass
<r.er. On arriving within a mile of Big Bethel, they were stopped
h\ a guard commanded by Captain Early,! of the Virginia forces.
On karning the object of the visit. Captain Davies was informed
th.it Colonel Magruder,}: commander of the Virginia forces, had
left and gone back to Y'orktown, and that it would be necessar)'
to see him there. Although he was informed that a number of
our men were in that vicinity wounded. Captain D. was not per-
mitted to see them, but was required to proceed at once to
Vorktown, twenty miles further on. An escort of four men and
.1 Sergeant was furnished, and the party immediately set out.
They were not permitted to take the usual route ; but after
pnxrceding along the Yorktown road for a mile they struck off
into the woods by a by-path, which, at frequent intervals, was
dt fended by barricades of fallen trees and other contrivances.
I'ursuing this path three or four miles, they took the main road
agam and proceeded to Yorktown.
About half a mile outside of the fortifications at Yorktown,
tlicy were halted at a cavalry camp, where they remained till
\\'>ri.i was sent to Colonel Magruder of their arrival.
This officer soon came to where they were, and received Cap-
lain Davies and his party with politeness and consideration.
Culnncl Magruder, on hearing that Captain D. purposed an
exchange of prisoners, and that he desired an opportunity to see
'he wounded, said that he would reply by letter to General
''>!'''T, but refused to allow Captain D. to visit either the
'"''iiifled or prisoners, saying that as they were within his hues
• >iib,eiiii<:n!ly Major-l.^enenil cjf Cdvalrj'- 1 Subsequently General Early.
X NuL,»c-,iueiUly General Ma-ruJer.
70 FiftJi Neiu York Volunteer Infantry.
information might be obtained prejudicial to his intended opera-
tions.
Captain Davies remained nearly four hours at the quarters of
Colonel Hill's* regiment, where he and his party were hospitably
entertained.
Leaving the camp at 4 P.^r., under an escort of Captain
Phillips and two men, they were conducted by a different route
through the woods to the vicinity of Big Bethel, and from thence
by the regular route to Newmarket Bridge, which was the limit
of the enemy's outposts. Captain Davies and his party then pro-
ceeded to Hampton alone, and arrived in camp near midnight.
The opinion of Captain Davies, in which those who accom-
panied him coincide, is that the force of the enemy on the day
of the battle at Big Bethel was at least three regiments ; that
they were reinforced during the day ; that their batterv' was
constructed with skill and deliberation ; and that the mmibcr
of guns in posilion was at least ten, and that probably it was
greater. All information concerning the killed and wounded on
their side was studiously withheld from Captain Davies.1
Capt. D. was informed that those of our men who had fallen
into the hands of the enemy, wounded and dead, had been prop-
erly cared for ; that the wounded, two of the Fifth, as he under-
stood, were receiving proper attention, and that the dead, of
whom there were two, had been properly buried. Among these
was Major Winthrop, who fell gallantly charging on the enemv.
Capt. D. was given the spurs, cap, and note-book of the deceased,
which, with the watch of the deceased, will be forwarded by Gen.
Butler to his friends.
Capt. D.uies very properly alistains from giving any opinion
of the strength of the enemy at Yorktown, based on what he saw
and heard, as that might be deemed an abuse of the flag of truce.
To-day a flag of truce came in from Col. Magruder, in response
to the one sent out yesterday. The bearer was halted at the
♦ Siihsequcntly f>,wr;,l D. H. Hill; he comm.inJtJ the i-t \orth CaruHna
Ktv!rnc:,tat V.\^ Ktilu!.
t In :» <onri..ry .-. (t.e cuy ..l" Riehmo„tl, V:,., oa a iitlie mou.ui, may be seen a
pla.,. ,a:.lci .. u.„.|. ..„ wlu.l, ;, i., ,cr,l>c,l ; " Here l.c, ihe h.Jy of young Wyalt,
Ihr. l,r,t Murtyr of the war. Killed ul Ui^- l!ethel, June io iSot ■'
'.:l
Big Bethel. « 71
,■ r pickets at Hampton, and communicated with Gen. Butler
. ! ttcr, who replied in the same way.
I Ml Wednesday, the 12th of June, at sunset, our comrade,
. :-e \\. Tiebout, of Company A, was buried. His body
1-- l.ud in a cemetery near Hampton. Nearly the whole
;.;iiiiLMit, with the officers, followed his remains to the grave,
; .i paid the last tribute of respect to their departed com-
uiion in arms. All were silent and mournful, and im-
rc>sed with the services in which they were engaged.
riie following e.xtract is from the last letter of the de-
• i-.cd to his friends, which was written on the eve of the
i::le in which he laid down his young life. Long before it
i.-> received by those to whom it was addressed, his brave
.i.'ocr was ended, for he had been honorably " mustered
•It of the service " in dying for his country. It is as fol-
Camp Butler, Fortress Monroe, \
June, 9, 1 86 1. f
^CiNn Friends : — I hope you will excuse my tardiness in not
"riiinij before, as I have had but very little time to spare. Be-
••'■'cn drilling and scouting, our time is pretty much taken up.
' ■ ivf been quite well so far. Soon after we landed, I had a
^ ' us attack, which lasted about forty-eight hours. I have been
" two scouting expeditions, but saw very little of the enemy,
'! none under arms This morning Col. Dur\-.'e went
■' ;"i!;^rh the entire regiment to find all the sailors, or those who
■ •''! pull an oar. It is reported that we are to move soon — we
■"■'•- on Yorktown. Part go by water and part by land, so as to
'•^> a junction and surround the "bridge-burners," and take
" "'n by surprise. I see by the papers that there are a number of
[ ' < reports about the food. So far, we have had plenty to eat ;
': ' :;r f,,f„] consisting of pilot bread, salt beef. pork, beans, rice,
■ ' ■^. tresh beef, bakers' bread (fresh tlirce- times a w.-Lki,
•<e, with sugar in it. We hav>- two tenms to carrv our
: ■■^. -iiul, in short, I think we are well provided for. There
• 'I' thing: we have good officers, and they look out for their
^^-J
72 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
men, to see that they are as comfortable as circumstances will
permit. We had divine ser%'ices to-day — preaching this morning
and prayer-meeting this afternoon. They were very well at-
tended.
Our regiment is called "the red-legged devils," and "the ter-
ror of evil-doers." I think I have written quite a long letter for
me, and no doubt you are getting tired of this scrawl. Remem-
ber me to all the kind friends and tell them to write. Write
soon, and believe me to be, as ever, your most obedient,
G. H. TiEBOUT,
Co}}ipatty A, ^tk Regiment.
The following letter was written by a companion of the
deceased :
Camp Hamilton, June lo, 1861.
Friend Sidney : — I would sooner drag a ball and chain for
a month than to send this bad new^s to you. Before this will
have reached you, you will read the account of our attacking a
batter)', and the pluck our boys showed in the fight. Our regi-
ment got their orders about seven o'clock last evening to attack
a batter)' about fifteen miles from our camp. As bad luck would
have it, there was about seventy of us left behind to guard the
camp while the rest of the regiment were away.
But now comes the painful part of my story. As our regiment
was advancing to charge on the battei-y, they opened their fire
on us and killed some of our boys. Among the killed was poor
George Tiebout. He was shot through the heart by a canister
ball as he was advancing on to the charge. The man that stood
next to him, and heard his death-cry, said that he died like a
man and a soldier, as he was. He was a favorite with his Cap-
tain After the engagement the killed and wounded were
brought back to camp in boats, landing opposite the Colonel's
house. I was detailed, together with some of the guard, to
carry the wounded and dead to the hospital. We had to pass
thnxigh the Colont-l's house to get there. As wc were carrying
the body of poor Gc-orge through, the Colonel happened to ^^'c
him, and at the sight he shed tears.
You must excuse my writing, as 1 am writing on a shoe-box.
Big Bethel. 73
by the light of a lantern. I have been on guard forty-eight
h'jurs, and I am staying on twenty-lour hours longer, as our
b..ys are all fagged out. If it be necessar>' we will remain on
^uird twenty-four hours after that. Poor George was the first
;n irtyr of our regiment, but he shall and will be avenged. Ac-
cept this from one who will fight for the Union.
Robert B. Talfor,
Fortress Monroe, Co. F, ^tk Regimoit, N. Y. Vols.
On the 13th the Adjutant reported the strength of the
regiment as follows: Present, 792; absent, officers and
men, 1 1 ; sick, including the wounded, 43. Total, 846.
The regiment's loss was seven killed and sixteen wounded.
4
CHAPTER V.
LIFE AT CAMP HAMILTON.
Fortress Monroe — Inxidents of Camp Life — Drl-mmed Olt— Anv Port in a
' Storm — Serious Accident— How to Find a Horse— Contraband Wit— A
Gracefll Digger— Mrs. Kilpatrick— Notes from the Jol-rnal — On Guard
BY Moonlight— Hlts in the Woods— A Fez Sti.'Len bv Mosqiitoes— A
Comet— How We Spent Independence Day— Our Postponed Celebkation
—A Fairy Scene — Donations— Discharges and Recruits— A New Flag-
Beautifying the Camp— Losing Blood— A Lost Sentinel— Reports of the
Battle of Bull Run— F.mbarking for Baltimore.
The eventful months were rapidly moving on, while the
active forces of the two great sections of the country were,
with equal rapidity, determining the moral as well as the
political attitude of the peo[)le, and their decision on the
question of the fearful conflict that must follow, when the
actual encounter of arms should take place. It became very
evident that there was a division of sentiment in both sec-
tions; many of the people of the South were unalterably
devoted to the Union, while a large proportion of the people
of the North, governed by family relations, commercial inter-
ests, or subserviency to their party leaders, were either
hostile to the Union, or desired to see the overthrow of the
constitutionally elected administration, and the substitution
of a partisan and revolutionary administration in its place.
Whatever were the motives that animated men, it was clearly
evident that the time for reason, compromise, and peace
was past, and that preparations were making for a collision
whose duration could not be foreseen, wliose cost could not
be computed, and whose consequences could only be unfuMcd
by the actual re.sults of the future, \'ariou5 opinions wore
entertained by men of the highest responsibility in the Gov-
(74)
Life at Camp Hamilton. 75
ctiiMK'iit. So astute and experienced a statesman as Senator
\\\\. H. Seward, in December, 1S60, in a spirit of hope
.iiid patriotic faith in the loyalty of the people of both sec-
•luiis. had predicted that " it would be a ninety days' won-
ilor." Gen. Winfield Scott, a Virginian, well acquainted
with the animus and the plans of the Southern leaders,
• luiotly, but mournfully said, " It will be a five years' war."
'I'hc judgment of the latter was the prediction of many of
tiic political leaders of the North who symjiathized with the
movement; for it was the purpose of the Southern leaders
cither to effect a revolution by the aid of Northern allies, and
»)l»tain control of the Government by a short and successful
war, or to prolong it through the whole four years of the ad-
ministration which had been placed in power.
The days and nights were now rapidly massing up the
combatants, who were putting on their armor, and from the
ii'.isy walks of commerce and industry, from the field and
mountain sides of every State in the Union, already three-
<|uarters of a million of men had responded to the call to
•irms, and stood ready on either side of the great issue to
'iccide the " irrepressible conflict " on the field of blood.
1 lie country was waiting for the first momentous trial on the
battlc-tield.
U'e were lying near the shore of Hamilton Roads, about
<"'rie mile and a quarter from Fortress Monroe. It is a not-
•I'le structure, and covers about seventy acres of ground.
A', one enters the gates the impression is that he is in a
• 'f-;e park. You see trees and brick houses at a distance.
As you advance you find large dwelling-houses for the resi-
*i'.-nces of the otficers, with gardens laid out, a post-oftice,
Alaiiis Express office, etc. Mounting the parapets, the vis-
■ 'r !).ul a commanding view of Hampton Roads, with its
■KT.'us mcrcliantmen and nicn-of-war lying at anchor.
'■••■ Kip-Raps lie in range of the guns, where another fort
'^•''^ in course of erection by the Government. On the land
^6 Fifth Nezu York Volunttcr Infantry.
side the white tents of the various regiments lying at Camp
Hamilton were spread out, looking like toys in the distance,
additions to which were constantly made. The guns were
placed so as to command the points in all directions, and
were numbered in large figures by their side on the wall.
The fortress was surrounded by a moat about eighty feet
wide, crossed by a draw-bridge, and by pulling down a wooden
bridge a short distance from the main entrance, could be ap-
proached only by a narrow, low, sandy neck, about sixty feet
wide, which was conmianded by guns at every angle.
Camp life has its incidents as well as the march and the bat-
tle-field, and some of those which broke up the monotony of
guard duty, drills, and i)arades were noted at the time of
their occurrence. Among them is an instance of the rigor
with which the determination to respect the rights of prop-
erty, and the homes of the people of Virginia, was enforced.
The Government and the ofiScers of the army were equally
animated with a desire to demonstrate to the peojjle in re-
bellion that there was no design to do them wrong, either to
their property or to their slaves, and thus exert the moral in-
fluence of law and order as a pacificator, and thereby secure
their return to their allegiance. How vainly this attempt
was made, the subsequent events clearly proved. In this
sj-iirit, however, on the 13th of June, the extreme penalty of
disgrace was inflicted on two men belonging to a regiment
from the northern part of the State, who were drummed out
of camp, before the entire brigade, for committing depreda-
tions in houses in the vicinity. They each had ropes about
their necks, and large boards on their backs with the word
"Thief" written upon them. It was a humiliating sight.
In contrast with the severity of this occurrence there was
more or less of the humorous and the comic to be enjoyed
at times.
One cvciiing after supper a drum and fife were heard
playing the " Rogue's .Nfarch." .Ml hands turned out to see
Life at Cavip Hajjiilton. yj
*!i.it waS the matter, when it was discovered that some of
i;;c ij'iys had caught one of the colored servants, tied a rope
.ir<niii<] his neck, on wliich' was a placard, and with charged
• •.lyonets, were drumming him about camp. The men might
iiso he heard at almost any hour of the day, singing dog-
gerel verses of tlieir own composition, describing their mode
i.f life, such as, " Oh ! here comes the cook along with his
crai:ker scouse, etc., on old Virginia shore."
'I'iio men soon recovered from the fatigue of the march to
V'.z, iJethel, but naturally felt disappointed at the result, and
wanted to try their fortunes over again. So far from being
.afraid of the enemy, they had several skirmishes, in some
cases almost single-handed, while out foraging beyond Hamp-
ton, on their own responsibility. The Fifth was ra[ndly
plowing in favor with the rest of the army collected around
this point. The regulars at the fortress, since the aftair at
Hig Ikthel, seemed to think there was nothing too good for
our boys whenever any of them visited the fort.
Wednesday^ June 19. — The experience of one of the men
<.>!i guard at night may not be out of place, and as he was
*>iie of the whole military family, the reader may sympathize
Nuth him and the others of the detail, although the rest of
tl.c regiment did not fare much better on that occasion. About
t;io time of guard mount, a tempestuous rain-storm burst upon
•i"!. The men not sent immediately on post hurried to the
;;. sard-tent, which could hold only about one-half of them,
1-t tiicm squeeze how they might. Our hero being left on
t •'• outside, betliouglu himself of tlie prisoners' tent, and
I'-nged through the rain to reach it, "any port in a storm"
l"-ing as good a motto for a soldier as for a sailor. Some-
t::iiLS. when the prisoners are amiable, they will allow an
' ^.T slielter in an emergency-; but on this particular
■ '' '.!-.cy were /,-('.'' ainiable, anci he had no sooner entered
' 'in he was saluted with a shower of tin cups, plates, hanl-
' " >^, [Meces of pork, and kicks, amid cries of "Bounce
78 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
him!" "Take his life!" and similar cheerful greetings.
Another old proverb — " of two evils choose the least " — was
forced upon him. He was not long in coming to a decision,
and escaping from his assailants, there was no alternative
but to stand up and endure the storm. After being nearly
washed away, it stopped raining, and soon after he was sent
on post, came off in due time, an.d partially dried himself at
a fire that had been built, and was fortunate enough to find
a small space unoccupied in the guard-tent, where he spread
his blanket and composed himself for a comfortable rest.
He was just congratulating himself on his good fortune when
it again commenced to rain in torrents ; the cap of the tent
having blown off, the water began to come into the opening
and fell on his head. Soon some of the guard began to get
uneasy arid to twist and turn, while some stood up. It was
as dark as Egypt, but when the lightning flashed he could
see them occasionally, and congratulated himself on his
comparative comfort. At last his feet began to feel very
cold, then his legs, and then his back. He thought it was
time to see what was the matter. Reaching out his hands,
he found that a small river was running under him, when he
got up on his feet, and in a little time the water ran over
the top of his shoes. In all these difficulties a song was
started, and they relieved their discomforts by a spirited
chorus, in which could be distinguished something about
"hanging Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree." Such was one
of the e[)isodes in soldier life on " the sacred soil " of the
Old Dominion.
The following day, Thursday, June 20th, the weather was
delightful, with a fresh breeze blowing, and it was cool and
comfortable. One could look over Hampton Roads, as far
as Scwall's Point to the south; north were the woods; and
the t'oitr.'ss, \^■ith its great guns, was in plain view about a
mile distant. Most of the men were in jiood health and
Life at Camp Hamilton. 79
spiiits, but grumbling somewhat about their rations — a
natural thing for a soldier or sailor to do.
A serious accident happened previous to the evening
parade. A member of Company G was entering his tent
widi his musket, which was loaded with one of the new
cartridges. This cartridge consisted of three large buck-
shot in addition to the ball. The hammer, which was down
on the cap, caught on the side of the tent, and the charge
inmiediately went ofi", passing between two men who were
in the tent into the next company street, one of the buck
passing through the head of Orderly-Sergeant Dunham, of
Company B. He was taken up insensible, and was con-
sidered to be mortally wounded, but recovered sufficiently to
return to duty as Second Lieutenant some months afterward,
but was ultimately obliged to resign, and received an honor-
able discharge. A stack of muskets were standing in front
of the Orderly's tent ; the buck cut through two straps, and
one of them passed obliquely through the stock of one of
the muskets.
One of the Captains being ambitious of having a horse to
ride, sent for J. G., one of the enlisted men of his company,
and told him to take his servant Tommy, an intelligent con-
traband, and go out into the country and find one for him.
The Captain gave him particular instructions not to steal by
any means, but to find one. Thus connnissioned, Jolm, in
company with the faithful Tommy, being furnished with a
|>ass, wended his way toward Hampton. On arriving there
Tonuiiy saw a group of colored gentlemen gathered together,
and thought it was a very good opportunity to enlighten his
down-trodden brethren as to the course they should pursue,
and accordingly opened his battery on them forthwith. In the
course of his speech he told them that if they wished to bet-
ter their condition in lite, they nuist make the lust eftbrc, and
»'>t leave it to others. One of them remarked, " that they
put their trust in the Lord, and He would help them." " Yes,"
8o Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
said Tommy, " but it is written in Shakespeare, that ' the Lord
helps them that help themselves.' " This answer appeared
to make a great impression upon the dusky audience, and
they seemed to be overcome with his superior learning. Being
put in mind of his errand by John, he wound up his discourse
amid much applause, and they went to find that horse.
After traveling about the country four or five miles, they
spied a fine-looking animal grazing in a field. They had
provided themselves with a halter, so that all that remained
to be done was to catch him, which was done in fine style
by Tommy — as John was given strict instructions not to
steal one, which he obeyed.
They arrived with him safely at Hampton, and across the
creek, when John mounted hun, having been lucky enough
to " find " an old saddle also, and made very fair time back
to camp. He immediately reported to his Captain, who,
when he saw the animal, was very much pleased at obtaining
such a prize, and at such a low price. " But where is Tom-
my?" asked the Captain, "Oh! he will be here in a few
minutes ; he preferred to walk, and so I left him on the road."
"Well, take the horse down to the Quartermaster's," said the
Captain, "and tell him it belongs to me." "Yes, sir," said
John, which he did, and went to his quarters. Soon after-
ward a message was brought that the Captain wanted him.
On reaching the Captain's quarters, the first thing he saw
was Tommy in a sad plight, covered with nuid, having from
his appearance evidently been in the hands of the Philistines.
He said that as he was passing by the camp of the ist
New York, some unruly members of that organization had
fallen upon him, and given him a severe thumping for their
own amusement, and as Tommy was a particular favorite of
the Captain, John received a severe reprimand for deserting
hu colored connade. The next mdruing the Captain went
tu take another look at his stallion, and e.Kamine his fine
points more closely, but great was his astonishment and
.: ./I
I ^.;,<..r
Life at Camp Hamilton. 8 1
cli.ii^rin to find that he had disappeared, and no one could
toli how he got away, or ^\here he had gone to ; but it was
M!-;»jcted that our great practical joker, the Adjutant, had
s[>ccit"ic information of the merits of the case.
Tonnny, who was an unusually shar[) specimen of his class,
k;;-Klly offered to take care of the Captain's watch, which he
l.ul always greatly admired. Just before the Big Bethel
l'!.;ht, perhaps — we will not say for certain — it entered into
liis head that possibly he might fall heir to it. One day the
C.iptain threatened to strike him for some misdemeanor,
wiicn he looked at him very innocently, and said, " Massa,
you told me the other day that all men were brudders."
" V'cs," replied the Captain, " but what if I did ? " " Nuffin,"
leplied Tommy, "only you wouldn't strike your brudder,
would yer?" His wit saved him on that occasion at least.
The weather was now very hot. Guard duty was assigned
about twice every week to each man, and the regiments took
their turn on picket duty, which the men enjoyed. The
outpost was about six miles from camp.
On the 2 2d of June, a part of the regiment \vere occupied
in commencing the building of batctries near Hampton,
wiiich did not indicate an early advance against the enemy.
Tliis earthwork was the first one thrown up in the war, in
tile path to Richmond on the Peninsula. It was the initiation
to the months of labor subsequently expended during
McClc-Uan's and Grant's campaigns. The following extract
in rofurence to it, from the Brooklyn Daily Times, is of in-
terest :
Hampton, Va., Jimc 23, 1S61.
After the plans were laid out, a squad of Duiyee's Zouaves
tajiu- from camp to help dig the trenclvjs. The Zouaves were
i -.Kcd m proper order, viz.: Four men wih shovels, forming a
-("•""'■. and a man in the center with a pick. The first shovel-
•'■1 i-1 earth was dug by the wile of Captain Kilpatrick, of
l>uryfe's Zouaves, who distinguished himself at the battle of Big
4*
'4
I-
;(■ v:^i
82 Fifth Nczo York Volunteer Infantry.
Bethel ; after which the squad gave three hearty cheers by order
of their Colonel, and went to work like good fellows. Colonel
Dur)-ee's regiment are, without exception, the best set of tighting
men stationed hereabouts.
The notes made in the author's journal, for a short period,
will give the reader a i)retty accurate view of our experi-
ences and expectation while at Camp Hamilton. They are
as follows :
Sunday, June 23. — There is a rumor that the regiment
will be ordered to Washington, but little faith is placed in it.
Several men were sworn into the service yesterday, but
there were eight who refused, having had enough of soldier-
ing during the few days they were here. Such fellows are
not wanted in the Fifth, and the sooner all that kind forsake
us, the better will it be for us and them.
The Home Defense Committee have sent two hundred
ritles, and it is said all the regiment are to be supplied with
them.
At a meeting of officers, the Fiftli was assigned to the
right of the brigade, Colonel Townsend's 3d New York
next in line.
Last night was magnificent — ^just such as a soldier loves.
The moon was full, and it was almost as light as day. Per-
fect silence prevailed ; in fact, so still was it, that one could
hear the sentinels tread at a distance of four hundred feet,
and the cry of 'V/// is i^'cll," on the vessels of the fleet,
lying two miles away. It was the time for the sentry pacing
his lonely beat, to commune with his own soul, to think of
home and friends,, and all that were dear to him, or perhaps
longing that some favorite and loved one could be by his
side. And yet to so many these were the enchanted dreams
oi tl;e ab.-ent. none of whom h;- ever saw again. Such a
night — to many a true ar.d reverent h'-ro was the time \\\\c\\
he could look up to the placid moon and the radiant stars,
and have his soul filled with glorious and holy thoughts of
.^.ij 3(U lo '•\yi
Life at Camp Hamilton. 83
\\\c world beyond, where the conflict of earth would at
Iciigtli be ended, and he should wear the conqueror's crown
Tirever.
Thursday. June 27. — Regiment has been on picket about
tA-o miles from camp, in the woods, the reserve being sta-
tii)ned on a road. They constructed beautiful little huts with
rails from the fences, and small trees and boughs, which formed
very picturesque residences, and were hardly distinguishable
from the forest surroundings. The round extended about
one and a half miles in a thick forest of pine and oak. All
was quiet except the different notes of the winged songsters,
or the dropping of some small twig, which was duly noticed,
the possibility that some lurking enemy might be near com-
l^clling constant vigilance. Above our embowered huts, rose
the giant pines, some of them eighty or ninety feet in height.
The men were on post four hours, and eight off.
When night came on it was somewhat dreary, but relieved
by the mosquitoes, which were truly formidable. They
swarmed in black clouds everywhere, and one of the boys
that missed his fez cap in the morning, swore that the
mosquitoes had taken it off, so that they could have more
room to bite.
Friday^ June 2S. — T-ast night another of our Virginia tor-
rents visited the camp, and flooded all the tents as usual, in
some places the water being a foot deep.
Sunday, June 30. — A damp, disagreeable day ; regiment
again on picket duty ; and Private Rouse, of Company G,
accidentally shot himself through the hand. We lead a very
active life, as we have done ever since the regiment was
fust organized, and have little time to ourselves. It is com-
pany, regimental, or brigade drills, inspections, dress parades,
f'-'viows, ditching, iiolicoing cam]), picket and camp guard,
^••■■■i.!'.' th^•^e activities, v.-jiich keep owv blood froin sMgnat-
'i.j. we have some howitzers anti a brass piece, wiiich we
liave been taught to handle, to which must be added the
84 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
washing and mending of our clothes, and keej^ng our arms
and cqui[)ments free from rust and tarnish. All these duties
leave little time to play, but it is schooling a body of hardy,
reliable, well-informed men, the stuft" that veterans are made
of, into what will be the best-drilled and most perfectly dis-
ciplined volunteer corps in the service.
It is astonishing how so many men can live in such a small
space. The tents are about eight by ten feet ; yet in these
eight or nine men sleep, in addition to the stowing of knap-
sacks, haversacks, canteens, and accoutrements, with accom-
modations for an occasional visitor. Two Companies, I and
E, have been presented with Shari)'s rifles and sabre bayonet,
but they will be obliged to do most of the skirmishing.
Yesterday the regiment was inspected by a United States
officer, and nutstered in for two months' pay.
Wednesday, fuly 3. — All quiet, and we see and hear
notb.ing of the enemy ; details of men are building batteries
beyond Hampton, and near the Ladies' Seminary on the
banks of James River. To-day another regiment left for
Newport News, leaving only four here, beside the garrison
at the fort. To-morrow being the anniversary of our Inde-
pendence, we would like to have a holiday, but there is no
such thing in the code ; in fact, we would hardly know when
Sunday comes around, were it not from the inspection in the
forenoon instead of a drill, and a dose of the Articles of War,
which are read with due solemnity. The officers are more
exacting every day, and the discipline is getting the men
down to a "fuie point."
Last night a large comet was in view. Toward morning
it stretched half-way over the hea\-en3. The men hope it is
a harbinger of success to our cause. Just as the Sergeants
were ciTlling the roll, a bright liglit was seen on the bay. which
proved to be the illumination i'loui the steamboat Catalinc,
which was burned to the water's edge.
A little incident will serve to show the dry humor of the
■ '•. Life at Camp Hauiilton. 85
Adjutant, from which may also be inferred some of the rea-
sons why he is so well liked by the men. On an extremely
warm day, the mercury being above the nineties, and the
Hun's rays fiercely hot, the writer was guarding some prisoners
who were clearing u;) the ground about the Adjutant's
quarters. Suddenly he heard a nianly voice call out, " Young
man, with auburn hau- ! come hither ! " My head-gear not
answering that description, I naturally looked at the prison-
ers to see if any of them had auburn hair, but not being able
to discover any one, I turned in the direction whence the
voice came, and saw the giant form of the Adjutant standing
at the doorway of his tent. He was looking directly at mo,
and also motioning with his hand ; seeing that he had at-
tracted my attention, he gave the order, " Shoulder arms I
March !" which I did, wondering what it all meant. "Right
oblitiue! Halt!" and I found myself under the grateful
^ha^le of a large tree. Now, sentry," said he, " your orders
are to stay under that tree, and watch these prisoners, and
mind you that my orders are strictly obeyed," and imme-
diately vanished into his tent.
Thursday, July 4. — Reveille just before sunrise, and a sa-
lute of thirty-four guns from the brass pieces in honor of the
day. Three bunches of fire-crackers were set off, with all due
ceremony, by one of the men. Being Independence Day, the
powers that be had the independence to order the regiment
out on picket, and they went. The men were called up
every fifteen minutes after midnight, an attack being ex-
pected. They fell in with their ritles, the roll was called,
^vhen they turned in again, being consequently cheated out
of their sleep, which occasioned some quiet grumbling.
Friday, July 5. — This morning we were relieved fjom
jickct duty ami marched back to cain[). In the afternoon the
uiiolc brigade, ir.citidirig Col. iJaker's Califorriia regiment.
^^liich arrived yesterday, was reviewed by Secretary of W'ai
Cameron, Adjt-Gen. Thomas, and Gen. Butler and staff.
., :■: y:. • .r>:^»
86 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
Professor Bartlett, of West Point, father of Capt. Bartlett, of
Co. I, 5th New York, was present.
On returning to can-.p, it was nightfall, and the postponed
celebration of the Fourth commenced with an illumination
of the company streets, by placing bits of candles and pine-
knots in the trees transplanted from the woods and set out
in front of the tents. This made it look like a fairy scene.
And now and then the distant shouts of the men — for the
camp extends about 500 feet — announced that everybody
was participating in the enjoyment except the solitary senti-
nels, who were pacing their lonely beats. On the color-line
a fine display of fireworks, contributed by the munificence
of the officers, fizzed away for an hour and added to the ef-
fect of the scene. At the head of each company street, im-
mense bonfires were built, around which the "red devils"
danced, sung, and yelled like so many Comanche Indians,
and in their red breeches, looked, in fact, like so many red
devils in Pandemonium. But it was all the exuberance of
pure animal spirit, for not a drop of liquor was tasted, nor
could it be had if desired. The different companies vied
with each other in getting up the greatest and tallest blaze,
and the most indefatigable exertions were made in the way
of sujiplying fuel to attain this object. The palm of victory
was finally awarded to Company G, many members of
which were of the New York Volunteer Fire Department,
■who thus showed that they knew how to make " a big blaze,"
as well as to put one out. The scene defies description ;
the victors were joined by men from other companies in their
dance of triumph around the huge burning pile, and such
was the wild enthusiasm that if any of the celebrated Indian
chiefs, from Osceola to the famous Silting Bull himself, had
been present, they v/ould have dropped their dignity and joined
in the excitement. It was a scene long to be remcmliercd by
tliose who shared in the festivities. Taps were delayed one
hour, in order that the men might prolong their enjoyment.
• ;■■ Life at Camp Hamilton. 8/
Later in the night the officers had tlieir own carnival.
Thrt-c of the largest tents in camp were joined together, to
t'jrni one marquee, in which were assembled the officers of
the regiment, at the invitation of Col. Durye'e, and as in-
vited guests, Col. Townsend, of the 3d New York, and
orhers. Speeches and toasts were in order, and Col, Durye'e,
.•\djt. Hamblin, Capt. Hull, and other orators were heard
from. Capts. Catlin, Cooper, and Smitli, of the Third, made
humoroas and patriotic speeches. The music, which was
supi)lied by the band of the 3d New York, added to the
pleasure of the occasion. A bountiful collation was pro-
vided, and the festivities were prolonged until near morning.
It lacked only one feature that would have completed the
charm of the occasion — the presence of some of the far-dis-
tant women who were dreaming of us at home.
Saturday, July 20. — The Mechanics' and Traders' Fire In-
surance Company have presented to Capt. Denike, of Co.
G, $ioo, to be distributed among the men of his company,
or for the purchase of any articles they might desire. A
number of the men are obtaining their discharges on ac-
count of sickness, wounds, etc., camp life beginning to tell
already, even on comparatively strong constitutions. Capt.
K.ilpatrick arrived to-day with a hundred new recruits, who
look like a good body of men, although pale and sickly,
alongside of those who are bronzed by service and ex-
posure. The ladies of New York have kindly sent a supply
of Havelocks for the whole regiment, which reminds the
men that, although far away, they are not torgotten by the
fair ones at home.
Col. Durye'e, being Acting Brigadier and in command of
this camp, the duty of drilling the battalion has devolved
'!pon I,ieut.-C()l. \\'arren, who handles the regiment in a
■ !-.'ntihc manner. In hold maneuvers tlie nu-n are tauglit
iDovcments and tactics they never dreamed of bctbre, and
were never performed by the militia at home. He is very
.. \
88 Fiftli Niw York Vchintccr Infantry.
rigid with the officers, and requires them to know their
duties thoroiiglily, and make no mistakes. The non-com-
missioned officers are also obHged to learn a lesson every
day, and ai)pear before Capt. Kilpatrick and recite it.
The regiment was reviewed on Monday by Mr. Russell,
the famous war corresi)ondent of the London Times. The
regiment has received a beautiful stand of colors, which was
the gift of some admiring ladies of New York. The follow-
ing account is from one of the New York journals :
Presentation of a Stand of Colors to Colonel
Durvee's Zouaves.
"A beautiful stand of colors was presented on Tuesday, July i6,
1861, at Clinton Hall, to the Fifth Regiment. New York State
Volunteers, commonly known as Col. Duryee's Zouaves.
" The Colonel being now stationed at Fortress Monroe, the flag
was received by about 100 Zouaves recently recruited, who are
about to join the regiment, and will have the distinction of present-
ing it to their commanding ofncer. Thetlag is a very handsome
American ensign, of the regulation size and pattern, but distin-
guished by a scroll over the stars bearing the inscription, 'Above
us or around us.' In lieu of the ordinary spear or eagle, the staff
was surmounted with a fez surrounded by two folds of a turban
(the regular head-dress of the Zouave), the latter in silver. The
streamers (red and blue) were also inscribed with characteristic
mottoes — the one, 'Fidcle a Poutrance ' — the other, from the song
of the Zouave, 'lis posscdcnt u)ie baguette jJiagiquc' The while
streamer bore the inscription, ' Presented to the Fifth Regiment,
New York State \'oluntcers, through Company H, July 16,
1861.' The Hag was presented on the part of tb.e ladies by Mr.
Pyne, who alluded in a short address to the outrages our tlag
had sustained in the Southern seceding States, and the possibility
that it might be the privilege of the Zouaves to redress them.
Cn/jt. Ki!p:uri(.k n-oi-ivcd the Hag on the part of Conipany H,
and suhit_^^qu::utly presented it to .Major L\avies, as the represen-
tative of the regiment. 'The Star Spangled Banner ' was then
performed by the band, and the flag marched out into Astor
Life at Ca^np Hamilton. 89
Place, where the company awaited the appearance of the ladies,
and lowered the flag as they passed, by way of salute."
It is comparatively quiet in camp, but the men are not
idle, being kept constantly employed at something when not
on picket, camp guard, or drilling. They have much im-
proved the appearance and comfort of the camp ; have dug
down the spaces between the rows of tents, or company
streets, to about a foot in depth, and rounded and graded
them off, cutting ditches on each side, which leave the tents
on an elevation, so that when the heavy rains occur, they
are not flooded as formerly. The company streets are kept
scrupulously clean, it being one of the first duties in the
morning for a detail of men to sweep them thoroughly, with
brooms improvised from branches of trees. Capt. Denike
is sick. The men hope that he will not be obliged to leave
them, as he is one of the most i)atriotic officers in the regi-
ment. The men lately have had some furious night skir-
mishes, and lost much blood, not, however, in fighting a
human enemy, but (what is worse) in combating mosquitoes.
It was reported the other night that they had carried off one
of the men on guard, as he was not found for some time aft-
erward. A search was made for him, expecting to find his
bones clean picked, and his fez cap which they wanted to
send home as a memento to his mother ; but the lost was
found at last, with his head in his haversack and a tremend-
ous branch of a tree in each hand, belaying right and left, as
il lie was thrashing wheat.
7utS(/ay, July 23. — An important movement, which was
expected to have been made by all the troops here, has been
prevented by die news of the disastrous battle of Bull Run.
Thursday. July 25. — The rL-giinent ordered to be ready to
■>■ '^e in heavy marching order, and the men all very anxious
t^> know their destination, with all kinds of rumor:^ tloating
.ibout camp. But diis uncertainty was solved b)- the orders
go Fifth New York ]\^litntccr Infmitry.
on tlie 26th to march to the (rovcrnment wharf at Fortress
ATonroe, and embark on board of the steamer Adelaide for
Baltimore, which was accomphshed by 11.30 p.m.
Thus ended the first campaign of the Fifth in Virginia.
To sum up : If their sojourn there has not resulted in any
brilliant success of arms to the Union cause, it has been of
vast benefit in hardening, discii)lining, and bringing the regi-
ment up to such an efficient standard as to fit it eventually
for greater and sterner trials.
, . ' ^ ■ " CHAPTER VI.
LIFE AT BALTIMORE.
Arrival at Baltimore-Camp at Federal Hill— Zouaves at Large— Penal-
ties FOR Pastimes— Making a Camp— Visitors— A Baltimore Joiknal
Speaks— RtN-NiNG Glard— Joe Knott— Changes in the Regiment— A Re-
volt Subdued— The Guard-house and its Adventures- An Illumina-
TioN-A Charge-Fort-Buildinc— Rebel Recruits Disappointed-Our
Bathing Grousd-The Battle at the Pump— Camp Ballads of the Fifth
—Colonel Durvee Promotsd-An UNSucctssFUL Trip-Changes in the
Regiment- Progress of the Fokt— How th^ Davs w:iRE Spent— Caitain
Hamblin's Departure— Regimental Docs— A Loyal Newfoundlani>—
Zouave Sono by a Drummer Bov— Maggie Mitchel— Blowing out the
Lights— A Drum-Major's Joke— An Expedition— Building the Barr.\cks
— Th.^nksgiving Day— An Elopement.
We arrived at Baltimore about 4 o'clock in the afternoon
of Saturday, the 27th day of July, after a very pleasant sail
up Chesa[)eake Ba}', without anything of note occurring on
the trip.
We marched through the streets under the wondering gaze
of the citizens. It was evidently a novel sight, for the uni-
forms of the men were unlike anything they had ever before
seen, and were stained and torn, from their previous camp
life and service in the field. The regiment finally halted on
Federal Hill, a commanding position within the suburbs of
the city, and near the harbor around which the city is built.
It completely commanded the city and vicinity, while the
country beyond could be seen for a great distance, and the
Peninsula on which Fort McHenry raises its time-honored
walls was in plain sight. ^V'e could well understand from
our position the emotions of the author of the " Star Span-
pled Banner," when lie siw the old fiag Heating from its walls,
after th.e fearful bonibrudmont of the preceding night.
In fact, with artillery posted here, Baliiniore itself could
be laid in ashes, should occasion require it. It is almost
De easily detenaeci by a Douy ot aeterminea men.
On the second day after our arrival, four comp
ordered to march to the New York and Plilladelj
to quell a riot. The mob dispersed before they
the ground, having been informed of their approa
The men were immediately employed in getl
thing in order about the camp. It was at tirst
that we should make a halt of only a few days, an;
ceed to Washington and report to General McCk
we were disappointed, for when the Colonel r^
General Dix, who had command of the distri(
ordered to encamp the regiment at this place, c
until further orders ; and, from all that was appare
looked as if we should remain for some time. Tl
was extremely warm ; there were neither trees noi
shelter from tlie burning rays of the sun, except
jjrotection of the tents. We felt it oppressivt
times a refreshing sea breeze afforded great relit
were given occasionally, so that men could visi
but only for two hours ; and the men looked !
some of their uniforms being almost worthless,
ashamed to make their appearance in a civilized c
The first nigiit of our arrival some of tiie men
the city, before a guard could be established.
not' only anxious to see the city itself, but to h
unbending from the seclusion and rigidity of
Some of them soon found they were in " secesh
and made themselves masters of the situation. 1
not allow anybody to walk on the sidewalks e\
selves. The citizens eitlier had to turn back, tal
die of the stroe'i, or be knocked down, and tlicv c
one or two bar-rooms kept by bitter secos>i'V,!
of them got into a famous secession hotel, mount
and gave vent to his Union sentiments in a sp
• Life at Baltimore. 93
wondered be was not shot. Some came back in the morn-
ing and were put in the guard-house ; others stayed away
for two or three days, were arrested, put in the guard-house,
broke out again, and were away, and for a tew days the
camp was gteavly demorahzed ; but soon all was quiet
again, and the men were kept as close as if they were pris-
oners of war. Some were employed at hard labor, digging
and making streets in the hot sun, and some of the most
refractory were tied up for eight hours at a time, bound
hand and foot, and suffered various punishments.
In a short time the regiment completed a fine-looking camp.
At the head of each company street, they worked out of sod
and clay of different colors the Cxoddess of Liberty, spread
eagles, flags, etc., which had a very fine effect, and were
much admired by the many visitors who daily came to in-
spect our camp. Our evening parades were usually witness-
ed by large numbers of citizens. One of the Baltimore pa-
pers spoke as follows :
" The Evening Parade of the Duryee Zouaves.— There
were not less than 2,000 ladies and gentlemen present on Satur-
day afternoon to witness the usual parade and drill of Colonel
Duryee's Zouave regiment. The regiment drilled on Warren
and other streets, and iudging from the movements of the soldiers,
they have paid strict attention to the lessons given thtm by their
instructors. The drilling, as far as we could judge, was equal,
if not superior, to any regiment which has pitched their tents
near the city. The drilling for quelling riots was superb, and
woe be to the seceshers, if they dare attempt another Pratt Street
affair. Col. Duryee may well be proud of his gallant boys.
" In a few days the soldiers will be supplied with new uniforms,
and it would be a great treat for our citizens to sec the ZooZoos
making- a full-dress parade through our streets. The masses then
<""uld sec if we have been right or wrong in our conjectures con-
coming the elTicicncy of the Zouaves.
"We noticed, on Saturday last, that the Chaplain of the rcgi-
nient, Rev. Dr. Winslow. was riding a splendid charger. We
•5^ ,'7 I .- , f.
••I
1
94 FiftJi Ncxo York Volunteer Infantry.
\vere informed that the animal was captured by four of the
Zuuaves while at Fortress Monroe. The Zouaves had been out
on a private scout, and obser\'ing- a rebel Captain seated upon the
charger, the Zoo-Zoos surrounded him and made prisoners of
both."
The Zouaves soon became great favorites with the ladies,
who found that the majority could conduct themselves with
as much propriety as other gentlemen, anywhere ; and it was
a common sight to see a well-dressed lady escorted through
the camp by a Zouave, and conversing as if they had been
old acquaintances.
It was a common remark, that every woman who came
into camp was perfectly beautiful ; but whether or no this
be true, they must have appeared to be, for after seeing noth-
ing but " colored ladies " for two months, the contrast was the
more apparent. The officers were also becoming great fa-
vorites, and their acquaintance was rapidly extended among
the best society in the city.
Whatever may have been the cause, a few weeks served
to develop a great deal of dissatisfaction in the regiment.
The discipline was rigid in camp, while outside of it lay a
great city, with all its attractions and temptations, and the
young men were free from the restraining presence of par-
ents or relatives, or any one whose induence would be sen-
sibly recognized, and it need not be a matter of surprise that
some among them could not resist the opportunity to mingle
in the social life of the city, even thougli they run the guard, or
set authority at defiance. They liked the excitenient, and the
greater the risk, the greater became the incentive to outwit
the guard and its officers. Sometimes men went out in a
blinding storm of rain, and canie in again, running the equal
risk of ca|>ture in getting in as of going out, just for the ad-
wnture. The officers excrci-^ed all their ingenuity to keep
the men within the lines, but notwithstanding a strong guard
of one hundred men, on duty night and day, besides the
^. >.-*•■ . Z?y^ at Baltiiiwrc. 95
provo5t guard, who patrolled the city, perhaps thirty or forty
men would steal out at night after taps, and slip into camp
again in the morning before reveille. By this course, as they
did not miss a roll call, they escaped punishment, and no-
body was the wiser. But the number of habitual guard-run-
ners was comparatively few, compared to the whole number
of men in the regiment. Of coarse all did not succeed with-
out detection, and when any were discovered and arrested,
their punishment was not light. Even the risk of being shot
as a penalty did not seem to deter any of them when they
had decided to go. The officers endeavored to discover
where the weak places were by disguising themselves as pri-
vates ; but the plan failed, for they wqxq received with the
most energetic and decisive challenge, by the innocent sen-
tries. They hid themselves and watched from obscure and
dark places, but they saw no one prowling about, made no
captures, were not enlightened, and were left at their wits'
ends.
It is all over now, and having no fear of the guard-
house before our eyes, or the contempt and execration of
comrades, it will do no harm to e.xplain. There was a tie
among the men which led them to assist each other, and
stand together, in their sympathies and interests. There
were many among them who would as soon think of cutting
their right arm off as to run guard themselves, or to permit
anybody else to do so while on their beat, from a strict sense
of military duty. But what transpired on the next post was
none of their concern. If one of them was questioned by
an officer, he never saw or knew anything that transpired on.
his neighbor's post. Very likely he did not; for if he sus-
pected that anything irregular was going on, he promptly
fiTMcd his back and intently looked another \va\'. Tlicn
t'. •..!.; were others, and good men too, who, in an enemy's
C(v.nitry, were always foremost at the post of dan<icr; on
picket were alive and alert, and all that a sood soldier
i
g6 Fifth Nczu York Vohmteer Infantry.
should be, who, in such a camp as Federal Hill, would
themselves run guard and also connive in the escape of
others. In extreme cases, men passed out at the main sally-
port of the fort, and in plain view of the officer of the day,
by putting on a bold air, and giving the Sergeant at the gate-
way a slip of paper that looked like a pass, which he would
pretend to scrutinize very closely, and then let him pass
out. This, however, as I have said, was an extreme case.
But to describe all the devices to get out of camp, which
were many, would overtax the interest of the reader.
The men knew who they could trust, and some, who were
a burden to the regiment, would be favored in their efibrts
by only a few. These generally took rough chances to get
out, and sometimes made a bold rush for their liberty, trust-
ing to their tleetness of foot, and running the risk of being
fired at by a sentry. In all the guard-running during the
protracted stay of the regiment in Camp Federal Hill and
Fort Marshall, there was but one case in which a nian was
mean enough to betray a confederate. Out of all that suf-
fered martyrdom in the guard-house, ball and chain, loss of
pay, etc., by court-martial, only one proved treacherous to
his comrades, and for the same offense he was himself
thrust into confinement with ball and chain for thirty days.
When he was released, he was shunned by all, and his life
became so burdensome that he was actually driven to deser-
tion. Above all things, soldiers despise a mean action among
comrades. A regiment of men is like a large family — their
interests are the same ; they rely each one on the honor of
the other for eftectiveness and mutual protection ; their
obligations are reciprocal, and the tie is therefore very strong
between them. Tliey have no bolts and bars to lock up
their slender etTects ; and when one happens to have a
laij;._'r :-liare of worldly goods than .uiothcr, lie chcerfiiUy
shares it with his mLSsinates or anybody else who needs liis
help. They ail know the penalties of infringing a mili:ary
'■.-_'-;.: Life at Baltimore. 97
riiii-, and when ihey break one, do so with their eyes open,
M\i\, if caught, are satisfied to suffer the penahy ; but they
hate to be betrayed by One of their own number.
Who that was in Fort Federal Hill does not remember
Joe Knott ? He was on one of the favorite guard-runnin;^
l)oiiits one night when the officer of the guard was startled
by hearing a shot, followed by a loud call for the Corporal
of the Guard, No. — . The officer, Sergeant, and all that
could be spared ruslied frantically to Joe's post, when they
were accosted with, " There they go ! over in the shi[)-
yard !" Down the declivity rushed the officer, sword in
hand, followed by his men. They procured a lantern, and
hunted and searched, but found no one. The truth of the
matter was that Joe had let out about a dozen some ten
minutes previously, when it occurred to him that he would
have a sensation. He accordingly fired oft" his piece in the
air and thus raised the alarm. He told the officer that while
his back was toward camp, two men rushed by him like
lightning, and he fired at them, and thought that he must
have hit one of them, because he heard a voice cry out,
"Oh !" The result of this vigilance on the part of Joe was
different from what he expected ; for after that, until he was
laid up in the hospital, nobody could have that post, when
he was on guard, but the faithful Joe.
It has already been mentioned that there was an under-
lone of dissatisfaction among the men, kept up by certain
turbulent spirits, such as abound in all organizations, and it
looked as if a storm was coming.
There was, in the first place, a slight misunderstanding
between the two and tiiree years' men, and they all wanted
their pay, three months or more being due. Some of their
f i!nilics were suffering for the means to live, their only S'.;i)-
I'Tt being taken from them. Aloreover. all of the reu'i-
"leiUs lying in the neighborhood of the city had been paid
10U10 weeks before, and the ruen were possessed with the
5
98 Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
erroneous idea that their pay was kept back by design of
their commanding officer. On the contrary, he was using
his utmost endeavors and intiuence with Gen. Dix to have
the men paid. The great majority of the men were anxious
to get hold of it in order to spend it while in the city. Some
of the Captains and Lieutenants had been promoted to
higher grades in other regiments. Capt. Bartlett received
an appointment in the regular service ; Major J. M, Davies,
the Colonelcy of the 2d New York Cavalry ; Capt. Kil-
patrick, Lieut. -Colonel ; Capt. H. E. Davies, Jr., Major in
the same, and Capt. Swartwout had been appointed ist
I,ieutenant in the 17th U. S. Infantry. Of course they left,
being all first-class officers, and consequently the regiment
was not in the best state of organization at the time. The
imeasy feeling in the regiment at last culminated in an out-
break, which, however, was as short-lived as it was violent.
The Captain of Co. E, (W.), who resigned on the 9th inst.,
which company was on the left of the line, made a visit to
his old company. He was somewhat under the influence
of liquor, and not on the best of terms with the Colonel.
He made some remarks to his old command, and was
cheered by the men. The Colonel approached him and
ordered him out of camp. There was a little scene, but he
obeyed. In the evening the men began to make a great
deal of noise. Suddenly some one cried out. ''Clot/us,
money, or AVrc York:' It had an electrical effect, and the
cry was taken up along the whole line throughout the camp.
The officers looked distressed and anxious. The Colonel
made some remarks, which the men listened to attentively,
when the men of Co. E, and some others, cried out, "Three
cheers for our old Captain," and "Three groans for his
enemies." This made tlie excitement more intense. At
this stage of the proceedings, Adjutant Hamblin, who was
very much beloved by the whole regiment, and had not an
enemy in the ranks, went throu-h the different comi^nies,
Life at Baltimore. 99
nut] said that the Paymaster had gone to New York to get
,. ^ drafts cashed, as there were no Government funds in B:;l-
tiiDure at the present time ; and that requisitions had been
!.;,ulc for clothing, all of which they should have as soon as
; M-sihlc. He pointed to his own uniform, and said that he
;;coded a new one, but was willing to wait, as he knew the
authorities were hard pressed with business, fitting out so
many new regiments. This quieted the storm, and this
>I^;ht unbending from tlie customary martinetism satisfied
liie men, and they quietly dispersed to their respective quar-
ters. This affair was one of those sudden outbursts that
will sometimes occur, in even the best regulated assem-
I'lages ; it was all on the surface, and not the etfect of a
premeditated design ; and when the excitement had abated,
the men were all heartily ashamed that they had allowed
themselves to be betrayed into such an exhibition of their
feelings.
The next day the Paymaster opportunely arrived, and
p.Vid the men up to July ist, with the i-)romise to pay again on
."^■.•ptember 3d, or thereabouts. We had two drills daily, one
sn the morning, company drill for three hours, and a bat-
talion drill in the afternoon with knapsacks, which were
packed with all our extra clothing ; overcoats, with blank-
ets and ponchos rolled; after which we marched for an
!"nir through the streets of the city, which were thronged
^iih people, who showed a great deal of respect, either
'••ruugh fear or patriotism. In some localities we were
;:Jccied with cheers and the waving of hantlkerchiefs.
I'altimore was all right as long as the Zouaves commanded
•1 • Hill. At least this was the theory of the Unionist
i" :rnals. It was divided into sections of Unionists and
"^ • ^--ioiiists. In the latter localities the feeling was intense
-' ! 'i^t the Government, and even the li'ttle chiUIren cried
' '■ t-lierrs lor "Jeft". Davis" when a soldier hai)[)ened to
l»-^ tiicm. The ladies drew their skirts closer for fear of
TOO Fifth New York Vohintccr Infantry.
being contaminated, by the mere touching of their dress by
a Yankee. In other sections, where the people loved the
old tiag, it was seen flying everywhere, and the Zouaves
were often invited into handsome residences and oticred
refreshment, and were cheered by words of sympathy for the
Union cause.
On August lyth, the regiment had been recruited up to
1,046 men, and five of the ten Captains had resigned, which
made opportunity for promotions. The regiment was now
drilled in street-firing almost daily by Col. Durye'e, who
had no superior in these tactics, and the men were very pro-
ficient in the exercise. (Col. Durye'e was the author of
several treatises on street-fighting. The latter was adopted by
the New York State Legislature in the fall of 1857).
On Wednesday, the 21st of August, the Fifth was reviewed
and inspected by Gen. Dix, and marched through part of the
city with him, presenting a fine and soldierly appearance.
Preparations were going forward for building a strong fort on
this hill, which would undoubtedly serve to keep the men
from demoralization by the ennui of camp life. But the
prime object of erecting a strong work on the hill was pru-
dential, as it would serve to overawe the secessionists in the
city, and prevent them from attempting an uprising in con-
junction with any attack that might be made by the enemy,
if our arms should meet with a reverse ; and also as a de-
fense to the city itself in connection with the other forts.
The officers are determined to keep the men from run-
ning guard — the military vice of a city camp— or at least from
staying out two or three days at a time. Handcufts and the
chain and ball were resorted to, but the ofticers found they
had an erratic set of men to handle. But the majority of
the guard-runners proved to be among the most efficient,
and amenable to (li<ci[)!iiie v.-lien in acti\e service in tl'.e
field. One of them was asked by the Colur.el, \\\\)- he ran ir.e
guard, to which he replied that he could not resist the temp-
... «^ Life at Baltimore. lOI
tations of the city while they were in plain view of it ; " He
enlisted to fight the enemy, and not to be cooped up in a
fort."
The guard-house was a long, low building, formerly used
as a bowling-alley. It was situated on the northern part of
the hill, or blufii' rather, for on this side it is almost perpen-
dicular, more than one hundred feet. The other side is the
parade-ground. The entrance was on the west end of the
building, and there were windows in the side looking to the
parade-ground and camp, which were barred with thick tim-
ber. Sentries were also stationed along that side. Toward
the bluff there were no openings in the building, and con-
setpiently no sentries. On that side several men escaped
who carried balls and chain, with the collusion of the other
prisoners. They knocked a hole in the wall with the balls,
while the others sung and talked loudly, .so that the noise of
the pounding was not heard, filed their irons, crawled out,
and in some way found a path down the steep bluff.
The officer of the guard, and the guard reserve, had their
quarters at the west end, and the prisoners generally har-
bored at the opposite extremity, but roamed up and down at
will, to within a certain boundary at the west end. One day
tliey purloined a lot of candles that happened to be too near
their boundary-line. The prize lay in a box for the use of
the guard. They were cut up into halves and quarters ; and
at night, when the officer in charge had gone to supper,
o.ich prisoner having his post allotted to him, placed them in
rows each side of the long alley, and on a given signal, wlien
ti'.oy thought it was about time for the officer to return from
"^'iplHT, tliey were simultaneously lighted. It is easy to
iiii;i;.^ine the look of astonishment on the officer's counte-
■ Vie as he entered and saw tlie illuiiiin.uion, while the pris-
" -'-rs Were all sitting in a very orderly manner at the other
' ■'' of tile building, singing, "Hail to the chief!" Some-
times they sang so loudly, the Colonel threatened to fire into
102 Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
them to make them desist. On one occasion the prisoners
■watched their opportunity when the guard was laying off,
except the sentry on duty at the entrance, and at the order,
^'Charge" all rushed yelHng down the alley, as if to force
their way out. The guard jumped up in a hurry, seized
their muskets, and charged bayonets, when their leader
called out, ''Retreat" and the reprobates scampered back
to their quarters.
We had one man who defied all restraint when he wanted
to go. The boys gave him the name of " Jack Sheppard."
The last time he escaped, he was ornamented with bracelets
to the extent of two pairs of handcuffs ; a chain and ball
were pendant from a leg, the chain being gracefully looped
to the handcuffs. He told the officer of the guard that by
lo o'clock at night he would be free, a prediction which was
taken as braggadocio. But he kept his word— at the time
specified he was gone.
On Saturday, the 24th of August, active work was be-
gun on the works to be built on the hill, under the superin-
tendence of Col. 15rewerton, of the U. S. Engineers, assisted
by Lieut.-Col. Warren. .\ren were also detailed from the
regiment to make drawings and profiles.
Captain Hiram Duryea, with a detail of forty men, had
been sent out on duty on the 21st, and returned on the 24ih.
They had been to Point Lookout, at the mouth of the Poto-
mac, St. ^rary's County, where most of the inhabitants were
bitter secessionists. It was learned that under pretense of
having an excursion down the bay, some of the rebel element
of Baltimore intended to carry down a body of recruits for the
Confederate army, in the ste 3.tuho3.t Ilug/i fefiki/is ; and at
the same time to deliver ihe steamer over to the Confeder-
ates. The detail of the I'iuh wont aboaitl ju.>t before sh'-'
sailed; after landing the [uissengers at Point Lookout, she
steamed off the shore about one and a half miles and anchor-
ed. During the night they were approached by several sus-
Life at Baltimore. 103
j>icious-Iooking boats, but they were ordered off; and a
steamer, supposed to be the St. Nicholas^ wliich was seized
!.)• the Confederates some time previously, came over from
the Virginia shore and displayed signal-lights of a suspicious
cluracter, but receiving no answer, put back. There could
be no doubt that the rebel plans were thwarted in every way,
in consequence of the presence of the Zouaves on board,
and the reinforcement of the Confederate army was post-
poned. The Hugh Jenkins had a large share of patriotic
interest taken in her good management after that date.
An agreeable change was made in the entire police guard
regulations on the 28th, by which duty of the camp was to
be performed by a single company in turn, instead of by de-
tails from each, as had previously been the practice.
Our regiment enjoyed a great advantage in having a very
convenient and attractive bathing place, in the Patapsco,
which was the source of much pleasure and delight to the
n)en. The water was clear as crystal, flowing over a smooth
sandy beach, and was the scene of uproarious mirth, as the
dirterent groups, under charge of non-commissioned officers,
disrobed and plunged' into the waves, llieir games and
races on the beach were invigorating, while the physique of
many of them reminded one of the gladiators of old. This
Secluded spot was the scene of many a tough mill in the ring,
fought according to the rules of the code, in a fair stand-up
»'ght, to settle some rivalry or grudge that had been engen-
dered in camp. A pass was never refused for such a pur-
pose, but fighting about camp was strictly prohibited.
On one occasion, however, Colonel Warren permitted a
little brush. It happened in this way : One day as he was
lJa;;sing by the pump, he saw two of the men wrangling as to
\^ho was entitled to fill iiis pail first, and he stoiiped and told
' i. ru. if they couldn't agree, to put down their pails and tight
' '• i^iit. They accordingly, without any further words, clinched.
■In the course of the fight, the larger one attempted to take
in-' ; .
-i
■r •: i:-fiT
I04 Fifth A't'io York Volunteer Infantry.
an unfair advantage of his opponent, when the Colonel,
as umpire, interfered, and put him into the guard-house.
Such little incidents tended to make him popular with the
men, notwithstanding the strict discipline he always main-
tained in the path of duty, for as a body they liked fiiir play.
While on this subject the memorable battle between
"Butch" Myers and H. may be mentioned. The former,
some of my readers will remember, was not a very heavy or
large man, was always quiet, a good friend, and well liked ;
H. was considerably taller and heavier, besides being a pro-
fessed fighter. One day, by appointment with their seconds
and a few friends, duly armed with passes, ostensibly to take
a bath in the Patapsco, they sauntered out of camp, and
near the beach, in a selected. spot, fought for an hour and a
half, the battle resulting in a victory for "Butch." His op-
ponent had the most science, but could not conquer over the
indomitable game of " Butch," and was obliged to throw up
the sponge. They were both terribly bruised, but the con-
queror was punished the most ; his features were not recog-
nizable to his most intimate associates, and he was obliged
to lay up in " ordinary " for some days, by permission of the
surgeon.
These and other similar incidents were only the by-play to
the more earnest work of the pick and shovel, in which the
men were obliged to take their part on the works which
were being built. Each man's turn came every three days ;
it was hard work, as the great majority were not accustomed
to it. The hours were from 7 A.M. until a few minutes be-
fore 6 P.M., omitting the usual dinner hour. After the day's
work was over, tlie men were oblig-ed to clean \\\> and dress
for evening parade. The clay soil was very hard and heavy
to i\v^ in s<i;ii<.- pi;iccs, esprc-iilly as there had been cun^idci-
aljle rain, and ihc laliviiing furecs were ohl;.;cd to stand ii^
mutl and water ankle deei). Nevertheless ihey took it good-
naturedly, and considered it all in the line of duty. As the
[l"^-V
Life at Baltimore. ' 105
diifcrent squads assembled to get their implements of labor,
and before the word ''Attention " was given, they had a great
deal of amusement among themselves, by giving absurd
orders, such as, " Right shoulder shift — Arms I " " Fix — pick-
axes ! " " Secure — spades ! " Others would inquire very
soberly what ground there was for such grave proceedings,
when some one would answer, that " it was owing to fort-
uitous circumstances. When the different squads passed each
other on their way to work, they would salute one another
after the manner of the New York firemen, with a " Hi — hi —
hi !" The author has been favored with the following note
by MiRON WiNSLOW, of Company E :
" The occupation of Baltimore by the Federal troops, in the
years 1861-2, was not, for the 5th New York at least, a mere idle
or unlaborious task — a mere dwelling in barrack with no duties
but those of drill parade and guard duty, as is apt to be the
case with soldiers in winter quarters. The regiment from nearly
its first arrival was engaged in the work of throwing up fortifica-
tions on Federal Hill, and it was some months before the soldier
had any rest from the, to many of them, unaccustomed task of
handling pick and shovel and spade from morning till night in
•^'.^fairig the trenches, throwing up the ramparts, grading the
glacis, forming the sally ports, the counterscarps, the bastions of
that large and wcU-constructed fort, and mounting the hea\y
g\ins on its barbettes and in its bastions.
"It was the work thus performed by the soldiers, and the
natural spirit of disinclination to that kind of labor, which was
sometimes manifested by some of the men, which led to the com-
J")sing of the two following parodies for amusement in the bar-
racks after the hours of work, and though no mcrii is claimed
for them on the ground of originality of thought or expression,
tin'v are reproduced here simply as a part of the barrack-life of
thr- Fiuh while quartered at Federal Hill."
5''
r=j/-^:
Fifth N'czi' York Volunteer Infantry.
Work in the Trexch.
A Parody on "-Mickey Frees Lament y
Bad luck to this grading-.
This picking and spading,
While summer suns heat.
And winter rains drench ;
I'm not come for a digger,
I'd as lieve be a nigger
As spend all my days
. At work in the trench.
Then though we work well,
The why 1 can't tell.
The divil a farthing
We've ever yet seen ;
Some say if we wait,
'Twill come soon or late —
On my faith, I think
They're confoundedly green.
From 'reveille beat
Till the welcome retreat,
. . They keep us at work
With our picks and our spades;
Let us long as we may
■ \'' ' To join in the fray,
They give us no chance
To tr)' our good blades.
Once done with this work.
And back in New York,
I'll stick to my trade.
Be; it field, bar, or bench.
Not tlu? Indies nor Spain
Could tempt me again
To enlist for a solilicr
And work in tho trench.
Life at Baltiuiarc. 107
Bad luck to this grading,
This picking and spading.
While summer suns heat,
And winter rains drench —
There, the drums are calling !
The sergeant's a-bawling !
Och ! the divil fly away
With this work in the trench !
M. W.
The Song of the Spade.
A Parody on Hood's "Song of the Shirt."
With limbs all weary and worn.
His temples throbbing with pain,
A soldier sat in unsoldierly mood
Chanting a sad refrain —
Work ! work ! work !
From morning till evening parade ;
And still, with tones in which sorrows lurk.
He sings the '' Song of the Spade ! "
Work ! work ! work !
When the drums their reveille beat !
And work ! work ! work !
Till we hear the welcome retreat !
Oh, I'd as lieve be a slave
Along with our Southern foe.
Where one might at least find a grave,
And an end to all his woe !
Work ! work ! work !
Till the brain begins to swim ;
Work ! work ! work !
Till I ache in every limb I
.V
^
I08 Fifth Nezo York .Volunteer Infantry.
Spade, and mattock, and pick,
Pick, and mattock, and spade
Till I sigh for the rest that Death would bring.
And wish in my grave I was laid !
Oh, ye who rule the war '
Ye who have children and wives !
It is not the foe you're fighting against.
But your brave soldiers' lives !
Work ! work ! work !
From morning till evening parade.
We dig at once atrench and a grave,
For here will our bones be laid.
But why do I talk of death ?
Can the thought any terror yield ?
I would not fear his grizzly shape.
If I meet him in the field —
If I meet him in the field.
For there is the soldier's grave ;
O God ! that I should be prisoned here.
To work like a galley slave ! •
Work ! work ! work !
Our toil no resting knows ;
And what are its wages? A paltry sum.
Made up in curses and blows ;
From one in authority dressed.
With his epaulettes and sword, ■ .
Strutting about behind the redout,
As if creation's Lord. "^
Work! work! work!
From morn till dewy night.
Work ! work ! w ork !
Like a slave in its master's sight !
Pick, and nialtork, and spade.
Spade, and niatt(jck, and [)ick.
Till my limbs grow tired, and my arms are numbed,
And my very heart grows sick.
V^^</ ^:lA
Life at Baltiviore. 109
Work ! work ! work !
In the cold December day,
And work ! work ! work !
In the sunlight's hottest ray,
When the air is like an oven's breath,
While the sun like fire glows.
And as we bend to our toilsome task.
We sigh for an hour's repose.
Oh, but to breathe the air,
And to taste the joys of home.
To tread once more my native sod,
Never again to roam !
To live as in days gone by, , .
To be free as I once was free.
To wander whither I would.
In childhood's sportive glee !
Oh, for a single day,
A furlough however brief !
Not time to spend in pleasure or love.
But only a moment's relief !
A glimpse of home would ease rny heart —
One hour of its peaceful rest
Would remove a share of the leaden care
That burdens my wearied breast.
With limbs all weary and worn, ' ';
His temples throbbing with pain,
A soldier sat in unsoklierly mood, . ' ■'•.
Chanting a sad refrain :
Work I work ! work !
From morning till evening parade !
And still in a tone in which sorrows lurk,
He sings the song of the spade.
^r. w.
One morning a party of laborers were refused admittance
into camp because they were said to be of secessionist pro-
I lo FiftJi Nezv York Volunteer hifantry.
clivities. They hailed from a section in the Eighth Ward,
called " Limerick," which was thoroughly rebel in spirit.
On August 31st the few laborers employed at the fort,
after they left for their homes in the evening, had a lively
encounter with another party, just outside of the works. It
was Secessionist and Unionist, but no one was seriously
hurt.
The Fifth was compelled to suffer a personal loss in the
early part of September by tlie promotion of its commander
to a higher duty. On the loth we learned that Col. Abram
Durye'e, after whom this regiment was named, had been
appointed a Brigadier-General of Volunteers. He therefore
ceased his immediate connection with the regiment which he
organized, and did so much to exalt in its efficiency, drill,
and discipline. The country owes him a debt of gratitude
for organizing in its service a body of men who rendered
such service to the country during the war. He had the
satisfaction of knowing that he could leave it without any
anxiety as to its future career ; for, under the leadership and
training of the well-known and accom[)lished officer of the
regular army who succeeded him in command, and to whom
he was so greatly indebted for the discipline and drill of the
regiment, its good name already acquired could not be lost.
It must ever be a source of proud satisfaction for him to re-
member that Duryeds Zouaves were known throughout the
Army of the Potomac as the best drilled volunteer regiment
in the service ; and for efficiency and discii)line, was equaled
by few and excelled by none.
On Tuesday, the 10th, Capt. Partridge, of Company A,
two Sergeants, two Corporals, one drummer, and thirty pri-
vates were detailed to go to Rock Hall Landing, on board
the steamer Pioneer, to arrest a company of secessionists,
who were sui)[)Osed to bo diilliiig tliere, making an oUl
school-liouse their place of rendezvous. The pilot, on ac-
count of some misunderstanding, carried them about fifteen
Life at Baltimore. Ill
miles from the place, and those having charge of the boat
-.ive them no reliable information. The Captain ordered
the boat to be stopped, arrested the crew, and then dropped
anchor and had the fires put out. At half-past four the next
morning, the engineer and firemen were released and ordered
to get up steam, which was done, and at half-past five the
boat was on the way to Baltimore, where it arrived at lo
A.M., and the party returned to camp.
Lieut.-Col. Warren was appointed Colonel of the Fifth on
Sc-pt. II, 1861, and also Captain in the corps of U. S. Engi-
neers ; Capt. Denike, of Company G, resigned on the 6th.
He was absent on furlough in New York, while all the re-
cent changes and resignations of the officers were taking
place, and being senior Captain, was entitled to either the
I. ieut. -Colonelcy or Majorship, which were both vacant.
lUit in the reorganization two younger ofiicers stepped into
the vacancies. It was a new illustration of the old saying
that " all is fair in war." The men of Company G were
sorry to lose their Captain, who had proved himself to be
liicir friend, a brave and good officer, and a Christian. Cap-
tain Denike was presented with a handsome sword, which
cost §roo, by the members of his former command, the
presentation b ing made by a committee of six of the men.
Lieut. York was tendered, and accepted, an appointment
.IS Captain in the regular infantry.
Captain Jacob Duryee, of Company G, son of our late
Colonel, now General, was appointed Lieut. -Colonel of the
-d .NLiryland regiment, recruited in Baltimore. By this ap-
pointment we lost another brave officer.
The regiment having received new uniforms, made a grand
parade through the city on the 15th of Se[)tember, and
\V'/re received with much enthusiasu).
As a contrast to the promotions and compliments of this
'iioiuh, we wore compelled on the iSth to witness the dis-
iHjnor of the tlag by the dismissal of two of our men. The
IT, ..-. ;r,.: , , ,., .!■ ■.••c ;
112 Fifth Ncio York Volunteer Infantry.
regiment was drawn up in line, and the culprits were
drummed out of camp. One of them, James Nixon, was
hung in the Tombs, New York city, a few years after the
war, for shooting down a stevedore in Chatham Square in
broad daylight.
From the memoranda made under date of October loth,
etc., the author copies a brief description of the fort as it
stood at that date :
" The hill on which it is built is a very admirable site for
a fortification. When standing on the parapet the visitor
can have but one opinion as to its commanding position ;
and in the event of an attack, it could resist any force
brought against it. It is an immense square fortification,
occupying about two-thirds of the highest part of the hill,
the space inside of the embankments being nearly four acres
in extent The earthworks would be half a mile in length
if extended in a single line, thus affording shelter for a large
body of men, who could keep up a fearful fire of musketry
in perfect security, while the columbiads and other siege
guns, stationed at regular distances in the bastions and along
the curtain, were admirably planted for dealing out death
and destruction. The breastworks were splendid specimens
of engineering art, averaging, at least, fifteen feet through
at the base, and sloping upward to about six feet across at
the top. The height of these formidable banks is about nine
feet at the highest point of the hill, running out on a water-
level to the lower side, where it varies from fifteen to eight-
een feet. They are not loosely thrown up, for every shovelful
of clay which forms the mass was beaten down compactly
with heavy paviors' pounders, and the outer sides are shaved
off as smooth as a parlor wall. In addition to these is a
dilch in front of the bank about eight feet deep, making, at
tl:c luoht exposed points, an escalade of at loa^t twenty feet
fur a storming party to ascend.
"There are three larsie bastions, the iiuns of which com-
;.-:. (1'
Life at Baltimore. I13
jD.and tlic river above and below, and every part of the city
bfvoiul ; and as they throw eight-inch shot or shell, it is not
diltkiilt to imagine the havoc they will make if ever they are
called into use. A lunette commands the approaches from
the land side. The fort is entered upon its south-west face by
a bridge and a huge gate, and the entrance is protected by a
ditch. Within the fort is a well eighty feet deep, supplying
excellent water in abundance."
An abstract from the author's journal will serve to show
how the time was employed at this period :
"Reveille at 6 a.m. ; directly after, roll call, when every one
must be present and answer in person ; if not, he is reported
absent and unaccounted for, and subject to punishment ;
then • Policeing Quarters,' which means to sweep out the
tents, pick up the waste and rubbish lying about camp, even
to the minutest bit of paper, and put everything in complete
order.
"Breakfast call at 6.15, when the men fall in and repair
in single file to the respective company cooks, who are
enlisted men detailed frpm the regiment. A tin pint cup of
colTee is served with no milk, with a piece of very fat pork
or bacon to each man, which is thankfully received if it hap-
pens to be of good size. Then they repair to their respect-
ive tents, the cup and plate beuig private property (but the
latter he rarely has), and sits down on the ground and dis-
cusses his meal.
" Sick call at 6.30, when all who are indisposed, their
'i.uues having previously been entered by the Orderly Ser-
vant of each company in a book prepared for the puri)ose,
rt'iuir to the surgeon's quarters (in charge of a Sergeant),
w'H» examines each man as his name is called, marks oppo-
^■'^ !;is name the Jiialady and the prescrip.tion, also a mark
^■■•(-thcr to attend duty or be excused. Xo Captain or
' "-utenant can excuse a man from duty, unless first passed
»!p<^» by the surgeon.
' . I'..
114 Fifi^'' ^e"'-^ York Volunteer Infantry-
" Drill call at S.30. When we assemble in company
quarters, roll again called ; tlien in charge of a commis-
sioned officer, each company marches to some open fields
about half a mile from camp, and go through the various
evolutions, until 11.30, when the recall is sounded on the
bugle.
" Dinner call at noon, when the roll is again called. This
meal consists, without variation, day after day, of either
boiled cabbage, or pork, bean soup, beef stew, and a small
loaf of bread ; the latter must last for three meals or go
without. At 2.30 P.M., again fall in and roll called. Knap-
sack drill in the same place as the morning's drill, but it is
a 'battalion' instead of company drill. Are formed into
line of battle, charge over fences, etc , which generally re-
sults in some lofty tumbling and miscellaneous scratches,
form squares, and march by either front — form column by
division — drill in double-quick time, etc. At 4 o'clock or
later, return to camp. Sometimes instead of the latter drill,
we are formed in line on the parade-ground inside the fort.
The dnim beats, and immediately each company, without
further orders, repair at a double-quick to their places be-
hind the intrenchments, go through the movements of load-
ing and firing, aim, etc. At the order Charge, every man
jumps upon the parapet, and rushes to the edge of it with
a yell, his bayonet pointed downward, as if to thrust at an
enemy trying to scale up the sides of the fort.
"At 5, or 4.30 P.M., as the days are short, are assembled
and roll called, and marched out for dress parade, which
takes place outsitle the fort, if the weather is propitious, and
is witnessed by hundreds of citizens, many of whom come
in their carriages. After this performance, we have supper,
which consists of a cup of tea or cotTce and a piece of
bread off the loaf, given out at dinner-time. This diet is
sometimes varied by a ration of rice and molasses, which is
considered a rare treat. At S p.m., retreat, roll call : 8.^0,
.'til
;v: ,■ 1., ^/v )
tp ,-«?;
^^
W'
St' •
f .
1
m
m
1I ';:!;£'
Life at Baltimore. ' 115
ta[.s. 'Lights out,' cry the Orderly Sergeants, when every
candle is extinguished except in the tents of the latter, and
the (juarters of the officers and guard. After this no talking
or noise is allowed under heavy penalties. Thus closes the
duties of the day, and silence reigns supreme, except the
tread of the sentinel who is pacing his beat, or his sharp
challenge, and the cry of ' Corporal of the Guard,' when
porliaps he has caught some unlucky straggler trying to steal
in or out of camp.
'■'Wtdnesday, October 16. — Captain Hamblin, of Com-
pany I, and his command have been on an expedition, about
50 miles from camp, and surprised a meeting of secession-
ists, surrounding them and capturing 17 muskets and 40
cartridge-boxes, and thoroughly dispersing the rebels.
"•^ Monday, November 4. — The weather is now quite cold,
and the sentinels exposed to it at night feel it keenly, notwith-
standing their overcoats. We have had a very severe storm,
the rain falling in torrents, and the wind blowing a fierce
gale. It was impossible to drill, or rather, not necessary to
expose the officers and men to such a storm, and conse-
quently all not on necessary duty were housed in their tents
most of the time for 30 hours, excepting at roll calls, meal
times, and the never omitted evening parade, which was,
liowever, in undress with overcoats.
" There are quite a number on the sick list and in the
hospital with rheumatism, etc., while some have been dis-
charged as unfit for further service. The citizens say that
in winter Federal Hill is the coldest spot near Baltimore,
•ind the men begin to think that ' public opinion ' is quite
rnrrect on this point."
Captain Hamblin, the former Adjutant, and a great favor-
i* -' wii'n both officers and men, has accepted a commission as
-"^•l 'j'T in the 65th Xew York Regiment, U. S. (^liasseurs.
Ail are very reluctant to part witli him. He was a man of
•mo [ircsence, standing about six feet four inches, with a
Ii6 FiftJi Xc"(.' York Volunteer Infantry.
voice like thuncL'r ; and I can not better describe the elTect
he produces on an evening parade than by quoting an
extract from the Xew York Times, written by an officer of
this regiment, which is as follows :
" Captain Hamblin would be easily remembered in New York
by all who witnessed our march down Broadway, if they were
told that he was the tall and colossal officer who marched along
at such a seven-league pace, his good-looking phiz all smiling
and joyful. Captain Hamblin, 'The Adjutant,' as the boys still
love to call him, is a feature in our regiment, and would be sorely
missed. We felt bothered when we no longer had Col. Dur\"ee,
but if in an evil hour we should lose ' The Adjutant,' God help
the regiment, say I. You remember the description given by
Kate Rocket, in the old comedy, of her fier)% blustering father —
I forget the exact words — but still I never could hear little Miss
Gannon describe his coming on parade with a stiff military air,
frowning down the line, and pretending not to hear the ' God
bless his old heart,' without tears starting in my eyes; and I
never yet was on parade when 'The Adjutant' came thundering
along the line without thinking of the similarity. He's a treasure
to us. I could keep on all day telling you about his ways,
although I have scarcely ever said a word to him in all my life,
but I have no space ; besides, it is hardly fair, and so I stop by
saying that he is one of the funniest men you ever saw. He has,
for instance, a huge dog, about the size of a small rat, and
his kennel is an empty box of David's ink, about as big as one
of those boxes of honey one sees in New York, while over it is
a fearful placard — ' Beware of the Dog ! ' "
The men of the regiment subsequently made up the sum
of $6co, which was appropriated to buy a stallion, which
was presented to ^^ajo^ Hamblin, as a substantial token of
their regard.
In speaking of do:;'^. the writer before (junted from, says:
"There are a grcit nunilier of dogs now belonging to the
regiment, picked up at Hamptun among the deserted houses in
that unfortunate villacrc These do'^s have a home in some
•' - Life at Baltimore. 1 17
company, but they seem to have each a separate duty to perform.
One always mounts guard ; another gets in front of the drum
corps at dress parade ; there he squats gTavely until the band
has done playing ; then as the drums strike up, he barks away to
the no small amusc;ment of the visitors; and, as at the instant
the drum stops, the evening gun fires, over he goes in a back
somersault, somewhat astonished, and not exactly understanding
what makes the noise. This fellow is also detailed to go with
the patrol that leaves every morning and evenmg fcr the city for
the militar)' prisoners.
" Another, a large black Newfoundland, better known as
Bounce, the property of Co. G, but claimed by Lieutenant Jacob
Duryee, used to attend all parades of the regiment until the
Lieutenant was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 2d
Marjland Regiment, when he was carried of. All hands of
course supposed that Bounce' had forgotten his old corps in the
enjoyment of his newly-acquired promotion. Bu' fidelity in a
dog is stronger than some people imagine, for the other day
Bounce made his appearance on dress parade, as if nothing
had happened, and I suppose he will remain a fixture — a regular
Union dog — and an example to all would-be deserters.
"G. C."
Another canine who became a favorite attached himself
to the regiment at Camp Hamilton. He was a little Scotch
terrier, whom the boys named Jack. He took up his quarters
at the guard tent, where he could constantly be seen on
duty, following after the dittcrent reliefs. He would always
return with theui and remain until another relief was called
out. The last that was seen of him was on the dock, the
night the regiment embarked for Eialtimore, having followed
after his friends. The men felt the loss of Jack almost as
nuich as that of a cotnrade, for he was a true type of a faith-
ful fiicnd.
f>:Uy one of tiie Cr.plaiiis (Wiii-l^jw) who bcIcMiged to the
I'giment at its organization, now reir.ainci! in that grade, and
lie was ab-scnt on a visit to New York, having accidcntailv
h-H r \ Oi V
1 1 8 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
sent a pistol shot through his foot. Col. Warren was sick
and confined to liis quarters at times for two months, but had
recovered, and was also absent on a short furlough. The
regiment was reviewed and inspected by Gen. R. B. Afarcy,
father-in-law of Gen. George B. McClellan, and Inspector-
General of the Army of tlie Potomac, and the following day
we were mustered in for pay.
We could now boast of a very fine band, under the leader-
ship of Mr. Wallace, of New York. It was made up of pro-
fessional musicians, and some very fine amateurs, who were
detailed temporarily from the ranks. The drum corps, how-
ever, was our pride, and was under the charge of that veteran
knight of the drum-sticks, John M. Smith,* who maintained
strict discipline among his large corps, and took them to a
distance every day and drilled them until their arms ached.
They were such masters of their art that on parade they were
greeted with much applause. They made a splendid appear-
ance, for they were a good-looking set of lads, and com-
manded the admiration of all who saw them in their Zouave
uniforms.
The following veties were written by one of our drummer-
boys, which are worthy of preservation as one of the ballads
of the time :
To THE Fifth New York Zouaves.
BV ONE OF THE DRUM CORPS.
A regiment once U-ft New York to gain themselves a name,
Also to prove that they could fight and play the Yankee game.
At old Fort Schuyler they began their duties with a will,
And in a mouth they proved to all that they were some on drill.
CirORUS — Oh, Secessia, what's the use of funning-,
Don't you see the red breeches, look at them coming.'
On, Zouaves, on !
* Siuiili li.ns been fur ycnrs the Dnim-M.ijor of the 7th Regiment, and aUo of the
I'ri'jklyn 13th. One of his pupils (Jenks) acts in the same cap.icity fur the 7i?t;
niij another (Striibe) for the 22J Regiment ; McKeever for a New Jersey Regiment.
■.lb
..ir.-.. ', Life at Baltimore. 119
To Fort Monroe by order sent, they quickly took their way,
Tht-y left New York one pleasant night, arrived up there next
day ;
When the rebels heard that they had come, it grieved them very
sore.
For they never thought the " Red Devils " could land upon their
shore. Chorus.
They did their duty faithfully, and " easy " slept at night.
Till one fineday they got " good news ; " it was to go and fight ;
On, on to Bethel, was the cry, nor did they ever tire.
Though on the double-quick they went to meet the rebel fire.
Chorus.
The Fifth drawn up in line, stood motionless and still.
They met the fire manfully, returned it with a will ;
But orders soon awake them, for *' Warren gave the word,"
And in advance, on double-quick, they went to meet the herd.
Chorus.
Then next to Baltimore they went, another post to fill.
And very' soon threw up a fort high on Federal Hill ;
They placed a flag-staff on their fort, aided by some " tars,"
And hoisted up their country's flag, the glorious Stripes and Stars.
Chorus.
They on an expedition went, down to old Accomac,
And verj' soon the rebels found the red boys on their track ;
So they took and pulled their tent-pins up, for they couldn't see
the fun,
And the Fifth got into Accomac, and the rebels into a run.
Chorus.
They took some pretty trophies — cannon, muskets, swords, and
shot,
Likewise some loadrd shell, which the rebels had forgot ;
They took good care nothing to spare, but ever,thmg to bag,
And in Northampton County they took a rebel flag. Chorus.
1 lie Fifth once made a grand parade through the streets of
Baltimore,
And " Baltimoreans " said they never saw the like before ;
I20 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Their arms shone brig-ht as silver, their step was firm and true,
While marching to the music of " Yankee Doodle Doo."
Chorus.
The Fifth have got a Drum-Major, a gentleman of ease.
He's a soldier, knows his business, believe me, if you please ;
His pupils know his style, and obey him with a will.
But if they neglect his orders, why, he gives them extra drill.
C/iorus.
The bully Zouave drum corps are some upon a stick,
They understand their business, can go a double-quick;
When they are on parade the girls look at them shy,
And whisper to each other, How I'd like a " Drummer-boy."
C horus.
And now my ditty's ended, as you shall quickly see.
And I've told you of the Fifth Zouaves, so ha jpy and so free ;
Three cheers for their brave officers, the noble sons of Mars,
Who swear to hve or die beneath the glorious Stripes and Stars.
Chorus.
The drummer-boys, imitating their older companions, were
continually hatching mischief and playing jokes. The band-
master was a great admirer of Maggie Mitchell, the actress,
who was a frequent visitor to the camp to witness the even-
ing parades of the regiment, and as in duty bound, the offi-
cers always showed her great attention. One night the band-
master marched his band with the drummers out of the fort and
into the city, finally halting them in front of the hotel of the
actress, intending to give her an agreeable surprise by a
serenade. The music was delightt'ul, and the affair was a suc-
cess, but he had arranged that the drummers were to carry
torches in order that his musicians could read their notes, and
that it nn"glit be seen by the actress to whom she was indebt-
ed for this compliment. They, on the other hand, had ar-
ranged that when a certain one of their number counted one,
two, where tlio number three came in, out should go the
lights. T!k' bmul-mastcr was in the nu'dst of his most en-
chanting piece, and he was [Performing his own part with the
,V ^.\:-^
Life at Baltimore. I2i
rest, his soul full of music and haj^piness with the thouoht
that he was delighting the ear of tlic actress he so much ad-
mired. When one, two, piitf. out went the lights, the music
came to an abrupt termination, and the stillness was broken
by three emphatic words not necessary to repeat, and his ears
were saluted by the ringing laugh of the bewitching Maggie,
who showed her appreciation of the joke by clapping her
hands, and she probably enjoyed this episode which the mis-
chievous drummer-boys had inserted in the performance, as
much as she did the music.
It may not be out of place to chronicle one of the Drum-
Afajor's practical jokes, perpetrated at the expense of a
member of his own craft.
One day Adjutant Hamblin, Sergeant-^^ajor Jack Collins,
and himself, were dining together in the tent of the latter,
when a knock was heard from without, on the tent i)ole.
Smith called out : '• Who is there ? " " Drum-Major of the
4th Michigan," was the answer. " Come in ! Drum->rajor
of the 4th Michigan;" and he went in. Of course he was
invited to be seated and take dinner. After the meal was over,
the conversation turned on the mysteries of the art of drum-
ming. Fourth Michigan said that he had heard that Smith
was a professor cf the art, and he had come over to see him,
and hear a specimen of his accomplishments in that line.
Smith told him that he \vas mistaken as to his being able to
drum; all he did was to walk ahead and flourish his stick;
he understood how to do that. " But," said he, " I can ap-
preciate good drumming when I hear it, and if you have no
objections I should be very much pleased to hear what you
can do with the drum-sticks ! " " All right," replied Michi-
gan, and he took the drum that was handed him, and putting
tlie strap over his shoulders, he struck a position for business
and asked what it should be. Smith said. - Let us have the
h-ng roll!" not thinking of tlu' consequences. And now,
tlioroughly interested, down came the sticks, and out canie
6
122 FiftJL Nczu York I'oluif'ctr Infantry.
the well-known alarm rattle. At. the first sound, out rushed
Smith, Hamblin, and Collins, U-aviiiL; his astonished guest
alone, and the startling conviction ila>hed on his n-)ind that
he was badly sold, and had comiiu'ted a serious breach of
military discipline. Some of the companies had jumped to
arms, and the officer of the day rushed into the tent and
caught the unhappy offender, " dead to rights," as the de-
tectives say. He tried to explain, but it was of no use. He
was sent to the guard-house. Smith was brought before tlie
Colonel, and for some time matters looked serious. But it
passed over, and at'ter some time spent in durance, the mu-
[ sical interviewer from Michigan was released, and departed
I for his camp, thankful that he was not to be court-martialed
j and shot,
( On Tuesday, the i.?th of November, six companies of the
■ regiment, under the command of Colonel Warren, left on an
[ expedition to the eastern shore of Virginia. They took bag-
\ gage-wagons with th.em. It was understood that some five
i thousand men were under orders iox this ser\'ice, and there
[ was much disappointnient among tiiose who were left to
i guard the fort.
r The carpenters, with the assistance of men of that trade
\ detailed from the regiment, commeiiccd work on the bar-
: racks. In the meantime, the men built large camp-fires to
ikeep themselves warm, ;ind around these they congregated
when off duty, to talk and sing songs. Guard duty returned
\ every four days while the other com]ianies were away, and
f v.-c had the usual drill the otiier three days. Tlie fort was
I under the command of Major Plnll, who kept the battalion
'? under the usu:?.l discipline. I-arge .juaniities of cannon-balls
! were received, and they grew into rc*gulation i)yramids ready
j for use. There was no limit, apparently, to the numoer.
i Suiuh-!}-^ Dec. I. — -T';i.>!ikigivi;g ! mv (rhur.>(iay) \\ as cel-
ebrated by firing a grand salute of iliiity-roiu" guns with tiic
ihirty-two-pounders, v/hich made th.c liill shake, while the
,-.:■/■' Lift- at Baltimore. ' ' 123
concussion broke all the windows of the houses in the vicin-
ity of the fort. After the salute the band ])layed several na-
tional airs. The surgeon supplied all the men with oysters
as a present from himself, and the sutler gave out cigars, so
all were happy. Saturday a Volunteer Union Company
of thirty-five boys, dressed in Zouave uniform, visited camp,
drilled and went through different maneuvers very creditably,
and in the evening at dress parade drew up opposite the bat-
talion, after which they marched away.
A remarkable event of camp life which occurred just at
this time, was described by a Baltimore journal as follows :
An Elopement.
Marriage of a Zouave — Exciting Affair.
The greatest excitement of the season transpired in East
Baltimore shortly after four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, the par-
ticulars of which we will give in as brief a manner as possible :
Connected with the 5th New York Zouave Regiment, encamped
on Federal Hill, is a handsome and brave volunteer, who in a few
weeks after visiting our city fell in love with a sweet young lady
residing on the Hill, but whose father is secesh to the back-bone.
The daughter, however, entertained different opinions, and boldly
declared that if ever she became a wife, a bold soldier boy should
be her husband.
The Zouave, upon learning the sentiments of the old man, was
s<'rely troubled, but nerved himself with the assurance tliat
■■ Faint heart never won fair lady," and resolved to press his
sviit and carry off the prize despite the threats of the enragtd
parent.
For a while all went along smoothly, wlien red breeches learned
t!i.it the father of his loved one had issued a proclamation that
hs daughter should wed a chap who was in heart as great a
'■'VAard as ever lived, and in princi[)le so mean that a clock would
r"'t tick while he was in the room.
1 iK: young girl, like a true heroine, detested iiim, and inlonncil
•' ■!■ Zouave beau how matters ^.tood. The latter m m.'.ged a
stolen interview on Saturday morning, which resulted in the dear
124 Pifth New York Vohintecr Infantry.
girl givinc^ her hand to her sweetheart and agreeing- to an elope-
ment. The time named was half-past three o'clock Sunday aft-
ernoon at tb.e house of a friend. The time arrived, and so did
our htro wiih a horse and buggy. In a twinkling the loving
couple were rattling over the cobble-stones at a merry rate in
search of a minister to tie the Gordian knot. Up one street and
down another the horse sped until the comer of Lombard Street
and Broadway was reached. At this point the Zouave jumped
from his buggy and inquired of a gentleman where a minister
could be found that would render happy at short notice a couple
anxious to get married. The gentleman could not impart the
desired information, when our hero again sprang into the buggy
and drove to the corner of Pratt Street, where his beating heart
was quieted by John Randolph, Esq., who informed the Zouave
that the Rev. Mr. Thomas, pastor of the Broadway Baptist
church, would perfonn the ceremony. To the church sped the
party (including the horse and buggy), and in a short time the
blushing damsel and her companion were closeted with the
minister.
By this time it became noised about that an elopement was on
hand, and such an outpouring of marriageable ladies was never
before witnessed on Broadway. Young ladies crowded about
the church doors in great numbers, while the windows of adja-
cent dwellings were thronged with older persons, all anxious to
catch a glimpse of the wedded pair as they emerged from the
sacred cditke ; and when they did appear, many were the well
wishes for their future welfare that greeted them on all sides.
Forcing thi-ir way through the crowd, the happy couple seated
themselves in the buggy and passed rapidly up Broadway. Vive
la Zouave ! Vive la Elopement !
: CHAPTER VII.
THE EASTERN SHORE— LIFE AT BALTIMORE.
The E.\steiuj Shore— Odjects of the Expedition— A Proclamation by GE>f-
ZRAi. Dix— " Marching Along ! "—A Surprised Zolave— Rebel Spirit and
Rebel Spirits— A Soldiers' Reunion— Rebel Visitors Singing the Star
Spangled Banner— Return of the Extedition— Results— A Sociable Pa-
rade— Rebel Flag Reversed— Recriiting — Opening the Barracks —
" Fort Feder.^l Hill" — Second Year of the War — Our Surgeon — A Sur-
gical Duelist— Running the Guard— " The Zouave House "—A Mrsii al
Masked Batterv — Flag Presentation by the Ladies of South Bal-
riMORE — Address by John Willis, Esq. — Colonel Warren's Reply — A
Grand Ball at Headquarters- Fort Marshall — Washington's Birthday
— An Indignant Zouave — Grand City Ball — A Military Execution —
Attack Threatened —The Merrimac— Change of Base — Ho for Fortress
Monroe! — Farewell to Baliimore — Our Farewell Entertainment —
Relieved by the Third New York — Falling into Line — March Through
Baltimore— Exciting Scenls— Farewell Song.
On Tuesday, the 12th day of November, 186 r, six com-
panies, A, B, C, D, E, F, of the 5th Regiment, wlio were
to act in concert with other troops, in all about five thousand
men, left Baltimore on the steamer PocaJwntas^ for the
puri)ose of invading Accomac and Northampton Counties,
Virginia, the former Congressional district of Ex Governor
^N'ise, his country seat being near Onancook, Accomac
County.
There were many Union people in the two counties, but
they had been overawed by the secessionists, who were in
the majority, and had been actively recruiting many young
men from the ranks of the inhabitants for tlie Confederate
army.
The two cc>untics comprised about eight hundred s<]uare
miles, with a population, including negroes, of about twenty
lliousand. There were about three thousand militia, who
(125)
■- :•; I'-'l .. ; 1.)
■•r-^i'i-.l
126 Fifth New York l^ohintccr Infantry.
had assembled together in a camp, under a Colonel Smith,
of the Confederate army, and batteries were being built to
resist any advance of Federal troops into this territory. It
was the object of General Dix to send such a large force
against them as to either cajnure this body of men, or to over-
awe and disband them. Many of them were Unionists, but
were compelled to enter the Confederate ranks by threats of
personal danger and destruction of property ; and it was
anticipated that if troops were sent to their aid, and a firm,
yet conciliatory po icy was adopted, the secession element
would become demoralized, and the Unionists would not
only be protected, but would remain firm adherents to the
loyal cause. The command of the expedition was intrusted
to General Lockwood, of Delaware, and consisted of de-
tachments of the 17th ATassachusetts, 5th New York, 21st
Indiana, 6th Michigan, 4th Wisconsin, Nims' Battery, Troop
of Cavalry, 2d Delaware Home Guards, and Purnell Legion.
On Wednesday, the 13th, the steamer on which the Fifth
had embarked entered Pocomoke Sound and River, and got
aground. The men were taken off the next day at 9 o'clock,
by the steamer Star, and at 10 a.m. landed at Newton,
Worcester County, Md., just above the Virginia line, and
encamped. From this place General Lockwood sent a
messenger under a flag of truce across the line into Vir-
ginia, and circulated a printed proclamation to the inhabit-
ants, issued by General Dix, which called upon all in arms
against the Government to lay down their arms and dis-
perse, promising protection to the LTnionists, and the jienal-
ties of the law against the disunionists if they continued in
their treasonable acts, etc.
Upon receiving the proclamation, the Union people were
wild with delight, and the camp of the secessionists began
to melt away. On Sunday, the 17th, the troops crossed the
boundary line into Virginia, the cavalry in advance, tlie 5th
New York leading the infantry, and encamped, after a march
-■J-i
The Eastern Shore — Life at Baltimore. 127
of twelve miles, at Oak Hall. During the march they en-
countered many obstructions, designed to impede their
advance ; bridges had been burned, and trees were thrown
across the roads, some of which it was necessary to remove,
and deserted earthworks were found at Oak Hall.
Nove7nber r8. — The cavalry advanced by a forced march to
Drummondtosvn, and raised the Stars and Stripes on the pole
on which the day before the Confederate flag had been flying.
N'ovember 20. — Marched to Knappsville, eight miles, and
encamped.
November 21. — Marched fifteen miles, to a point seven
miles from Drummondtown, and encamped. Daring this
march we discovered another battery, niounting eight guns,
almost new, of which we took possession. During the
night rain set in, and the companies remained in this camp
until Sunday, the 24th. Up to this time nine guns and one
hundred flint-lock muskets hod been seized. Colonel Smith,
who commanded the troops at the earthworks, escaped ; but
we made prisoners of one Captain and two Lieutenants.
November 22. — During the night Captain Partridge, of
Company A, and a squad of men, went in search of arms,
and found a number of sabres and equipments which had
been hidden in the woods, and Sergeant Pike captured a
large Confederate flag.
November 24. — We marched to Kastville and encamped,
being seventy-seven miles from Newton, from which place
the expedition had started. A number of the 21st Indiana
were put under arrest for foraging and committing depre-
dations.
General Lockwood, before the expedition started, had
issued an order that any one caught out of camp should
'h' put in irons ; but notwit!istan<ling the iniiiciative nature
*'f \\\-i order, and liie severity of the thie.itened puiiishinent,
some of the men of the various regiments could not resist
the temptation to wander out of the lines.
128 Fifth Ncrv York Volunteer Infantry.
One night after the regiment had gone into camp, one
of the Zouaves ventured on a private errand as provider.
He went to a house near by, and, without ado, approached
and knocked on the door. " Come in," cried a manly
voice. He thought it an encouraging summons, and forth-
with opened the door; but much to his astonishment, he saw
Colonel Warren and Captain Partridge warming themselves
over the fire. If he ever disobeyed an order of his com-
manding officer during his two years' service, it was on this
particular occasion. He not only refused to obey, but rudely
closed the door and beat a hasty and disorderly retreat around
the corner of the house. Seeing a cellar-door open, his first
impulse was to disappear down that way ; but luckily for his
second thought, he did better by tumbling head over heels
into a pig-sty conveniently near, regardless of pigs or mire.
Out rushed the officers, who saw the cellar-door open, and
concluded that the rascal had gone below. The Captain
rushed back to get a light, while the Colonel stood guard,
saying that he would cut the scoundrel down if he attempted
to dash by him. Soon tlie Captain appeared with the light,
and while they were looking iiito the cellar, " Phil" got out
of the other side of the sty and made extraordinary time
back to camp, thanking his stars for his narrow escape.
"Phil" is now one of the shining lights of the New York
Ear.
Two men, who afterward confessed that they had been
officers in the Confederate army, after drinking freely, met
some unarmed Zouaves out of camp, drew their pistols and
pointed at them. They were arrested, and taken be-
fore Colonel Warren, confined for the night in comfortable
c^narters, and supplied with substantial iDeals frou) his own
table ; blankets were also furnished, and a good fire made
fur them. In the moming, when they were sober and pen-
itent, and ashamed of their conduct, the Colonel explained
to them the principles and the cause he was t^-hting for, and
A -. : ■■ {'■.f .:mi
The Eastern Shore — Life at Baltimore. 129
the madness and fully of their own false position, serenaded
them with the " Star Spangled Banner," and dismissed
them.
IVt'dfiesday, November 27. — Colonel Warren invited a
number of gentlemen known to be bitter secessionist?,
some of whom were formerly rebel officers, to witness a
drill and parade of the Fifth, and afterward join him in a
soldier's supper. At the appointed hour they came in fine
equipages," for they belonged to the wealthy and influential
classes.
The Zouaves were encami)ed in a dense pine forest near
the village of Eastville, adjoining which was a large and
level meadow, which made an admirable parade-ground.
The movements were performed under the order of the
Colonel, in a most successful manner, and the gentlenien
were astonished, never having witnessed anything like it be-
fore ; afterward they had a splendid supper around a roar-
ing fire. They were stretched in a semicircle about it, sit-
ting and reclining on red blankets laid upon pine boughs,
from which they could see the Zouaves flitting about their
camp-fires in the pine woods across the meadow. TliC
scene in the dusk of evening was enchanting and like a
vision of fairy-land. After the bountiful repast, the Colonel
sent for so:ne fine singers of the regiment, and they were
entertained for an hour by their performance. They then
sung " The Red, White, and lilue," and the finale was the
'• Star Spangled Banner," in which all joined with great
effect. The secession visitors got e.xcited, and sang louder
than any of them, swinging their hats in the air ; after which
Ihey declared that, after all, they had an interest in the old
flag — that one-half of it belonged to the South, and it was
a shame to divide it. They wound u[) by iMoposin^, and
joining in, cheers for tlic tlig, fur the 5th New York, and
tur the Union.
'I'attoo, with " Yankee Doodle," played with fife and tlruni,
130 Fifth Neio York Vohcttccr Infantry.
cut short the entertainment. This little incident did more
to overcome the secessionists, in spite of themselves, than a
hard battle would have done.
Col. Warren invited Gen. Lockwood to witness a d-ill of
the Fifth a {•iw days afterward, as iie did not seem to entertain
very cordial feelings toward the Zouaves. But whether the
question, "Who stole that goose?" which became prover-
bial in the regiment, had anything to do with it, has never
been determined.
The regiment went through the movements with automatic
precision in quick and double-quick time. The General was
astonished, and said that he had never seen anything like it
in the whole of ^'■Delaware,'' and that it could not be
excelled.
Monday, Dec. 2. — ^farched to widiin seven miles of Pona-
teague, covering twenty-one miles, where more deserted in-
trenchments and obstructed roads were discovered.
Tuesday, Dec. 3. — Left the camping ground, and reached
the steamer Star^ lying at Ponateagiie, on the Chesapeake
Bay, about noon.
Wednesday, Dec. 4. -^Started about 6 A.^r. on board the
steamer Star, for Federal Hill, arriving at the fort on the
morning of the 5th, after an absence of twenty-three days.
The companies had marched on this expedition over 160
miles, in heavy marching order, besides having severe drills
while lying in camp. They found the majority of the peo-
ple to be poor and ignorant, many of the women having
neither shoes nor stockings, with tlieir dresses unfashionably
short. The negroes were allowed one coaf, one pair of
shoes, two siiirts, and one pair of trousers for the year, and
some of their clothes were so much patched that the)- looked
like beJ-q'.ii'r;. At first the ncL'rocs wcxc very nnirli alarm-
ed, an.; kept aloof. biU having caii^lu one. and gi\-t'n l;ini a
Union drill, by tossing liim in a blanket, they soon had their
hands full. They said that their masters had told them that
The Eastern Shore — Life at Baltimore. 131
the Yankees would cut their arms and legs off. They were
greatly surprised and gratified to find that instead of being
treated in that way, they were welcomed with " Union
drills."
To sum up, tlie expedition seized ten cannon, eight of
which were new, a thousand stand of aims, flags, etc.. be-
sides disbanding the drafted militia, restoring confidence to
the Unionists, and demoralizing the secessionists.
Colonel Warren was much oi)i)osed to the policy of delay
pursued by General Lockwood at first, and offered to take
his battalion and Xims' battery, and push through to the end
of the Peninsula. Had he been allowed to do so, there can
be little doubt that Colonel Smith, the Confederate leader,
would have ueen captured.
On the evening of Friday, Dec. 6th, the officers being
again "at home," had a "sociable," in the Colonel's quar-
ters, which were in a brick building, formerly used as a
hotel, which was allowed to remain when the fort was built,
and was situated inside the works, near the western embank-
ment. The men also had an improvised concert, the band
played at intervals, cheers were given for Colonel W.irren,
and expressions not very complimentary to General Lock-
wood or his military sagacity, were indulged. Altogether the
entertainment was worthy of the occasion.
The following day, the weather being propitiously beauti-
ful, all of the command that could be spared, marched out
for a parade through the city, bearing the Confederate flag
that was seized on the late expedition, upside down. .
It was publicly presented to General Dix, at his head-
quarters in the city, after which the men gave three tre-
mendous cheers for General Dix and the American Union.
I>oubtless the rebels growled and gnashed their teeth at the
«-i---rincc C'f ih<;ir riag.
On Fridav, Dec. 13th, several of the officers and a few of
the men were sent to New York to obtain recruits.
I 132 FiftlL Nczv York Voluv.tar bifantry.
I It may seem strange, that regiinei.ts in the service, when
[ they have not lost many men in battle, are obliged to recruit
f so often. The reasons are, that all comparatively new or-
\ ganizations lose many men, who, when first enlisted, pass a
jiiedical examination, but have not the stamina to endure the
hardships and exposure to which they are subject. In addi-
tion to this, many desert. It is a hard school, and puts to
i the test all that there is in a man in the way of fortitude, pa-
1 tience, endurance, and all the hardier qualities, as well as mor-
j al courage. After the weaker ones are sifted out, there remains
a body of strong, enduring soldiers, who can perform any
duty, and submit to any hardship, who do the hard fighting in
[ a battle, and are "mustered out" either by death on the
I field of battle, or vv-ith honor at the end of their-tenn.
[ The attendance at divine service on Sundays was small,
[ seldom exceeding over twenty ; last Sunday quite a large
I number assembled, on account of some remarks made by
Colonel Warren on the subject, and the men were drawn
together at his request.
A few evenings since the men gave a concert, in one of
\ the nearly finished barracks. A stage was erected at one
I end, and decorated as tastefully as the means at their com-
; mand would allow ; seats of plain boards were arranged for
i the audience, with camp-stools, borrowed for the occasion,
I to acconnnodate the officers. There were recitations and
\ scenes from " Afacbeth," etc., which were acted out in the
\ most tragic manner. The Drum-Major gave an exhibition
i of his skill on the drum, and he made it speak in his hands.
I The good voices selected from members of the regiment,
j gave some very harmonious music, and the Colonel and
• officers were very much entertained and gratitied.
On Afondiiy, the ;,V'? t'^*- "'"-''i struck tents, and moved
into the l).ir!\;r.k-. "TlK'y were largo and roomy, two stoiies
! high, with double verandas, supported by blight piiLus, and
facing inward toward the scpiare. They occupied tlnee
The Easter }i Shore —Life at Baltimore. 133
sides of the quadrilateral, within the high eiiibanktuents, and
upon the fourth are situated a neat cottage of brick, com-
monly called the Colonel's quarters ; a guard-house, and an
unimposing building which alfords ample accommodation
for the commissary and quartermaster's departments.
" One building is occupied by the officers, and the others
are divided into rooms ninety feet in length, each division
furnishing ample accommodation for one hundred men.
Three tiers of bunks occupy each side of the company
quarters, and are arranged in the most convenient and ap-
proved manner. Company kitchens also occupy the ends
of the large center building, and there are rooms in the same
building for the band and the sutler. The buildings inclose a
large parade-ground, sufficient in extent for ordinary military
purposes ; and the square is ornamented with native trees,
which please the eye and afford an agreeable shade."
The company rooms were each heated by two stoves,
which stood at either end, and the comfort of these (inarters
contrasted favorably with that of the cold and crowded tents. j
The day before moving was dreary aixl rainy ; the wind j
blew a gale, and the tents api)eared to lie in a morass of j
nuid and water. It is needless to say that the change was j
immensely for the advantage of the men for health as well \
as comfort. The boys enjoyed themselves extremely in j
their new quarters, and after camping out so long, we felt j
soniewhat domesticated in our new surroundings. 1
Thursday, December 26. — Our works have been named \
and are to be made historical by the title of '• Furt l-'ederal j
Hill." The armament of the fort is six 8-inch columbiads ;
two lo-inch mortars ; two 8-inch S. C. howitzers ; twenty- |
three 32-|)ound guns; five 24-pound howitzers (rlank de- 1
f»'n^e). and several 6-pound brass pieces. Stored in the :
"iiee magazines v/ere 10.000 pounds ot^ cannon pcjwder and '■.
^coo hand grenades. \\\ addition there was in the fort
over 4,000 solid shot, shell, grape and canister shot.
~ I
:/ .: V!
134 Fifth Nc-iv York Volunteer Infantry.
The Confederate flag captured in the late expedition to
the eastern shore of Virginia, and presented to (General Dix,
was sent by him to the Mayor of the city of New York.
The following is from the New York Times of December
27, 1861 :
Mayor's Office, December 26, 1861,
To THE HOXORABLE THE COMMON COUNCIL :
Gentlemen : — I have received a communic^ation from Major-
General Dix (a copy of which is annexed), accompanying' a se-
cession flag, captured in Virginia by the 5th Regiment of New
York Volunteers (Duryee's Zouaves), under his command.
In compliance with the desire of Major-General Dix, it be-
comes my pleasant duty to transmit this trophy of a New York
regiment to the appropriate custody of the municipal authorities
of the city to which this gallant corps belongs. New York will
preserve this relic with pious care, as a proof of the courage of
her sons and their patriotic devotion to the cause of the Union.
Let us receive it as an auspicious token, and as an earnest of the
restoration of peace and the triumph of that Constitution which
is the only safeguard of the true glory and happiness of our coun-
try. I recommend that the Common Council, in receiving the
flag, pass resolutions congratulating the regiment of New York
Zouaves for their gallant spirit, and thanking General Dix for his
kindly remembrance of the city.
Fernando Wood, Mayor.
On the receipt of the above message, the Common Coun-
cil adojned a resolution returning the thanks of the city to
the Fifth Regiment for the flag.
Friday Jan. 3, 1862. — With the opening of the new year
winter had fully set in, and in the morning the air was very
keen. The season was cokl, and in addition we had the full
force of the north winds on the elevated position we occu-
pied. The surgeon, or "0[)iain Pills," as the men called hiui,
whatever may have been his scicntihc attainments, was not
fortunate as an ot'ficer or a humanitarian. lie was tyranni-
cal and cruel. It was his custom when the sick came before
•■•■^.'<.• Life at Baltimore. •■ 135
him, to commence business by asking his steward to bring
him '' some of those bitters," which was evidently nothing
less than about five fingers of raw whisky. His loaded re-
volver was laid on the table at his side, and for some imagi-
nary provocation he would fly into a towering passion, bring
his fist down on the table with an oath, upsetting the ink and
everything else, and either kick some poor fellow out of the
room, or seize his revolver and threaten to blow somebody's
brains out. One of the officers, Quartermaster Wells, took
him at his word one day, much to the joy of the men.
There had been some trivial dispute between them, and the
surgeon (V.) challenged the Quartermaster. But he found
that he had a new patient to deal with, and not a list of sick
})rivates who could not resist his brutality. The challenge
was accepted, the Quartermaster being a dead shot, and ac-
customed to making his fire tell, and the imperious surgeon
was obliged to retire his challenge, and retire himself, by
resigning his commission.
Passes to the city are again restricted, only one for each
company being allowed every twenty-four hours. In conse-
quence some of the men resume their guard-running prac-
tices, with the risk of being fired at by the sentries, besides
being court-martialed when caught, or if they missed a roll
call.
No harm will come now to any one to tell where the run-
aways often spent their time, and where the guard could
have made a good capture not very far from the fort. The
'• Zouave House " will never be forgotten by the Fifth. A
convenient trap-door led down into a dark cellar, where the
carousers found refiige when their pickets gave tlie alarm ;
the trap was then covered over with the carpet, and a piano
stood over the sjiut. It was a long time before tliis rcrer
'•''■AS ,hu-ovcred and our musical masked battery was aban-
doned.
lyolncsday, January 8.— To-day there are about fifty boys
1 30 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
enjo\ ing tlieinselves omside tlie fort, coasting down the liill
■with t!ieir sleds. Scr.,'cant F., feeling disposed to participate
in the sport, borrowed a sled from one of the boys, and was
soon going down the hill as fast as he conld desire ; but iin-
fortin.atcly for him, when he was about half the distance, he
and his conveyance puled company ; he slid about twenty
■feet ill o\-\c direction and his sled in another, niaterially mar-
ring the beauty of his countenance. The men standing on
the parapets of the fort gave a shout at his mishap, and
he ever after bore the name of " Hunkey Slide."
The iDen had become very proficient in their drill, and
were fa!!;iiiar with boiii the heavy and light infantry manual,
bayonet exercise, heavy and light artillery, street firing, etc.,
and in addition oiie man was detailed daily from each com-
pany to learn the art of making cartridges. They were
again allowed their full complenient of passes to the city,
and guard-running coiisequentiy decreased.
On Tliursday, l'"ebiuary 6th, the regiment was compli-
mented by the presentation of a beautiful garrison flag, pre-
pared by the ladies of South Baltimore. Although the
■weather wa? not very favorable, a large assembly was
gathered within the fort, the ladies of South Baltimore, who
manifested great interest and pride in the reginient that had
built Fort Federal Hill, forming the principal part of the
throng. The interior of tlie fort was placed in excellent
order, and notwith.-tancling the alternate storms of rain and
snow, afforded a fiir proiuenude-ground for our fair visitors.
Tiie fallowing account of the presentation is from the
Baltiinoye American of February 7, 1862 :
"At half past two 'the assembly' was heat, and the regi-
ment formed as for dress parade on tiiree sides of the parade-
grour.u. Alter foniKi'LinM, the rcgiinent w.is closed at iiaif-dis-
tance in iioiit of the hi-;ui([uartL-rs, Colonel Warren in front of
his cumniand, and the ceremonies of presentation commenced.
The ll.i;^ was brought f irv.-ard by Messrs. Edward H. Price and
• / Life at Baltimore. 137
Joseph Brooks, the committee of arrangements on tlie part of
the ladies.
"John Willis, Esq.. was introduced, and delivered the fol-
lowing presentation address :
" To THE Officers and Soldiers of the Fifth New
York Zouave Regiment:— I have been honored with the
privilege, by patriotic ladies residing within the southern section
of Baltimore, of presenting, in their name and on their behalf,
to your regiment, the 5th New York Zouaves, this beautiful en-
sign of our country's nationality. Soon as man emerges from
barbarism toward civilization, even in its rudest form, we find
him naturally seeking some congenial association. It is not
meet that he should live alone, as the fair donors of this exquisite
gift would willingly attest.
" Combining thus for the better preservation of his own and
his neighbors' rights ; looking also through the light of reason,
and in the exercise of those attributes which distinguish him
above all other animate beings, he seeks the enjoyment of con-
solidated advantages vouchsafed in unity of purpose and of
power.
"Associations thus formed naturally adopt their insii^nia,
their mottoes, their emblems of faith, until each representation
becomes the reflective index of an embodied principle. Thus
from the small beginning of a rude circle, allied in plighted faith,
looking toward the grand ultimatum of human happiness, we
behold traced out the progress of civilization, until mighty na-
tions have sprung into being, mapping the great globe congenial
to their desired nationality.
" The revolutions of ages have brought us to the present mo-
ni'-ntous epoch in the world's history. The whole habitable face
ot our green earth is marked and countermarked with geograph-
ical and national divisions. These seem to have been the natural
and almost unavoidable results of maturing and matured ex-
perience.
" Having therefore risen to the high dignity of nations, each
■•'•ih its intfgral th.nigh consolidated millions, lias, in some
!o:-;a oi other, atlojited the ensign of its faith, not only to be
''^•^|)eoted at home, but to command respect abroad.
138 Fifth Nczo York Voliuitccr Infantry.
" There are some, in an individual point of view, whose patriot-
ism, I regret to infer, has been so mildewed as to divert their
mental visions from a true perception and translation of the real
sentiment embodied in such ensigns.
" Looking, as they are prone to look, at our precious Star
Spangled Banner under existing unfortunate circumstances, their
frigid philosophy misleads them to pronounce it an unmeaning
combination of colors and shreds.
" We envy not the heart from whose cold recess has vanished
the sacred memories of this our country's ever-glorious flag.
Would that the gladsome period be not distant when all such
sluggish pulsating organs may be enabled to throb afresh wiih
renovated patriotism, and that the bright image of this starry
emblem may again live there to flourish, and blossom and bloom
as the rose in the wilderness.
" The rainbow, with its tinted colors, in arching beauty spans
the blue vault. We behold it with admiring eyes, are awe-stricken
with its grandeur, and venerate Him who sprung it in the heav-
ens. Nor this alone ; for faith points to it standing there as
an everlasting pledge of fidelity from God to man.
" It is not, then, the simple colors, so gorgeously blended,
which fade, perchance, with the passing cloud, but our knowl-
edge of their return to represent a sure pledge— a living- eternal
principle — that enchains the beholder's admiration.
"The golden-orbed sun i.,vites us to his sinking in the purple
west, leaving earth overshadowed with darkness and gloom ; but
hope points steadily to an auroral morn when he will arise again
with the same promethean fire to assume meridian splendor.
The moon and stars are hidden from visu i;ji-e, yet they anon
come forth, fresh as when first created, to illumine Niobc's path-
way across the spangled heavens.
" It is the living embodiment of a sublime principle contained
within the silken folds and clustering stars of this our nation's
proud banner that wins our hearts and bids us reverence its
holy memories. In youth we learned its history; in manhood's
earlier vears, its name was as an huuschold w..rd ; in life's Indian
summer, it gained deeper reverence; and as wintry age grows
apace, the old heart becomes perennial in contemplating- its
Life at Baltimore. 139
plories. The Revolutionary patriot, and those who followed it
throu_2[h dang-er to victory in later struggles, never forgot, and
tinker can forget, so sacred a thing- as their country's flag-.
"To us it is a legacy bequeathed from sire to son. It was
baptized in the sacred blood of freedom, and still waves an em-
blem of untainted liberty.
" Almost a century has passed since our Revolutionary fathers
proclaimed their independence and gave us this pledge of the
wisdom, the power, and the grandeur of republican liberty. On
land and sea, in storm and in sunshine, at home and abroad, in
fcTtile valleys and on mountain tops, on lake and river, plain,
Uland, or desert, we speak in reverence of Mount Vernon's holy
shrine where Washington sleeps! Wherever ci\ilii:ation has
planted this banner and fixed these stars, they are the faithful
sentinels of human happiness.
" Under them we have grown up from partial obscurity to in-
comparable greatness, from seeming weakness to unconquerable
strength ; so that this day, under this banner, in its true constitu-
tional meaning, it is ours to hold the world in admiration and in
awe. No such word as deleat ever stained its folds, and, if we
prove true to ourselves, never can.
" Pursuing the pathways of science in the light of its encour-
aging spirit, we have taught kingdoms and empires of the Old
World, grown g-ray in years before ours had an existence, lessons
of practical wisdom. That all-pervading subtle principle of elec-
tricity which tills the universe has been called from the thunder-
cloud by American genius, and now speaks from these shores to
our praise in all parts of the civilized globe.
" We have placed steam upon the mighty dee[) to plow its
trackless billows, and ^ven it locomotion on the outsiretchctl
arms of our countless railways. Genius in innumerable forms,
emanating from us in our steady progress toward greatnt-ss un-
der the regis of this national ensign, has developed until we find
'ts results stamped indelibly upon history's pag-e.
" fs it, then, surprising, permit me to ask. that we, as Aineri-
"" '•■'■■^. are proul of the standard our nation has adof-tcd ?
" The true soldier whose spirit goes out amid the roar and car-
n.ij^c of battle, can close his eyes in peace, if their last gaze be
I40 Fift^! yt-'"--' ^''^'rk Volunteer Iiifautry.
fixed upon thi^ hallowed <-i: .i:4-n. Its azure and its constellated
stars are hut -xchanfjed tor the deeper blue and brighter gems
that deck the brave warrior's celestial home. .
" As the painter's brusli traivsters life to the canvas,, making
even the dead speak, bri.tgir.g loved fonns and past generations
into our very presence, so may we behold the sentiment, the vir-
tues, the lite, and the pure intentions of Washington and his
compatriots, speaking in rc-^istless eloquence from this sacred
banner.
" Interwoven with life's crimson current, as it gushes out from
the heart in warmest pulsation, is commingled the undying love of
cherished friends. Faces and forms once familiar are forever mir-
rored afresh in the vernal bloom of halcyon recollections. So it
is with this banner. In early life and in maturer years it waved
over us as a shield from \ m^tr. It has won our affections, and
we would not, if we could, sever those ties.
" If, in the providence of God, He should kindly send His an-
gels of mercy and of pence to stay the red arm of civil war, and
bring us again to fraternal unity as a nation, to friendship and
happiness as a people, let the r-j/iole earth rejoiee !
"One of Maryland's gifted sons, whose spirit now, perchance,
looks down from higher spbicres, has interwoven this standard
with garlands of poes}', and given it inu~nortality in song. Pre-
senting it, therefore, in bchaU' of our ' Monumental ' ladies, to the
gallant officers and men of this regiment, in appreciation of their
soldierly bearing and genilcmanly deportment, allow me to say,
as I hope and b-lieve the author would now say, were he yet
living amongst us,
" ' The Star Spanj;lcd lianuer, O long may it wave
O'er the land of tho free and the home of the brave ! '
No higher compliment can be desired than to know it has been
bestowed bv fair hands and true hearts upon those who are ever
ready to preserve and protect so priceless a gift.
" Oh.edieut, therefore, to the pleasing trust conferred on me, it
becomes nnhigh privilege to present your nubie regiment, in the
name of the ladies of S.)utb. liallimore, with this our country's
Life at Baltimore. 141
"The address was received with applause, and followed by the
' Star Spangled Banner,' by the regimental band.
RESPONSE OF COLONEL WARREN.
" Colonel Warren received the flag, and, transferring it to
Major Hull, made the following brief and appropriate response :
" Sir : — Allow me to return, through you, to our fair friends of
the city of Baltimore, the heart-felt thanks of this regiment for the
friendly interest they have shown in presenting it with a national
flag, the work of their own hands.
" It is impossible for us not to feel our patriotism glow afresh
at this proof of their confidence. The unfortunate condition of
our country brought us in your midst, and it is a source of unfail-
ing gratification that in this gift they show that our true position
is understood. We come as supporters of the American tlag,
and the beloved Constitution of which it is the chosen emblem,
and not as conquerors or oppressors. (Cheers).
" We believe that the necessity which occasioned our presence
here has now passed away, and trust that this fort, which we
have aided in constructing, will hereafter be a safeguard against
the future outbreaking of lawless violence. We hope soon to be
called again to the active scenes of the now receding rebellion,
and trust, as a part of the great Union army, to see this flag,
endeared by the associations of to-day, waving in some place
where our misguided brethren yet flaunt their rebellious banner.
When that time comes, may the knowledge that this flag of our
country was made by the ladies of a sister Southern State ht-lp
to dispel the feelings of animosity engendered by the strife.
Again I beg that you will present to the ladies our sincere
thanks. (Applause).
" Major Hull called for three cheers for the ladies of Balti r.ore,
which were given by the regiment with a will, and a ' tiger.'
" Major Hay-ward was then called on for a song, antl gave one
of his own composition, creating much laughter and applause by
its amusing hits. The regiment joined in the chorus with vim.
"At the close of tlie presentation the regiment was di^mis--, -d
for a short interval (which was well filled by the fine music of the
band), and again assembled for drill in the bayonet e.vercise.
.142 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry,
The parade-ground not being large enough to drill the whole
regiment at once, the right and left wings were brought on one
after the other. The bayonet exercise resembles, in many re-
spects, the exhibitions given by the Ellsworth Zouaves, but is put
in a more serviceable form for practical use, and without the clap-
trap additions which made those exhibitions more of a theatrical
than a military' display'. The exercise, when participated in by
four or five hundred well-drilled men, is a splendid sight, and im-
presses even the unmilitar>' beholder with the conviction that the
bayonet is the best offensive and defensive weapon in the world.
A regiment drilled in its proper exercise would have over one
not thus drilled, supposing the numbers and bravery- of both to
be equal, an advantage that would enable it to deteat its oppo-
nents with slight loss.
" It is impossible to describe in words the exercise, but it may
be said to make the soldier and his weapon one. It places him
first in the best position for attack or defense, and by a series of
movements, based on scientific principles, enables him to g^ard
every exposed part— to throw off the lunge aimed at h&ad, breast,
or thigh, and by a dexterous shortening of his own weapon give
the deadly thrust before his rpponent recovers ; in close quarters
it enables him to convert his gun into a club ; and again, by a
series of rapid movements, to act in front or rear, to the right or
left, and in retreat or advance. While it accomplishes all these
purposes, the exercise develops the physique of the soldier, gives
him suppleness and wind, and a confidence in himself and weap-
on that in the fiekl would be of the greatest advantage. After
the right wing had been drilled by Colonel Warren, the left wing
was put through the exercise by T^Iajor Hull. Both did so well
that it appeared to the unprofessional spectators that it would be
impossible to decide with which the greater merit rested. A
light artillery drill, with all the loadings, firing, changing posi-
tions, etc., followed next, and had time and opportunity allowed,
we might have had drill with the heavy guns, in the management
of which the regiment have also been instructed.
"After the dri'l. the. Comnuitee of Arrangements, a number of
the laclics, and the fr;'-.nds of ihe ofuccis, were hospitably enter-
tained in headquarters. •
Life at Baltimore. HS
" Not the least pleasant feature of the occasion was the fine
music of the band. Under its present leader, Mr. Wallace, it has
been brought up to a high degree of excellence.
"As for the drum corps, it is the drum corps, and Drum-Major
Mnith \^par excellence the DrumMajor.
•• The display ended with the usual evening dress parade.
Lieut.-Col. Hiram Dur\ea commanding. Capt. Winslow acted
as Officer of the Day. '
On Sunday, the 9th, the resignations of Lieuts. C. "W.
Wright and Dunham were read off as accepted. Col. War-
ren was absent, and Lieut.-Col. Hiram Duryea was in com-
mand. Miss Mitchell, the actress, visited the fort to witness
the dress parade.
On Friday, the 14th, a ball was given at the officers'
tiuarters, which did not terminate till daybreak. It was a
select affair ; all the guests came and went in carriages. The
men during its progress were restricted to their own quarters.
Immediately after breakfast, on Wednesday, the 19th, four
coinpanies, B, E, G, and — , were ordered to be ready in heavy
marching order, and in the afternoon they fell in line on
the parade-ground, and were marched through a heavy rain-
storm to Fort Marshall, which was about live miles by land
from Fort Federal Hill. It was a similar structure, but did
not cover as much ground, but. mounted thirty-three heavy
uims. It was situated on a high, bare hill, about two hun-
*!ied feet above the level of the sea. It was about half a
mile from the limits of the city, on the side of the harbor
'M'l^osite to F^ort McHenry, and commanded that post.
The detachment arrived about dusk, wet through, covered
^vith mud, hungry, and with nothing to eat. Cotiee, which
■•v.is our only supply, was served about 9 p.m.
^.Uurday, Feb. 2 2d, being the anniversary of Washint.-
• •■•'s r.iRTHD.vv, all the forts hrcd salutes in honor ol liie
'•■•• In the afternoon a grand parade of the military was
•■"^ lo through the city. The Fifth was the principal aiirac-
1^14 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
tion, and their bayonet exercise was viewed by thousands of
spectators. P>verybody seemed to observe the day in a vciy
patriotic manner, except the secession element, of which there
was a large representation yet in the city, plotting their
schemes of rebellion in secret. They were no worse than
the " copperheads " in the North, who, like the reptile they
represent, were ready to sting their protectors behind their
backs — the men who were risking their lives to defend
their property, and to keep from coming true the prophecy
of their South Q-xxoXxm. friends, " The grass will grow in the
streets of New York."
One evening two or three of the boys, while out in the
city, were in a store where they found a brace of secession-
ists, who were very open in their expressions against the
Government and its hirelings. No notice was taken of them
or their conversation for some time, but it was continued so
long that one of the boys became impatient, and turning
around, he suddenly caught the man nearest him by the neck,
and run him out of the place, vigorously applying his boot
lest he might think it was only a joke. Before he was really
sensible of the igno'minious situation in which he was placed,
he found himself lying in the street, when his companion con-
cluded it was prudent to retire, and slunk out. Our boys
waited some time, but they did not come back to wreak
their vengeance on "Lincoln's hirelings."
A grand ball was held on the evening of Monday, the 24th,
in the city, at which were present the Mayor and Common
Council, General Dix, and many distinguished people. I'V
request, one of the events of the evening was an exhibition
of the bayonet exercise by a detail from the Zouaves.
The detachment from the Fifth sent to Fort Marshall under
command of I. icut. -Colonel Duryea, who was a very sever •
disoipliiKiriar^ w;;-; ke;n constantly at fatigue duty or on Jii!!-
On Friday, .March jtli, the whole regiment was called out
in compliance with the following General Order :
■ . ■ Life at B alt iv tore. " 145
: , Headquarters, Division, )
Baltimore, Md., March 5, 1862. S
General Orders, No. 6.
I. The several reg-iments and commands of this division in the
vicinity of Baltimore, except those guarding the railroads, will be
paraded at Fort McHenry' at I2i o'clock P.M., on Friday, the
7th inst., for the purpose of witnessing the execution of Private
Joseph Kuhns, 2d Maryland Volunteers, who was found guilty
and sentenced to be hung by the neck until he be dead, by a
general court-martial, for the capital crime of shooting to death,
without provocation, his superior officer. Second Lieutenant J.
Davis Whitson, 2d Maryland Volunteers
By command of Major-General Dix.
OjUHcial: D. T. Van Buren,
Wilson Barstow, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Aide-de-camp.
The detachment at Fort Marshall, excepting the camp
guard, returned in heavy marching order to Federal Hill,
and then the regiment marched to Fort Mc Henry, where
was assembled the whole of General Dix's command. The
troops \yere drawn up in a hollow square, in the center of
which stood a gallows. In a ^^w moments a man walked
up briskly and mounted the scaffold, and stood for five min-
utes with a rope around his neck, apparently unmoved, be-
fore he was launched into eternity. He was a private be-
longing to the 2d jNIaryland Reginient. To avenge a grievous
wrong that had been done to himself, and to one who was
dear to him, he had sworn vengeance against a Lieutenant
of the company to which he belonged. Accordingly, one
evening when his regiment was drawn up on parade, he
s't-'pped out of the ranks, leveled his lnu■^kct. and deliberately
^'"'Oting the oiliccr, v.Iio fell dead on the spot, he threw
down his piece and gave himself up, with the remark tliat he
\^Ms satistied.
i
146 Fiflii New York Volunteer Infantry.
It was T!e< ossary, for the sake of military discipline, and
as an exain])lc to others, that he should die.
After tiic regiment retuvDed to Federal Hill it was obliged
to supplement the execution with other disagreeable duty in
the cases uf several of its own members. After being drawn
up in line, six men who had been lying in irons in the guard-
house for several months, were marched before them, having
one side of their heads shaved, dressed in the most ragged
and wretched suits of citizens' dress that could be obtained.
It was a painful and degrading sight. Their heads hung
down like felons, with the guard behind and before at charge
and reversed bayonets respectively, and drum and fife play-
ing the " Kogue's March." But this was not all ; some of
them were to be sent to the ^Vashington Penitentiary to
serve out terms varying from six to twelve months, and one
of them to the Dry Tortugas. They also forfeited all pay
and allowances due, or that would become due, to them.
Several otlier^ were waiting similar penalties, who had been
lying in irons for several months. These unfortunate men
had violated the military laws so often, proved so incorrigible,
that it became necessary to inllict the severest punishment
known to the service.
Just after dinner, on Sunda}-, the 9th of March, there was
great actisit}- in the fort; men were ordered to fall in with
spades and picks, and were juit at work strengthening the
fort on tlie uater-side ; others were drilling at the heavy
guns and tiio aiunnmition was inspected. Information had
reached headjaarters that the Confederate ram Mcrrimac
had run tlie blockade, in which event it was ex]>ectcd that
the first ]'lace she would visit would be the flourishing city
of Baltimore. At Fort Marshall the men worked all night
strengthciMiig the banks and shifting all the heaviest guns
from the land-side to the water-fronts of the frnt. It was
laborious work, tr.c guns weighing four or five tons each ;
ammunition was arriving all \wA\K and the next dav details
Life at Baltimore. 147
were employed in lilling shell, and oiling the wheels and
>cre\v-levers of the guns and carriages. The men were as-
'.igned their posts of ducy, to which they were to repair at
tiic first alarm-roll of the dnim ; and Company K, from Fed-
eral Hill, and several comi)anies of the 17th Massachusetts
Regiment, were sent in as reinforcements. All kinds of
rumors w^ere afloat — one to die effect that General Banks
l.ui been defeated and the enemy were marching on Balti-
more. It appeared certain, in any event, that something
important had occurred, and all were rejoiced when the
news came that the "Cheese-box" had defeated the Afer-
/■.mac. But, on the other hand, they were disappointed
^wien it was realized that they were not to try their guns on
t!ie enemy.
On Tuesday, the 25th, the regiment was reviewed by Gen-
oral A. Durye'e, at his request, and he took leave of it, his
! rigade having been ordered to Washington. A Baltimore
journal of the 25th, announced the event as follows :
" .\bout II o'clock this morning a large concourse of people
•;>.L-nibled on Broadway near Baltimore Street, on what is known
;^ ' Fairmount Hill,' to witness a dress parade of the 5th New
\<v\<. Regiment, Colonel Warren (Duryee's Zouaves). A hollow
-iu.irc was formed of pickets, when the regiment proceeded to exe-
• 'i;c their peculiarly beautiful drill, which was gone through with in
•> most creditable manner. The bayonet exercise elicited the warm-
' "' ;ippkiuse from the spectators, and was certainly as near perfec-
'• 'H .IS it can well be brought. The regiment has been stationed
r s.vcral months at Federal Hill, and by their constant drill
■ '"'ice, have obtained the reputation of being the best drill-'d
■■..;'ment in the service, which they certainly merit. The evolu-
' • :s in double-quick time this morning attracted great attention,
•• whilst it was very exciting, it was novel and interesting. A
■ ■" fiMTo of police was on hand, who kept down all excitement
' ite days passed on in the usual manner, when a lunior was
148 Fifth New York Vohintccr Infayitry.
heard, at the close of the month, that the regiment had been
ordered to Fortress Monroe, and all appearances indicated
a move in some direction. Tlie detachment from Fort
Marshall returned on the afternoon of Thursday, the 27th,
and all were on the alert. The nimor was confirmed. It
was announced officially that the regiment was destined for
Fortress Monroe, to join General McClellan's army, now
moving by vessels to Old Point Comfort. There was much
joy and excitement occasioned by the tidings.
All was bustle and confusion ; the men talked like bed-
lamites, and a spectator would think, from the pleasure ex-
pressed by their countenances, tliat they were ordered to
New York, instead of to the front, to enter on an active cam-
paign, where they could expect nothing but hard usage,
privations, and dangers. Otficers and privates all felt a
pride in their regiment, and were determined to keep up its
good name in whatever position it might be placed.
It was determined to give a farewell entertainment, to be
held in the fort, the preparations for which had been in the
hands of a committee for some time, in anticipation of a
change of base. The progranmie was as follows :
The Grand Farfavell Festival
BY THS
■ FIFTH REGIMENT, XEVV YORK ZOUAVES,
AT
Fort Federal Hill,
On Friday Evening, March 28, 1862.
CONSISTING OF A FIT.ST-CLASS
CONCERT OF CHORUSES, GLEES, AND SOLOS,
COMIC A N D S K N T 1 M E N T A L .
C/ioicc Stlfc/l^'-s fnvii the Sfandart/ ijnd Local Drama — lo^'i
Tragic a)id Comic, together i^w'th a variety 0/ Select
and Instrumental Music by the
.:.* ..; Life at Baltimore. 149
BAND OF THE REGIMENT.
The whole under the direction of
Mr. Frederick Rouse, Company F.
Stage Manager W. R. Baiky, Co. A.
Scenic Artist Wm. Mcllvaine, Co. A.
Musical Director E. N. Bull, Co. E.
Treasurer. J. H. Pierce, Co. D.
ADMITTANCE FREE.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Grand Overture sik Regt. Band.
Opening Chorus 5/// Regt. Glee Club.
Comic Song / Bro7un, Co. F.
Ballad Carroll, Co. E.
Dance Tucker, Co. H.
Song Bailey, Co. A.
Scene from Toodles Dobbs, Co. H.
Ballad .' Collins, Co. B.
Dramatic Readings Southivick, Co. F.
M"CK.ing-Bird Song, with Imitations. . .Bull &^ Hern, Co. E.
Comic Song Sapher, Co. B.
Ballad Tiemey, Co. A.
Gr(dund and Lofty Tumbling Leddy, Drwn Corps.
Song Matthews, Co. D.
rVvNCE Miophy, Co. F.
Ballad Multigan, Co. I.
part II.
Operatic Selection 5/// Regt. Band.
J-" wo rite Glee ith Regt. Glee Club.
<-'■ 'MIC D( FT Carroll &^ Matluius, Co. E.
'■■ "^ LI.AI) Verney, Drum Corps.
Uhamatic Readings Smtthiuick 6^ Rouse, Co. F.
r A / S' ; , : . >i
150 FiftiL Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
Comic Song ' Baz'hy, Co. A.
Ballad Williams, Dnun Corp>.
Dance Clark, Drum Corp;.
Comic Song Sapher, Co. B.
Dramatic Readings Shcffrcy, Co. K.
Comic Song Brou.ni, Co. F.
Ballad • Tiei-my, Co. A.
Comic Song Carroll, Co. E.
Ballad Bull, Co. E.
Comic Song Rouse, Co. F.
Ballad . . . .* MtUligan, Co. I.
DONNYBROOK SCENE Company.
During the intermission between the parts, by particular request, the
Gladiatorial and Scientific Display of Muscle
will be repeated.
To conclude with the National Song and Chorus of the
"RED, WHITE, AND BLUE."
By the entire Company and Audience.
The performance passed off with great eclat., notwithstand-
ing some things occurred that were not down on the bills,
but they rather added to tlie enjoyment instead of marring
it. At one time, when one of the men was performing on a
banjo, the floor of the staging gave way, but the performer
was undisturbed, landed erect on his feet, and continued his
playing amid the wreck, which elicited much applause and
laughter, for the break-down was occasioned by the mis-
chievous " Butch " Sapher, who had crawled under the stag-
ing and upset one of the wooden horses on v.'hich it was
supjHjrted.
Sunday, March 30th, the regiment: fell into line on tiio
parade-ground inside of the fort. It was raining hard, ami
every one looked sad. The men felt as if they were leaving
Life at Baltimore. 151
home, as they had made many acquaintances and won many
friends in Baltimore. We were relieved by the 3d New
York, who were to take the place of the Fifth, and to them
we cheerfully surrendered our lofty position. Notwithstand-
ing the rain, the fort was crowded with friends, ail looking
very sorrowful, and some of them pressed the men to take
money for future wants. Finally the order to march was
i;iven, and the men stepped off. They had buckled on their
armor, and were marching forth to Join that immense armed
host which had been assembling and preparing for months
to hurl themselves against the enemies who would disunite a
free and happy people, and deluge our fair land in blood.
As the Zouaves marched through Baltimore Street m. the
ram, the band playing " The girl I left behind me," they
received an ovation at every step ; the street was crowded
with men, women, and children ; the windows of the houses
were full, the men cheered, and the ladies waved handker-
chiefs and flags. But the hearts of the men told them it
was no holiday parade ; for many of them were bidding
farewell not only to a friend, but to one where there was a
stronger tie, for some had found partners for life among the
f.iir sex ; and there were others to whom the plighted troth
had been given, and they were leaving those they should,
perchance, never see again.
The scene was an impressive one ; the Zouaves ever and
anon kissed their hand to some fair friend, or nodded adieu
to some male acquaintance, who were recognized in the
crowd of spectators, and were saluted in return ; the women
\*ept, and the men cried, " Good-bye ! good-bye ! God bless
you ! " Eight months before they had made their entrance
among strangers, with the mailed hand, to stand guard at
tlu-ir very doors ; ihev were p.ow taking their dci)arti!re as
("'•"-■nds, bound with ties wliich sliould be suirendcrcJ only
^- death.
Thus they marched, about nine hundred strong, through
i
152 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
the crowded streets to the wharf, and embarked on the
steamship 6". R. Spaiilding at 4 p.m., and bore away amid
the applause of thousands ; the Zouaves mounted the rigging
and highest spars, and waved their turbans with wild huzzas.
The rain had ceased, and the sun shone brilliantly on the
scene ; the piers were full of people, many of whom were
ladies, who stood wherever they could obtain a foothold,
waving their handkerchiefs, and there were countless num-
bers of small boats, with their living freight, gliding about in
the stream. The 3d New York, on Federal Hill, mounted
the ramparts of the fort, and added their cheers to the
general leave-taking. The sailors on the United States gun-
boats and sloops of war in the harbor manned the rigging
and united their cheers with the rest. As they steamed by
Fort McHenry they received their last cheers from the 4th
Regiment (Scott Life-Guard) and the regulars ; beyond lay
the broad Chesapeake Bay.
The following verses on the occasion were written by
MiRON WiNsi.ow, of Company E :
FAREWELL TO BALTIMORE,
Farewell, Queenly City !
Before we depart,
I would bid thee farewell
From the depths of my heart ;
With gratitude fervent.
Our bosoms expand
At thought of the kindness
Received from thy hand.
With our ardent desire
To join in the strife, » *
And our longing to live
A more stiklierly life,
Is blended the sadness
That parting still lends ;
Life at Baltimore. 153
We came to thee strangers,
You received us as friends.
Our country is calling ;
We eagerly go,
To meet with new vigor
The traitorous foe ;
But where'er we may be,
Whatever our lot,
Thy kindness and friendship
Shall ne'er be forgot.
Farewell, Queenly City !
Thou'rt lost to our sight ;
Thy dim shores are wrapped
In the mantle of night ;
But memon,' still
Weaves its magical spell.
And our hearts beat response
As we bid thee farewell I
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN — YORKTOWN.
The Trip to Virgint \— ?cene at Hamftun Roads— Changes— Camp Misf.rt
— Peep at Big J.rTirrii,— Prime Ration.- for Six— ^V. V. Tinws Corre-
spondent—Ge\. McC( rli-an's Repoht— Camp Scott— CoRnuRov and Ditch
—Headquarters— CALiFonxiA Jack— The 4TH Michigan— First Death by
Sickness— Gen. McClf-li-an's Hka'dqi- arters— An Officer's Letter-
Letter FROM A PkivATE— Fire and Fcn in the Dark— A Strategic Pig
— SiEGt Preparations— Katterv No. i— Gen. Barry's Letter — Ca.mp War-
re^—After the BAriLE— Camp Buchanan— A Promise of Battle—
^L^.RCH IN THE Shadows— Magnificent Spectacle— A Night View of
THE Camp at Paminkhv River— D.^ooping Skies and a Dripping Army
— Rf.view by Hon. Wm. TL Seward— De;krted Territory— Nearing the
White House- SrKAGCLnKS— " Dr." Warren and his '• Pills "—The Sick-
LiiT— The Colcnkl'.s Oklkr and a Don.-cey's Reply.
Monday, March :^i, 1S62. — Oiil of AfaryLand and into
the waters of the Old Dominion. The steamer was a
staunch vessel, and saile_d well, anfl our passage was made in
good time, and wonld have been much more pleasant
but for the incon\cnionce to which men are subject in an
overcrowded ship. We were closely packed in the holds
and on deck, without sufficient room ; only a part could lie
down, those who eiijoyed that luxury being obliged to use
the decks, and s;uidwiching themselves between cordage and
comrades, and remain in one position until they w-ere satis-
fied. The darkn-s:, between decks added to the discomfort
of the trip.
As the ship sailed ip.to Hampton Roads the scene was en-
livening in the exlKine; it seemrd to us that we were near-
ing a large seaport. Tlie offing was crowded witii transports,
thr..vagcd willi ;><jlu:ei>. horses, .-.tores, artiller)', and e\ery-
tlv.ng that is rc.]',i;rcci for a laige army. The Monitor was
pointed out, but one could scarcely believe that such an in-
The Peninsular Cainpait^n — Yorktozvn. 155
significant-looking affair— for vessel it could hardly be called
— cansed the rebel nionster, tiie Mcrriinac, to skulk back
into the port from \vhicl> she had sailed so defiantly.
The regiment landed in the afternoon of Tuesday, April rst,
and marched about two miles beyond Hampton and bivou-
acked. It was almost imi)ossible to recognize this locality
as the same which the command had left eight months be-
fore. There was not a tree, fence, or landmark left, with
the exception of the seminary, and stretching miles beyond
was an immense camp. There appeared to be no limit to
the artillery, cavalry, and infantry, moving day and night.
We remained in this camp five days, bivouacking at night,
not yet being supplied with tents. The men called this
stopping-place "Camp Misery," for the reason that the ra-
tions were very short, while a cold north-east rain-storm,
which continued day and night, during the second, third,
and fourth days, made it impossible to keep our clothing
dry. The fires would not burn, and the smoke hung close to
the ground like a thick cloud, affecting the eyes, and sur-
rounding us with a suffocating atmosphere. ' On the fifth
<.iay the sky cleared, and the air was warm, but the roads
were in a very bad condition.
We left camp at 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday, .\pril 6t]i. without
any regret, and marched through nmd a distance of twenty
'"lies toward Yorktown, passing through Big Bethel, which
was an interesting spot to the old members of the regiment,
as the various objects reminded them of their previous en-
c ->unter with the enemy. We remained in " Camp Starva-
tion " the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, living on one or two crackers
a day. Heavy details were sent out every day to work on
the roads, and help the wagons along the muddy highway.
'Ihe sojourn here was very disagreeable, as it rained the
:--;r<-'ater part of the time, and we had x\o shelter except snrh
>'''' could be improvised fioin " jwuclios," or branches of
<f«-*cs plastered over with mud. There were, however, about
156 FiftJi Neiv York Volwiteer Infantry.
Haifa dozen men, composing two messes, that had an abun-
dance to eat and to spare ; one of each having dropped
out from a fatigue party, and hidden in the woods until the
coast was clear, and then went on a foraging expedition and
struck a placer. They returned to the vicinity of the camp,
and hid their spoils in the bushes until night, when they
brought in to their starving messmates one pail of molasses,
about two pounds of sugar, haversacks full of the best of pilot
biscuit, half a pig, one sugar-cured ham, two pounds of the
best smoking tobacco, some fresh beef, and a canteen of peach
brandy ! It was a royal banquet ! How and where they
made their levy it would take too long to relate ; suffice it
to say that they came very near being ambushed by guerrillas
and losing their lives.
The regiment was singled out while in this camp from the
\ rest of the volunteers, and attached to General Sykes'
I brigade of regulars, with which corps they remained through
\ their term of service. It may be of interest to the reader
s to know how this was brought about. The Fifth not being en-
I camped in a situation favorable for exercise in drill, Colonel
1 Warren asked permission of General Sykes to give his regi-
1 nient a drill on the field used by the regulars. The request
t was granted, and they marched out and went through all the
most complicated battalion movements in quick and double-
.(luick with so much spirit and precision, that we soon had a
large audience of the regulars, upon whom it made a very
- favorable impression. General Sykes himself was viewing it
t from his tent. Subsei^uently Colonel Warren's request to
/-, move his camp nearer the regulars, which had been pre-
V viously denied, was allowed, and we were permitted to draw
rations from his Conmiissary.
The Now York Tr,>us coriespondeut said :
! "The jlh New York Rejjiment. Duryce's Zouaves, are con-
sidered the finest drilled rcsjiintTit in the army of Yurktown, and
The Peninsular Campaign — Yorktozvn. 157
have been assigned the post of honor, being the only volunteer
regiment with the regulars."*
Another journal spoke as follows:
" Constant drill at the artiller\% bayonet, and rifle, together
with recitations for officers and soldiers in the regulations of the
army tactics — both artillery and infantry — soon brought this
body of soldiers to the highest state of perfection, so that on the
30th day of March, 1862, when leaving Baltimore and joining the
Army of the Potomac, on the Peninsula, the honor of being
assigned to duty with the regulars was granted to this regiment,
and the ' red legs," as they were called, were not slow in con-
vincing the regular infantry that they were not to be outdone
by them, either in drill, marching, or under fire. This reputa-
tion gained has always been maintained by them while in the
field."
The Prince de Joinvi]le,t in his comments on the volun-
teer organizations, makes special mention of the regiment
as follows :
"Thus, a young Lieutenant of Engineers, named Warren, was
marvelously successful vvith the 5th New York 'Regiment, of
which he was Colonel. This regiment served as engineers and
artillerj- at the siege of Yorktown, and having again become infan-
tr\-, conducted itself like the most veteran troops at the battk-s of
the Chickahominy, where it lost half of its force. And yet these
* " McCIellan"s Report and Campai-ns" (p 54). Regulars— " The advnntasic of
»uch a bo jy of truops at a critical moment, especially in an army cnii-;ti!iited mainly
o( new levies, imperfectly disciplined, lix-, been frequently illustrated i.i military hi>-
t r>'- and was hrou-lu to the attention of the countr>- at the first battle of Manassa*.
I have not been disappointed in the estimate formed of the value of these troops— I
nave always found them to be relied on ; whenever they have been brought under
l^re, they have shown the utmost ijallantry and tenacity. On the ^oth of -April, iS?'2,
they numbered 4.603 men. On the 17th of May they were a-.sij;ncd to (}encrai
l''jrter's corps for oiganization as a division, with the 5th Ke.^inient of New Vork
VoI.;iitcers. which j. ined M.ny 4th, and the loth New Vnrk V,:Iuntcors. which
j lined siibsoquei'tly. Ihey ren»al:icd from the commencement under the comm.ind
<^'- Kfi^jJigr-General tleorinc bykes, M.ijor 3d Infantry, United States Army."
+ " The .\rmy of the Potom.ac, its Organi/.ition, its Commander, and its t'ani-
P'iirn.'" By the Prince de Joinville. Translated from the French, with Notes by
William Henry tlurlbert.
158 Fifth New York Volunteer Infa^itry.
were volunteers, but they felt the knowledge and superiority of
their chief."
We left c;imp about lo a.m. on Friday, the nth of April,
inarched three miles over very bad roads toward Yorktown,
and went into bivouac at Camp Winfield Scott, within two
miles and a half of that historical place. It is proper to
give the reason why the army did not move faster after as-
sembling at Old Point. The only road was in a very bad
state, in consequence of the frequent rains, and the numer-
ous ditches and pits, men sometimes being obliged to wade
up to their knees in mud and water. It was necessary to re-
pair and corduroy it in many places, to enable the miles of
wagons, ambukmces, and artillery to pass over it. It should
also be remembered that each man carried about fifty
pounds weight in addition to the clothing they had on their
persons, as they were in heavy marching order. Then, after
a day's march, where were the means, not to say comforts,
which would give a soldier the necessary rest and recupera-
tion ? If not ordered otf on guard, a soldier will make his
bed on the wet ground, his knapsack his pillow, and a
blanket for his covering; his supjier is a hard cracker or
two and a ])iece of fat salt pork, often eaten without being
cooked, and thankful oftentimes to get that. If he needs a fire
he must go to the woods and cut down the timber ; or, if al-
readv cut, haul it for some distance over ditches and fields, to
his stopping place. Then, after considerable perseverance,
he may succeed in getting his fire to burn, when he can have
a cup of coftee, which he boils himself in his tin cup ; after
which he smokes his pipe and is as happy as the case will al-
low. On such roads as those just passed over by the army,
the p-rocession \i{ wagons, miles in length, could not make
more than six or eight miles a day, and the men were obliged
to lie by occasionally for thL-m to come up ; hence the delay.
''Citizens" and "Home Guards" thought we ought to move
The Fciii>isvJar Cai!tpaii^)i — Yorktoivn. 1 59
f.ister, but the "citizens" who had become soldiers knew
ihc reasons and the roads too well.
On Saturday, the i2lh, we w-eie detached temporarily from
the brigade under a special order, and reportetl to General
W. F. Barry, Chief of Artillery. The officers and men were
eiuployed in building siege-works, and some of the com-
l)anies placed on duty in the batteries to work the heavy
guns, and at the landing on York River, transporting and
mounting the siege guns and mortars. This duty was all
performed under the heavy fire of the enemy's artillery, and
required nerve as well as experience to perfect the work.
While staying in this camp we had liberal supplies, pleas-
ant weather, and good tents. The troops built a good road
to Shipping Point, the extremity of which was about eight
miles from camp, where the stores were landed when brought
up the York River from Old Point Comfort. The men had
no idle time ; they were constantly employed on fatigue duty
<'t some kind, making corduroy roads, etc., and gabions to
till with earth for siege-batteries, A detail of the Fifth put
up (ieneral McClellan's tents and laid out the grounds about
tliciii, and a detail was made \x\^ every day for guard duty over
his (luarters, which were near the regimental headquarters.
A continual bombardaient was kept u^), and at almost any
tune of the night or day, the shell of the enemy could be
>'-eu bursting in the air, sometimes api)earing to be directly
'^\"crhead. Pickets were shot hourly, and skirmishes between
file outposts were continually occurring, by which additions
wore made to the list of killed or wounded. At night it was
f.raiHl to hear the roar of the heavy siege-guns, and listen to
■'T- rushing shell as they died away in the distance, and
'Mrricd destruction into the enemy's stronghold. California
j ■'\ the famous sharp-shooter, who was out at the t'ront all
' •'- time picking off the enemy's gunners, made a visit to
' I'up, being out of ammunition. Cai)t. Winslow furnished
li'n with a liberal sni)ply of cartridges for his Sharp's ritle,
•i -■ .i:\:\^
1
i6o Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
two of the companies being armed with the same weapon.
He thanked him and said he wouldn't waste them, '' you bet."
On the night of the 17th, the infantry tiring was quite
sharp. It appeared that the enemy came out and attacked
one of the new intrenchments, and the 4th Michigan, one
of the finest regiments in the service, drove them bacl; and
took three hundred prisoners. The men were ordered to
have their canteens filled with water every night, and always
one day's rations on hand, so as to be ready at a moment's
notice.
A private of Company E died of typhoid fever in the hos-
pital. It was the first death from disease that has occurred
in the regiment since its organization, which was remarkable,
although many had been discharged for physical disability,
some of whom had subsequentlj- died.
The following is an extract from a letter written to, and
published in, the New York Tunes by an ofiicer of the 5th
Regiment :
Camp WiSfield Scott, before Yorktown, Va, \
Monday, April i\,iZ6z. 1
We are constantly occupied in military exercises, in studying
the tactics, in enforcing or submitting to the discipline, and in
performing the daily duties incident to our connection wiih the
present movement ; and we see the officers and men of other
regiments encamped near us engaged diligently in the same kind
of labors. We hear the booming of cannon daily on our right
and on our left ; we see bombs bursting in air, and varicolored
rockets shooting across the sky; we see artillery, cav.ilry, in-
fantry proceeding hither and thither ; we see aides-de-camp gal-
loping by ; we see balloons ascend and descend ; we see baggage-
wagons and ambulances on the road ; rumors come to us of a
fight in this or that part of the lines, and beyond this we know
nothing of the progrc^^s that is making. We lie down on tiie
grmnid at niglu prL'[\"irrd to respond to the first summons.
Sometimes we are awakened by the tluintlers of artillery and tlie
ratllinir of small arms, and lie listeniner to the noises of a deadly
The Peninsular Campaign — Yorktoivn. i6i
contlict somewhere. We endeavor to conjecture what corps are
tnj;aged, and picture to ourselves, as we follow with the ear,
the fluctuations of the strife, " now high, now low, like the
sound of music which the wind still alters," the scene and inci-
.l.nts of the fray. Now there is a lull, and now the combat
ihickens. For a while all is still as death ; doubtless our brave
iVIlows are advancing to the charge, and we strain to catch
the clash o*" steel. Suddenly again comes the roar of cannon ;
the battle evidently now is fiercely raging. Now the discharges
are less frequent ; a solitary shot is heard, and now all again is
quiet. Which has won the nctory ? Who of our dearest
friends has fallen ? We might not go forth to seek him if we
knew he was gasping on the field. But we are warriors, not
women. Let the dead be buried, and lead us against the foe I
And so the soldier gathers his blanket around him, and in a
moment is asleep again. And with all this disturbance in the
distance, no alarm is sounded in the camps near by. No one
thinks of obeying the impulse to rush forth and join in the fight.
.Ml await orders, and when they come, the battalions that are
called for quietly form in line and are marched to the point
where one mind decides that they are needed. Such is the dis-
cipline in the Army of the Potomac, attained by much training
during the season of " inactivity," which they who knew not its
value were inclined so much to complain of.
The 5th New York Zouaves, whose friends at home will read
this, are undergoing no unendurable hardships here, and are
much happier just where they are than any individual of them
c'uld possibly have been had he endeavored to content himself
at home in a season in which his country called for his services
i'> the field. And here we are, just where we want to be, with a
' I'ler in whom we have confidence to conduct us against a toe
'•'at lies immediately before us. We occupy a beautiful camp-
"'•-[-ground near the marquee of the Commander-in-Chief. Our
f'- /iment has been complimented by being brigaded with the
r .Hilars — the only volunteer regiment so honored— and with
' '11 it constitutes th-: rhosen c<.rps which (^..neral M<jCk'llan
•* ■ '•i>s always with him. Brigadicr-Ciencrnl Sykes is its com-
mander, llie same who, with 1,300 regulars, covered the retreat
1 62 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer I?ifantry.
of the army at the first Bull Run. Lieutenant J. Howard Wells,
the Quartermaster of the Fifth, has been transferred to the regu-
lar service. He now holds the position of United States Com-
missary with the rank of Captain, and is. stationed at Baltimore.
Lieutenant A. L. Thomas is his successor, and a veiy worthy
one he is.
We have had ver)' heavy rains here recently — such rains as in
New York are entirely unknown. The roads are exceedingly heavy.
Those who sjt at home carping at delay should be compelled to
travel over them in a loaded baggage-wagon once. They would
soon get an idea of the difficulty of moving large armies in a
country like this, and in such a season. G. C.
The following extract from a letter written home by the
author, also tells part of the story :
Camp Winfield Scott, near Yorktown, Va., \
5TH Regt., N. Y. v., Duryee's Zouaves, l
Monday, April 21, 1S62. \
We still remain in camp, and are as comfortable, that is, for
soldiers, as circumstances will admit. Our tents are of good ma-
terial and keep out the rain, and tlie camp is situated on rather
high ground, therefore the water runs off. To the south of our
portion of the ground is a small ravine through which a small
stream runs, supplied by pure springs, from which we get plenty
of water or drinking and cooking purposes. In the stream it-
self we wash our clothes and ourselves. On the banks above the
ravine there was a thick wood of pine, with its ever-green foliage ;
elm- trees, which were soon robbed of their bark to satisfy the chew-
ing propensities of the men ; sassafras bushes, the roots of which
are pleasant to eat, and are therefore pulled up without regard to
quantity ; but the wood is now getting thinner every day, falling
a sacritice to our axes, and used by the cooks to keep up their
tires, and by us as a means to warm ourselves when it is neces-
sary. We can see the Ijalloon make its ascensions everv dav, aiul
often hear a report up in the air. We look up and src a
ball of smoke, resembling a small cloud, which tells us that a shell
has burst ; but it is of such frecjuent occurrence that often we do
J* .V
;?."■/*• <
■ The Peninsular Campaign — Yorkfoivn. 163
n >l notice it. A few shells have landed in camp, on^ of which
kiilfd a mule ; another was filled with rice, so they say ; one
f.rcd yesterday cut a man in half while he was in the woods ; but
we are comparatively safe, all things considered. But about a
mile further to the front the situation is different, as they have
'^harp practice there on picket. Some of the companies are de-
t.iiled in turn to drill on the mortars, and one of Company C was
wounded in the head a fe.w days ago. We see very little of Col-
onel Warren-; during most of his time he is with General Mc-
Clellan and staff, by whom he is highly esteemed, making ob-
ser\-atio-.s, etc. Many of the regulars know him, having seen
him out West and in other places, before the war. They say that
he understands his Ijusiness. We all like him as a man and a
soldier; he is strict, but he knows all the wants of a soldier from
experience, and seldom taxes our endurance too much.
Our men are on details night and day. building batteries and
roads in every direction ; one can not tell at what time of night
he may be called up to shoulder his musket and march off on
a detail. Saturday night, the 19th, I was on fatigue dutv; we
marched about three miles to the mouth of Wormley's Creek,
York River, where they are putting up a battery.
I'art of the road has been built by our army, leading over a
creek through which a solid road has been built. As we came
out ot some woods at one point we could see a deserted rebel
!"rt in the middle of a swamp to the right of the road. It was
built square and in a substantial manner, with barracks inside of
't, a ditch nine feet deep all around it, filled with water, and an
aliatis, bushes, and stumps of trees. Near it was an inferior
^vurk, partially masked ; the place could not have been stormed,
further on we went through the camp of the ist Connecticut
Heavy Artiller\', a regiment fourteen hundred strong.
^^e were astonished to see the heavy guns that have been sent
'o this point for the purposes of the siege. We next passed
5nrough the most extensive corn-field that I ever saw. and came
t'l .-t large peach-orchard, which was in full blossom. Emerging
'^ in the latter, we rame upon the groun«ls of one ol the first
'■niiilies, on which was built a fir.e large house, with a water
Iri'iit on the York River. The battery we are building is a little
\\^'iy from the house.
164 Fifth Nczv York Volunteer Infantry.
The owner of this large estate is said to be a Lieutenant in the
Confederate army now at Yorktown, and owns five thousand
acres of land hereabouts. This place is certainly the handsomest
one I have .yet seen in Virginia. I, with others, was trotted off
to the com-Jield, to await our time to be called upon to take our
turn at the pick and shovel, which was to be in about four hours.
We accordingly stacked our arms, and sat down on the soft
and yielding soil, to take it easy. In company with some others,
I lit my pipe^ and we sat there talking, trying to worry through
the time, but it was not long before a stomi, that had been
threatening for some time, burst upon us in all its fun,'. It was
rough enough for us, notwithstanding the joke went around as
usual, and all tried to be merry, but it was under aggravating
circumstances. We were obliged to stand up at the side of our
muskets and take it all. The urrows between the hills of corn
were tilled with water, and we were ail soaked through, men
and muskets.
The latter is always a source of anxiety to a soldier, as he is
aware that, with a wet, rusty weapon, he would stand a poor
chance in case of an attack. Finally our turn came ; we fell in,
and were soon hard at work in the mud and water, with very
litUe light, so as not to attract the attention of Johnny Reb. We
worked about three hours, and were relieved, when I, with some
others, succeeded in getting into a sort of kitchen of the man-
sion ; we tbund a roaring fire in an old-fashioned fire-place, but
every spot that a human being could squeeze into was occupied.
The boys were stowed away on shelves not o\'er six inches wide,
snoring away as if they had not a trouble in the world : some
were sitting on barrels, asleep in the cellar, which led olT from
the room ; others on the window-sill, and I saw one fellow trying
to crawl under a refrigerator ; in fact, it would have taken a New
York detective to have ferreted them all nut. In one corner of
the room sat H., looking full of mischief; he is one of the lead-
ing spirits. Butch, the " head devil," was not to be seen ; he
was (hiubtlcss stowed somewhere in a comf.irtable place, if there
was such a thing to be fouiul. Fuel beromin.;- short, and the
boys JKuiiig burnt up several cot bedsteads, H. said, " t^,oorgc,
just put that mantcl-jjiece on the fire ; there are some more of
them up-stairs, I will bring them down." No sooner said than
The Peninsular Cani/^ai^n — Yorktozvn. 165
done ; the mantel-piece threw out its cheerful blaze on the
s'\-ne. Just then a crowd of officers of all yradcs filled the door-
way, with alarm depicted on their countenances, saying- that the
chimney was on fire. The boys looked at one another, as if to
sav, " We have done it this time." We did not care whether
the whole house was burned to ashes or not, as far as its loss
was concerned ; but, in truth, it was a dangerous accident, for the
rebels, guided by the light, could have shelled us easily to our
great loss. The chimney, however, was soon bumt out, and
everything fortunately went on without interruption.
A little while before this, the innocent H. and the missing
"Butch" had been "scouting" on their own account to see if
anything could be made. They found a pig-sty with a squad of
the boys asleep in it, but no genuine pigs. They soon afier dis-
covered the pigs running about at large. They ran one down ;
H. seized it, and " Butch " drew his knife across his throat
in the dark. H. loosened his hold, saying, " He is a dead
pig," when the bristly quadruped made off on the " double-
quick." " Butch " discovered that, in the hurry and darkness,
he must have used the back of his knife. They turned back to
find the others, but they were all missing.
Trotting along, not in very good humor at the loss of fresh
meat, "Butch" spied a blind horse in a field. Determined to
have a sensation at least, he drove him into a barn where a lot
of the boys were sleeping in the stalls and on the floor. Roused
by the new-comer, and half frightened out of their senses, it was
some time before they could believe that the enemy were not
upon them, and that they were not all prisoners. This is the
Nv.iy in which some of the " red devils" amuse themselves at
every opportunity that is presented either for frolic or mischief.
The battery we were working on is one of great importance ;
it is supported by gabions, and will mount two two-hundred and
five one-hundred-pound Parrotts. It was commenced and put up
\\ilhin two or three days, and was masked. The gans are
brought up at night by a large truck drawn by from fifty to one
hundn-d horses, and will be mounted hv to-morrow. .-Mtiiough it
''.IS stormed a rolcl north-caster, with rain for two cla^s, the woik
''•IS b-.cn carried on unceasiiigly, and, in fact, cverjbody is busy
doing somcthiiig, etc. D.
Soon after the arrival of the regiment in front of York-
town, John G'. and two others slii-ped out of camp. a:ul
went on a foraging expedition on their own account. In'
their rambles they discovered a barn, under which a half-grown
hog had taken refuge; they tried all their artfid and win-
ning ways to induce him to come out, but he was evidently
a shrewd pig, as all their allurements failed, and only
elicited a knowing grunt. Finally, a bright idea occurred to
John, who was a famous forager. He went o% and soon re-
turned with half a dozen ears of corn, one of which he
l)laced about two feet from the barn, and several more at
intervals of a few feet further away. The trio, armed with
clubs, John having a stout whiffletree in one hand antl a
dirk-knife in the other, took up strategic positions around
the corners of the barn, and waited patiently for further de-
i velopments.
Presently the pig was heard approaching the nearest ear
of corn, with grunts of satisfaction, and cautiously advancing,
seized it, and retreated, having soon devoured it. He came
from his covert the next time with more contulence, and
munched on the other ear further from his base of retreat ;
and not seeing an} thing alarming in the situation, tinaily
went for the others. At t!ie proper moment the trio made
a grand charge to cut off the porcine retreat, but he was on
i the alert, and retired on a run. They threw their clubs at
1 him, John throwing his witii more energy than skill, whicii
r. sent him sprawling on the ground, his club doing more harm
[ to the side of the barn than to the pig-; but he scrambled
I along on all-fours, and succeeded in catching his victim by
'! the hind leg, and in his anxiety to secure him, commenced
|. stabbing him in the only part of the animal that was i)re-
sented to his \iew. but which did not liapiicn to be a very
I vital one. This uuiiignilicd procecdin- called forfli fi oni
tlie pig a luotest sliiill enough to wake the (K-mI. P.ut rein-
forcements were at hanil, and the pig was dispatched. He
The Peninsular Campaign — Yorktoivn. 167
was cut up, skinned and divided, and Joiin made for camp
with liis share of fresh jiork ; but, unluckily for him, he ran
.'.cross an officer of the provost-guard. He was halted, and
.i>ked where he got his meat. " Bought it ; where do you
tiiiiik I should get it?" That was "too thin." and John
was put under arrest ; but soon after he saw S. going
hy, who had been out on a little forage for himself, but was
returning empty-handed, not having met with any luck. He
c.iUed to him, and at the same time threw his meat toward
hiMi ; the officer called to S., and said that if he took
tiie meat he would arrest him also. But S. took chances,
grabbed the perk, and legged it. John was put under guard
in a tent ; but after half an hours detention, seeing an op-
]'->rtunity, he crawled out under the rear of the tent, and
uiade his way back to camp. He did not eat any army
i.uions that day or the ne.\t, but ate pork-choi)s morning,
r.ooii, and night, to repletion, and thought that it was the
■Mveelest meat that he had ever eaten, because, as he said,
"it was corn-fed."
Tuesday, April 22. — The siege operations were some-
^'•!ut delayed by the frequent and heavy rains, but the prep-
■ir.itions proceeded with unwearying inihistry, rain or shine,
'■'>^\\\. and day, without cessation. The battery No. i, which
' ■•-• Fifth and ist Connecticut erected on the bank of ^'ork
^-^vcr at the i\iouth of Wormley Creek, in front of the
' .'.irnholt House, was the heaviest mounted of thetn all. It
'":nujinded the water-front of Yorktown and (jloucester
I'oirit, and the extreme left of the enemy's massive wor.ks.
1? w.is distant 5,000 yards from Gloucester; 4.S00 from
' "iktown wharf ; 4,000 from the center of Yorktown, and
^.^30 from the enemy's "big gun." It was garrisoned
• -1 detail from the ist Connecticut Artiller_\-. under the
•' u:'nd of C;ii)tain lUuke and Major Kellogg. Thi.-^ regi-
'■'■ uas under the conuuand of CoU)nel T_\ler, and was justly
' ^iMdercd one of the tinest ors-aiii/ations in the service.
1
l6S Fiftii Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
We were visited by a north-east storm which lasted tvvo
days, and directly afterward by a south-easter, which floodc'l
the country and made our camping-ground a large pond part
of the time ; but it was well ditched immediately aftersvard,
and made comfortable. All of the companies that could be
spared were detailed to corduroy the road to Shipping Poiin,
as it was full of deep holes, in some of which the mules sunk
breast deep.
On Thursday, the 24th, some of the companies were de-
tailed to make gabions. The weather was cold and the sky
overcast, and appearances indicated the approach of one of
the usual hard rains. We were also short of rations, and had
only one cracker apiece, a cup of coftee and a small piece
of bacon for breakfast, with small prospect of having any
hard-tack for dinner or supper.
On Tuesday, the 29th, four companies of the ist Connect-
icut were relieved from the duties of unloading shot, shell,
and n)ortars at the landing by two companies of the 5th New
York ; battery No. 10 was garrisoned by two companies of
the Fifth, under command of Cai)tain Winslow. This work
was situated in the middle of the first parallel, between
"Right Branch" and York River. It was distant from the
fort 2,550 yards ; from right redoubt, 2,150 yards ; from high
redoubt, 1,500 yards. Its armament was three loo-pounder
Parrotts ; one 30-pounder do. ; and seven /our and a halt
inch rifled siege guns. One conijiany of the Fifth garrisoned
battery No. 11, and were employed in getting out timber
and hewing the same for sea-coast mortar-platforms. It was
situated at the head of a ravine, distant from Gloucester
4,700 yards ; from Yorktown wharf, 3,650 yards ; from the
fort, 2,600 yards ; fVom exterior works, 2,400 \ ards ; from
^Vynn's Mills, 3.300 yards. Its armament was to consist ot
fonr lo-iiicli sea-roast mortar^.
On Wednesday, the 30th, at 2 p.m., battery No. i opened
for the fust time, and thundered its eloquent protests against
The Pcnhisular Campaign — Yorktozi'n. 169
iiL-ason with a power worthy of the cause in which it s[)oke,
\''.-.c lire was first directed at the wliaif at Yoiktown, wliere
:i-.e enemy were busily engaged in discharging six or seven
^chooners ; the vessels were soon driven oft". In all, thirty-
■.me shots were fired, which were replied to by the eneni\',
twenty-three of whose guns coidd be brought to bear on this
work ; but such was the engineering skill expended in its
(instruction, that the fire of the enemy produced no effect
of a damaging nature. One shot per hour was fired during
ilie night, and morning of May ist, to prevent the enemy's
transports, which had been driven away, from landing.
Coni[)anies G and F were ordered to [)roceed to Chees-
Mian's Landing, about three miles from camp, and assist the
('tiler two companies there in unloading shell and mortars
from the vessels, for- the purposes of the siege. One com-
pany was onlered to garrison battery No. 12. It was situ-
.'.tcd on Peninsular plateau, behind "Secession Huts," and was
distant from exterior earthworks 2,000 yards; from fort,
J, 600 yards; from burnt house, 925 yards. Its armament
<-'ul;^isted of five lo-inch and five 8-inch siege mortars. The
•.•nemy kept up a continuous fire on the men in the trenches
•It tile front.
On Friday, the 2d, battery Xo. 13 was garrisoned by two
'"oinpanies of the Fifth, under the command of Captain Cam-
I'rciling. It was situated right of Boyau, in front of Moore's
IxHise, and was distant from Gloucester Point 3,000 yards ;
-"oni exterior works. 2,400 yards; from tort, 1,300 yards,
''•i armament was six 3o-pou!uler Parrotts. Sixty shots
«t--re fired during the day from battery Xo. i with eftect.
1 lie largest gun in the enenn's works, a ritled sixty-eight,
' ^i'loded on its twenty-eightii discli.\r_L;e.
■"^ '.Uu\la\-, the 2>*-^, tlamd the nv.-n .-till har^.l at work at their
. -'^ of dul}'; they were lum-^r)- and rations were scam.
'■'•■ity four shots were firctl fiuui Xo. i ; two of the shells,
^^•"ich were badly directed, droppei.! into battery Xo. 10, one
S
170 Fifth Nczu York Volunteer Infa7itry.
of which exploded, fortunately without ir.jury to any one.
During the night the enemy kept up a heavy fire of artillery,
and at the same time were evacuating their works, which
were occupied at daylight, on Sunday, the 4th, by the Union
troops. Some of the Fifth who were detailed in battery No.
13, at the front, were among the first in the Confederate
works, not by orders, but on their ov/n responsibility, while
the rear guard of the enemy were discharging shell into the
evacuated works. " Brockey," of Com])any E, had hold of
the halyards that hoisted the Stars and Stripes on the statf,
where a few hours before had floated the rebel ensign.
General Magruder had under his command at Yorktown,
fifty-three thousand men.
The enemy left fifty-three heavy guns, all of which they
had spiked, besides several that had burst ; also a large
quantity of cotton, tobacco, flour, beans, and other stores.
Torpedoes that had been planted in the ground exploded,
killing and wounding a number of the soldiers.
The 6th day of May, at daylight, was the time that had
been appointed to open a general bombardment of the
enemy's works from all the fourteen batteries, and it was
the opinion of the experienced ofticers of the engineer and
artillery corps that the works would have been untenable in
twelve hours thereafter.
On Mondiy, the 5th, the scattered companies of the
Fifth were united once more, and the regiment received two
jnonths' pay from Major Hoops, the Paymaster, and their
clothing account was settled.
Brigadier-Cleneral W. F. Barry, Chief of Artillery, says in
his report :
"The difficulties attending tne placing in position the un-
usually hea\y machinen,' us<_'d in this sic^e were ver}' much in-
creased by the pecuharitirs of the soil, and by the continuance
of heavy rains during tlio greater portion of tiro operations.
Oftentimes the heavier guns, in their transportation of three
The Pt7iinsular Campaign — Yorktoivn. 171
n.ilcs from the landing- to the batteries, would sink in the quick-
> ;n(!s to the axletrees of their traveling carriages.
'• The efforts of the best trained and heaviest of the horses of
;hf artillery reserve were of no avail in the attempts to extricate
t'lcm, and it became necessary to haul this heavy metal by hand,
liic cannoneers working knee deep in mud and water. In these
i.i:).)rs the officers and men of the ist Connecticut Artillery and
the 5th New York Volunteers exhibited extraordinary perse-
verance, alacrity, and cheerfulness. It finally became necessary
to construct a heavy corduroy road, wide enough for teams to
piss each other, the whole distance from the landing to the
.l/p6t.
" In conclusion, I beg to present the names of Colonel Tyler,
Majors Kellogg, Hemmingway, and Trumbull, and Captains
I'crkins and Burke, ist Connecticut Artiller)^ ; Major Alexander
Doull, 2d New York Artiller}- ; Colonel Warren, Lieutenant-
Colonel H. Duryea, Major Hull, and Captain Winslow, 5th New
York V^olunteers, as conspicuous for intelligence, energ}-, and
•r;ix)d conduct under fire,"
The following letter was read off at evening parade :
Office Chief of Artillery, Army of Potomac, )
Camp Winfield Scott, before Yorktown, \'a., >•
May 5, 1862. )
Colonel G. K. Warren, Commanding Ne^v York ^th Rtgz-
ment I ^olunteers :
Colonel : — In transmitting to you the enclosed copy of Spe-
>-i.il Order No. 135, Headquarters Army of Potomac, relieving
;'ur regiment from its temporary service with the siege train
^■'M<:r my command, it gives me«gTeat pleasure to state that the
'•'■itifs which have devolved upon it, in landing, transporting, and
;•• H-ing in position the extremely heavy material to be employed
!"'thc siege of Yorktown, Itave been performed with cheerfulness,
' rity, and intelligence. The highest praise is due to yourself,
'■ •! o'lficers, and enlisted men, for the very creditable manrcr
''■■ >Ai:ich your very arduous (and at one or two points hazardous)
•■ Hjps have been performed.
17- Fifth Ncio York Volunteer Infantry.
Should circumstances again render siege operations neces-
sary, I shall be much gratified to have your regiment again placed
under my orders.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully,
.' , . ; - Your obedient servant,
William F. Barrv,
Brig.-Ccn., Chnf of Artillery.
We received orders at tattoo to march at i a.m., with four
days' rations. A battle was raging, and heavy and con-
tinuous firing was heard in the direction of Williamsburg.
We marched at about midnight. It was raining, and was
so dark that one could not see the man in front. After pro-
ceeding a short distance, sliding and sli[)ping about in the
n)ud and water, the order to march was countermanded,
and v/e returned to camp.
At 3 o'clock on the morning of Friday, the 9th, the rev-
eille was sounded, and we marched at seven. We passed
by tliree separate burying-grounds, where some four or five
hundred pine slabs denoted the resting-places of as many
soldiers. While marching through Yorktown-, the men were
surprised at the extent, strength, and beauty of the enemy's
fortifications. The weather was very sultry, and the roads
were dry and dusty, and as the men carried about sixty
pounds weight on their backs, their sufferings were great.
The hot sun beat down on their heads, and quite a number
of them were sun-struck. On the march we passed the dif-
ferent fields where skirmibhing had taken place on the pre-
ceding days. The action at Williamsburg was very seven.',
the place being strongly fortifi*ed, and many a gallant fellow
was cut down before the enemy was dislodged. The trees
on the outskirts of the open plain in which the enemy luul
built their works, and which partially protected our forces,
were coiap'crcl}- iiJ,'.i!cd witli bullets, and the small saitlin^s
were cut d(jwn cntircl}-. The hosintals and cluuclics of Wil-
liamsburg were still filled with the wounded and dyinc The
»• The Peninsular Cmnpaigii. 173
regiment marched through the latter place in com]:)any front,
and the men were much amused at the looks of disgust which
were portrayed on the faces of many of the inhabitants.
There were also some sad sights. A lady dressed in
mourning, and holding a little child by the hand, stood view-
ing the troops from a balcony, as they passed by, and was
weeping ; she had probably lost a husband or some near
relative in the late battle.
The conunand was halted for the night about four miles
beyond the city, having marched twenty-two miles. After
spreading their ponchos on the ground, and wrapping them-
selves in their blankets, all, except the pickets and camp
guard, were soon fast asleep.
Saturday, May loth, we turned out at sunrise, wet and cold
from the heavy dew, and somewhat stiff from the previous
day's exertions ; marched at S a.m., at rather a dragging step
at first, and halted at 2 p.m., after traveling about eight miles,
and went into bivouac at Camp Warren. A squad of men
were detailed for guard at General Sykes' headquarters.
Sunday, May ii. — The wagons arrived last night, and for
the first time in three days we were blessed with the sight ot
coffee. At i p.m. we slung knapsacks, marched about four
miles and bivouacked at Camp Buchanan, six miles from
West Pomt. The men made their coffee in their tin cups,
feasted on hard- tack, smoked their pipes and chatted, and
tlion spread themselves on the ground and went to sleep.
Monday, May 12.— There was a heavy dew during the pre-
vious night, which wet the blankets and chilled the men.
Tiiey made coffee and awaited orders. The reveille awoke
the regiment at 3 .\.m. on the 13th, and we marched at six.
In the afternoon we fell into the wrong road, were halted
i^'.iiidenly, and t)rdcrcd to unsling knai^sacks. w'.iich were left
i;^ t'le woods ; after wliich we wore ordered oft" down a road
fir ^ome distance on a donble-qnick, and into an open Held
to the left, where the regiment was quickly drawn up in line
174 FiftJi ^^t-zu York Volunteer Infarttry.
of battle, facing a wood, to support the cavalry who had en-
countered the enemy, and dejiloyed skirmishers. We re-
mained under arms in readiness for two hours, our interest
stimulated by squads of cavalrymen who kept filing in from
the front, each and all agreeing that the enemy were in force.
At dark we were relieved by some infantry and artillery, and
countermarched to get the knapsacks. Our gait was consid-
erably accelerated by the sight of dense clouds of smoke
which arose from the vicinity of the spot where they had
been placed, and alarmed for their safety, as it was soon
discovered that the woods were on fire. Fortunately, the
knapsacks had been cared for by some of the drum corps,
drummers Jenks and Verney being complimented by Colonel
Warren for their efforts in saving them.
The regiment resumed the march, and after a tedious
stretch of thirteen miles, running well into die nigiit, we sud-
denly struck the camp at Cumberland, on the banks of the
Pamunkey River. It was a magnificent sight as it burst upon
the view of the weary men.
Below them, stretched over an immense plain, were en-
camped an army of eighty thousand men. Innumerable
camp-fires could be seen in every direction, which became
smaller as the eye scanned them in the distance, until at the
outline they seemed like mere star points of light. We ar-
rived in camp about ii p.m., and immediately went into
bivouac. A storm which lasted two days came upon us,
which made the men extremely uncomfortable, as they were
without shelter. On the r5th, all the troops were drawn up
in an immense square, and reviewed by Secretary Seward.
It was a splendid spectacle, notwithstanding the rain.
The country through which the regiment marched to this
camp was desolate and descried. Not a cow, horse, or cart
were to be seen on the farms, nor indeed a livhig animal ot
any kind. Many of the houses were dismantled and deserted,
and the few that were occupied were inhabited by old men,
' •' The Peninsular Campaign. 175
women, or invalids, who hung out a white rag for protection ;
but not an able-bodied man or a grown boy was to be seen.
'J'hey were all in the Confederate army. Very few negroes
wore found, nearly all having been driven into the interior
by their owners. While staying in this camp, considerable
traffic was kept \.\\i by a few soldiers of trading dispositions.
'1 hey obtained passes to the landing on the river, and laid
out their money in cakes, cheese, and butter, and on their
return disposed of tl-.eir commodities to their comrades at a
l)rofit of five hundred per cent. So eager were the men to
buy, at any price, that they fought, pushed, and shoved their
way through the crowd, with their money in their fists, and
exchanged it for the coveted luxuries without regard to long
or short measure. Their princii)al an.xiety was to get some-
thing, reckless of cost. One of the men managed to buy a
barrel of cider, on which he cleared about fifty dollars when
it was only two-thirds gone. A raid was made upon it by
some of the "red devils," who tumbled him, with the cider
and all of his customers, into a promiscuous heap, and in
consequence none of the raiders got enough to wet their
lips with.
On Saturday, the 17th, we marched five miles, and bivou-
acked near the White House. General Sykes' division of
regulars, including the Fifth, were assigned to the Fifth Army
Corps, under command of General Fitz John Porter. Seven
\\agoners were killed by guerrillas between New Kent and
Cumberland.
Who were the guerrillas ? When the army was marching
along a road, occasionally an old, grizzly-bearded man might
be seen hoeing away at a patch of ground near his cabin, ap-
I'arently so much absorbed in his work as to scarcely notice
•anything else; nor did he attract any attention in return,
^•iit the main bo.ly luiving iias>etl along, were t"oi!o\\-od by
I'le stragglers, at fiisl inuneruiis, but gradually decreasing in
numbers until now and then only one perhaps miiiht be seen
176
FiftJi Xciv York Volujitcer Infantry.
at considerable intervals. Xow, that apparently harmless
old man has dropped his hoe for his ritie, perhaps the same
that his grandfather used in the Revolutionary struggle for in-
dependence. He is lying in wait, behind some stone wall or
convenient clump of bush, or perhaps near his barn, where
some belated or sick soldier may seek rest for the night.
At the company roll call in camp next morning a man is
reported missing. He is never heard of again by comrades,
family, or friends. He is on the army records as a " deserter."
That is all that will ever be known of him on this earth ; but
that old man could solve the mystery if he would.
One morning, just before the regiment started on its day's
march. Colonel Warren said he had a remark to make to the
men, which was about as follows: He had noticed on the
previous- day a great deal of straggling, and it must not oc-
cur again. " Now, to-day," said he, " I intend to act as
doctor, and for such as are disposed to lag behind, I have
some pills which are a sure cure," and he tapped his revolver
significantly as he said ir. It is needless to say that there
Avere very {qw sick men that day, and it was astonishing how
well the regiment kept together.
To those who have never, been in the army, and may
chance to read this, it may be said that on a march there are
many who drop out from choice as well as from exhaustion.
The surgeons and some of the field officers always follow in
the rear of a regiment, brigade, or division ; the former ex-
amine those who are sick, and if, in their judgment, they are
not good enough for a few ^tcps further, they are pui in ambu-
lances and brought along. Hut there are some men of strong
wills who would not give in even when dangerously ill, until
compelled to do so by a surgeon. The camp guard are also
in the rcnr. aiul they drive tiic stra-Jers along ; if they es-
cape them. tlicyareliiLlc tn be puked up by the bri-adc.
divi^ion, or corps provosts; and last of all come, the'pro-
vost-Cencral of the army, with at least a re-iiuent of re--
The Peninsular Campaign. 177
tilar infantry and a squadron of cavalry, who scour both sides
of the road, looking mto farm-houses, barns, etc. In an en-
g.igeiuent, all of the provost guards pick up the men who
fall to the rear, and form them into l)attalions, and they are
inarched again to the front and assigned a position, often the
very worst that can be found.
Reveille started us from our slumbers at 2 a.m., on ^^on-
day, the 19th. After bolting some coffee and hard- tack, we
started off on our march, and at the end of two nnles we
halted to await the construction of a bridge. While patiently
tarrying for this purpose, we were visited by a heavy shower
of rain. After several hours spent like chickens under the
bushes to keep as much sheltered as possible, we resumed
the march, and at night halted in a swamp near Tunstall's
Station, about five miles distant fron) our starting-^place.
The men built slight shanties and sle]it on the muddy ground,
but endeavored to convince themselves that they were com-
fortable. This effort required too vivid an imagination, and
they finally gave uji in disgust and fell back on their fortitude.
On Tuesday, the 20th, we remained in camp, and dined
luxuriously on boiled beans, not overdone. At dusk we were
favored with the usual music of heavy tiring in the distance.
On the 2ist we marched seven miles and bivouacked for
ilie night. On the 2 2d we marched six miles and bivouacked
at Cold Harbor. It was reported that General Sykes' negro
^'--rvant was shot dead by guerrillas while watering a liorse.
Tlie latter Avandcred back without its rider, and two cavalry-
Jiion, who went to see what had become of him, were fired
•"^t. It occurred about half a mile from camp. On Saturday,
th'.- 24th, it commenced to rain, and the men built shanties,
but had scarcely coiniMcted thorn when they received orders
t" pack knapsacks, whicii was C\o\\c in the midst: of a iKWting
'^tonn. We marcheil five miles through the mud and water,
ami halted at Old Church, where a cavalry skirmish had
'-Tk-:n place during the previous night.
1/3 Fifth N'fzu York Volunteer Infantry.
The men are beginning to feel severely the effects of
sleeping on the ground without any covering except a blanket
or overcoat, exposed to the mists and heavy dews. There
are about one hundred sick in the regiment, a few cises
being sun-strokes, but the majority are suftering from malarial
diseases.
During the march lately the regiment passed some beauti-
ful residences and tlourishing farms, all seemingly abandoned
and deserted except by a few negroes. It is a well-wooded
country, and most of the marches have been made over
roads through the woods. There was no scarcity of water,
the country abounding in fine 5i)rings ; but, on the other hand,
the bill of fare clearly showed that there was no danger of
being overfed. Sometimes " Yankee Doodle " was served
for breakfast, "The Red, Wliite, and Blue" for dinner, and
'* Hail Columbia" for su[)pcr. The roll calls took the place
of sandwiches to fill up with, all day long while in camp, and
a general inspection of arms every night at 6 p.m.
Colonel Warren was now in command of a provisional
brigade, consisting of the 5th New York, the ist Connecticut
Heavy Artillery (at the tune acting as infantry, about 1,000
strong), the i5th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Rusli's Lancers), and
Weeden's R. I. Battery. In all the marches of the Fifth,
either before or after this period, the ist Connecticut was
the only regiment, besides the regulars, that put their endur-
ance to a test, and between them and our boys it was a close
match.
On the 25tli, Colonel Warren rode into camp in great
haste, and the brigade was put in readiness to march ; but
after lying on their a.-ins a couple of hours, three com[)anie.s
of the I'lfth Were ordered on picket, and the rest of the
troojis were di.-.nii.-ied.
The poaitiun which Warren's brigade now occu[)ied was
on the right and rear of the armv, to guard against guerrillas
and detaclunents of the enemy houi cutting otf cui'ply trains.
TIw Peninsular Campaign. 179
We were obliged to be very vigilant to avoid a surprise or
to be ready if attacked, and pickets were detailed in all
directions.
On one of the recent marches during the night, the Col-
onel gave strict orders for the men to make as little noise as
possible, on account of the nearness of the enemy ; but he
had hardly ceased speaking when a jackass, on which the
band-master was riding, having scented water sotiiewhere,
set up a discordant " he-haw." It is needless to say that
the Colonel was excited ! in fact, that word would not do
justice to his feelings ; and he did not stop to place the few
words which escai)cd from his lii)3 in the most studied and
graceful language. To make matters worse, " Saxey '' and
another of the drummer-boys, who could not resist the
opportunity for a frolic, managed to apply some horse-
chestnut burs to the flanks of the brute, who made a jump
for the woods, and threw his rider into the brush, from wliich
he emerged with his face and hands much scratched and
clothing torn, besides losing his rosinante.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PENINSULAR QA'SiVAlG^— {Continued).
Pamunkey Bridge— Crossing the Bridge— Killed at his Birthplace— The
Rebels Retire— Rebel Comju'nication Broken— An Astonished Negfo—
A Descendant of Patrick Henry— Return to Camp— H.\-\over Covrt
house— Captain Griffin's Brazen Pet— After the Battle— Burying the
Dead— Result— A Raid and a Capture— A Reconnoissance— Back to Old
Church— What we Fought for at Hanover— The Chick.'^hominv— Xenv
Bridge— A Donatihn of Flour — A Spkci-lation in Doughnuts — Sal
Eratus and \vhat She Did— A Pair of Shoes— Sleeping under Arms-
General McClellan's Address to the Army— General Sykes" Speech-
Picket at New Bridge — Review by General Pki.m — M.askinga Battery ai
Night— Stuart's Cavalry on a Raid — What thev Did
Monday, Mny 26, 1862. — Four companies of the Fifth,
A, G, H, and — , in company with a squadron of Rush's Lan-
cers and a section of artillery, under the command of Col-
onel Warren, marched early in the morning from camp near
Old Church to a place called Pipping Trees, Pamunkey
River, a distance of nine miles. As the I>ancers approached
the river they were discovered by the enemy, who were a
detachment of the 4th Virginia Cavalry guarding the bridge
at this point. A skirmish inmiediately ensued, in which two
of the enemy were wounded. Tlie detachment of the Fif(h
hurried forward and drew up in line of battle on the high
ground overlooking the bridge. The enemy commenced
tiring on them, but with defective aim.
Company II, under the leadershi[) of Lieutenant-Colonel
H. Duryea, was ordered to charge the bridge. They ai>-
proached as near as possible under cover of the woods, and
then made a dash for it on the doulV.c qui* k. The ei-ieni\'s
cavalry on the bridgj, who were disimninti-d and acting as
infantry, retreated to their reserve on the other side of the
river. One of them halted at about the center and took
The Peninsular Campaign. i8i
deliberate aim, but before he could discharge his piece there
were half a dozen shots tired at him almost simultaneously,
and he fell shot through the body, mortally wounded. He
was picked up and carried to a farm-house that stood near
the approach to the bridge, which proved to be the same in
which himself and his father were born. He died like a
brave man, fighting for what he probably thought the right,
and literally in defense of home and fireside.
Private Woodfall, of Company H, was wounded by a shot
at about the same instant that this man received his death
wound. The company, foUow-ed by the cavalry, kept on
over the bridge, and the latter deployed in battle array for a
charge. The rebel cavalry in the meantime kept up a run-
ning fire, and were tlying like the wind on splendidly
mounted horses; the Lancers followed, but were left far
behind in the rear.
After a portion of the battalion were stationed as pickets
to avoid a sur[5iise, and as a guard over the stacked arms,
the rest of the men commenced the destruction of the
bridge. It was substantially built of oak and pine timber,
and was of great benefit to the Confederates, as it con-
necteil the great highway used f(jr the transportation of
supplies to Richmond from that part oi the country.
Colonel Warren directed the men how to pull it down in
a scientific manner, and under his instructions there was
soon nothing left of it but the fallen trestles and supports,
lloating in the rajnd cuirent. Fires were built on each shore
to burn portions of the timbers. An old slave stood look-
ing on in wonderment, rubbing his hands together, in evi-
tlent glee, when finally he si)oke up and said, that the
"Squires were ten years in argufying abt ut, and buildin'
dat dar sucumstructure, but yuse niassa T.incunis' sniurs IkuI
du!i gone and si)iled it in ten minits.'' When its destruction
was completed and the battalion were making preparations
to march again, it was discovered that James R. Murray, of
l82 FiftJi NrtV York Volunteer Infantry.
Company A, was left on the other shore, but kickily he was
able to work his way over by jumping from one piece of
floating timber to another.
The men had captured some half a dozen citizens of the
upper class, at various houses on the march, to avoid intelli-
gence of the nmvement being made known to the enemy.
One of them, a Doctor Henry, who wore a high silk hat and
a black frock coal, was a fine old Virginia gentleman. He
was questioned by the Adjutant as to the whereabouts of the
enemy and other matters that might have afforded valuable
information ; but he was self-possessed and secretive to the
utmost. Finally he was informed that he would be shot if
he did not answer. He drew himself uj), and raising his hat,
said : " I am an old, gray-haired man of sixty years. My
name is Henry, a direct descendant of Patrick: Hexrv, of
Roanoke. I was born and reared near this spot, where the
illustrious patriot spent his youth and manhood ; and 1 will
say, that I have never been guilty of doing a dishonorable
act in my life, nor can you compel me, with all the force at
your command, to do so at the present time." He was
taken to Colonel Warren, who treated him in a noble and
generous manner, and soon put him at his ease. The object
of the e.xpedition having been accomplished, the detail re-
turned back to camp, having marched about eighteen miles.
Several of the companies were sent out on picket at dark,
one of which was Company F, The latter constructed shan-
ties while the rain fell heavily. At midnight the outposts
were ordered to fall back on the reserve. The night was so
dark it was impossible to see a yard ahead ; the mud was
knee deep, and they floinidered back, slipping, sliding, growl-
ing, and cursing. They had no shelter from the heavy rain,
bat nevertheless managed to catch a little wretched sleep,
Mtting with tlicir backs against the trees. In tlie morning
they tlounderetl back to camp in a miserable condition, and
The Peninsular Campaign. 1 83
had coft'ee made, but had scarcely touched it, when they
were ordered to duty with the rest of the command.
Early on the morning of Tuesday, the 27th, the regiment
was ordered to fall in, in light marching order, which was
significant to them of prospective fighting, and they felt at
this time that a brush with the enemy would be a great relief
to their unquiet temper, for they were not in the most ami-
able mood. They moved from camp near Old Church,
through a heavy rain, and over bad roads, on a route leading
to Hanover Courthouse, parallel to the Pamunkey River.
After marching some miles. Colonel Warren took the Lan-
cers and pushed on some distance to the northward, and
destroyed some bridges leading over the Pamunkey, and
captured a number of prisoners and rejomed tlie command.
The force kept on their march to join General Porter and
a portion of the Fifth Corps. On arriving at a large field,
we were halted and ordered to load, and the cavalry were
sent forward to reconnoiter. They had scarcely returned
when, at a little distance, the booming of cannon was heard.
They built a bridge over a creek, crossed, and moved at a
quick step in the direction from which the sound came. But
for the inevitable delay occasioned by building the bridge,
the brigade would have been among the first to engage in the
battle of Hanover Court-house.
General Emory, with the 5th and 6th U. S. Cavalry, Ben-
son's 2d U. S. Artillery, and General Butterfield's brigade,
had come ujjon the enemy, who were composed of North
Carolina and Georgia regiments, under the command of
General Branch, at a point about two miles from the
Court-house, where the road forked to Ashland. General
Emory was joined by the 25th iVew York and P.erdan's
Shar[)-shooters. Tiiesc regiments deployed wiih a section oi
the battery, and advanceil slowly toward the enemy until re-
inforced by General Butterfield, with four regiments, when
1 84 FiftJi NciiJ York ]"ohivtecr Infa7itry.
tfie enemy was charged and routed, the 17th New York cap-
turing one gun of Latham's New Orleans battery, which had
become disabled by the fire of Benson's battery. The firing
here lasted one hour. The cavalry and battery were ordered
in pursuit, followed by ^^orel^s infantry and artillery, with
the exception of Martindale's brigade.*
At this stage of the battle, the 5th New York came up,
and followed on after Aforell's division in the direction of the
firing, over an immense field of wheat about one and a half
miles in width. A wooden farm-house stood at about the
center of this field, which had been the scene of a severe
struggle. They advanced as far as Hanover Court-house.
Suddenly aides, on horseback, came flying by, and the trooi)s
were ordered to return. General Porter and staff passed
by, and ordered us to quick-march. A ATajor of the staff
informed our Lieutenant-Colonel, H. Duryea, acting in com-
mand of the regiment, that we were outflanked by the enemy
in force.
The Fifth fac^ about and hurried back again to the wheat-
field. They were immediately formed in line of battle, fac-
ing toward the south-west, and advanced by the double-quick.
The sun had come out in the meantime wit.ii scorching
heat, and the men were exhausted by their fifteen-mile march
in the morning, over execrable roads in the rain, and a few
fell down in the field from sun-stroke. It appears that Con-
federate troops had come up nn cars from Richmond as rein-
forcements, and were formed in line of battle near Peake's
Station, on the Virginia Central Railroad, and on the Ash-
land road, near the scene of the first engagement, and were
in the rear of the troops following the enemy.
It is not my pur|iose to describe all the movements of
Generol Porter's roiniiiaiid. but he immediately ordered all
the troops in the pursuit to face about and retrace their steps.
S;e General ^fcCleIIaIl's Report (pp. 206-7.)
The Peninsular Campaign. 185
'rhc enemy attacked General Martindale, who had with him
!iic 2d Maine, 25th and 44th New York, with a section of
Martin's battery, on the New Bridge road facing his own posi-
tion of the morning, and who held his ground against large
Pilds until reinforced by the 13th and 14th New York and
(Iiithn's battery.
The " Fighting 9th" iVIassachusetts, and the 62d Pennsyl-
v.mia, of McQiiade's brigade, pushed through woods on the
right (our original left) on the liank of the enemy. Butter-
t'lcld, with the 83d Pennsylvania and the i6lh Michigan, ad-
vancing by the railroad and through the woods, further to
t!ie right, completed the rout of the enemy.
When the 5th New York arrived near the scene, it had be-
come quite exciting ; batteries dashed along the roads on a
iluxrp run, and the infantry were going at a double-quick
through the fields, and they were surprised to see so many
troops, and wondered where they had all come from, not
knowing when they started from camp in the morning where
liiey were going or what was required of them. All was ex-
citL-ment and activity; diey were moving on in quick time to
attack the enemy, who had just shown themselves on the
edge of the woods that skirted the field to the southward.
I'resently the music cOtnmenced, with the prolonged rattling
tJiat continuous musketry-fire produces. The artillery had
I'ol yet got to work, nor was it needed until the enemy had got
on the retreat. General Butterfield came dashing uj) in
li"nt of the I'ifth as they were going on the double-quick in
*:''e of battle, battalion front, for the woods. He took oti'his
<il' and waved it above his head, and said : "Go in, boys !
^'id I II see you supj^oi ted ! ''
\\\ a few moments they had reached the wood, which was
fntncd with a Zouave cheer. The sul[iinuous smoke hung
" ' 'liiik tii.xt it was almost impossible to see any distance.
' ■''•y relieved the 25th ami 44th New York, who had stootl
'iie brunt of the engagement, and had sulfered severely.
1 86 Fifth Nciv York Volntiteer Infantry.
The last regiment (Ellsworth's Avengers) was one of the
finest bodies of picked men in the service, morally as well
as physically. The men advanced through the woods, step-
ping over the Union and Confederate dead and wounded,
who lay thick, and out of the woods to the Ashland road ;
down the road to the railroad ciU, and after some difficulty
climbed up the bank and advanced over an open field. The
enemy had reached the cover of a wood the other side of
the field in full retreat, and the men could not get at them.
Night coming on, they were recalled, and marched back,
very much disappointed at losing the opportunity to grapple
with the enemy as compensation for their long and laborious
tramp. As the regiment passed the men who had been in
the thick of the fight in the woods, just in advance of the
Zouaves, some of them said that as soon as the enemy saw
our red breeches coming through they beat a hasty retreat,
and a Confederate officer who was taken prisoner also stated
that when they saw the Zouaves charging in a steady, un-
broken front toward them, they thought there was too much
steel for them. The sight no doubt hastened their move-
ments.
As the men passed down the Ashland road after coming
out of the wood, they saw Captain (afterward General) Grif-
fin, of the 5th United States Artillery, sighting his guns per-
sonally, and was patting one of them on its side, which had
just blown up one of the enemy's caissons, and killed several
horses at the same time. He exclaimed, " \ good shot ! now
another like that." in the wood and at the side of a fence
on the border of the road by which the enemy retreated, the
dead and wounded were very numerous. Some of them had
ghastly wounds and were still struggling with death. Others
lay dead without the sign of a mark on tlicni. with faces up-
turned, their stony eyes glaiing ai liie sky. A father and his
son were found 1\ ing side by side, wounded and lilceding
freely ; the old man was crying, while the son endeavored to
'. TJie Peninsular Cainpaign. 187
console him. In another place two or three were found
dead, whose appearance led one to think they had died talk-
ing to one another ; others reclined against the fence, among
whom was a powerful fellow, with a portion of iiis forehead
torn away and his brains exposed, who was still breathing.
A splendid bay horse lay rigid in the road ; he had cleared
his last fence. All night long we could hear the groans of
the wounded and dying at the temporary hospital in a house
near by. That night we bivouacked on the field, and as the
men were without ponchos or blankets, and the ground
damp and cold from the heavy dew, we passed a wretched
night.
On the morning of the 28th. when the men awoke, some
of them found that they were lying among the dead : it was
at"ter dark when they laid down the ])revious night, and what
they supposed were soldiers sleeping with blankets over them,
were dead men. Details were made from some of the
regiments, including the Fifth, to bury the dead. Trenches
were dug large enough to hold twenty-five. The detail from
the Fifth buried twenty-five Confederates as decently as
their circumstances would allow. They were all jilaced in a
single trench with an Orderly Sergeant at their head, the post
he occui)ied when alive; at each corner of the plot they
placed stakes, and at one end of it, cut on the trunk cf a tree,
" 25 N. C. X killed."
The result of the battle was two hundred of the enemy
buried on the field ; about eight hundred prisoners captured ;
one twelve-pound howitzer and caisson, a great number ot
small aruis, and two railroad trains loaded with a largo
amount of tobacco, were captured and destroyed. The Union
loss was less than four hundred in killed and wounded. One
^ving of tlu' l"it";h and tiie T^anctT? wt-ut about four miies anil
(^:ipturcd an entire company of the enemy, brsides paroling
niany wounded who were in houses on their route. The
next day, Thursday, the 29th, Colonel Warren, with the Fifth,
IV , ;':-..f ,1^ rn,-
1 88 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
1st Comiecticut, the Lancers, a section of Weeden's battery,
and other detachments, went on a reconnoissance on the
Ashland road, about seven miles. It was the same path by
which the enemy retreated. We found knapsacks and cloth-
ing strewn along the road. The advance was cautiously
made, with skirmishers deployed ahead and on the Hanks, as
we might come upon the enemy at any time, or run into an
ambush. At one time we laid in line of battle.
Colonel Warren, with the cavalry, finally pushed forward
and entered Ashland, the birthplace of Henry Clay, captur-
ing some prisoners, and obtaining information of General
McDowell's advance. We then marched back to camp, and
after resting two hours, we were again on our way to Old
Church, which we reached about midnight, having marched
fifty miles since we left it on the 27th. The men suffered
greatly for the want of food, and straggled, limping along the
road toward camp. By some mismanagement of the Com-
missariat the men had received no rations since leaving camp.
In the railroad trains captured on the battle-field there was a
large quantity of tobacco, from which the men filled all tliC
available pocket-room they could command. They impro-
vised the art of cigar-making, and produced some prize
specimens of mammoth size.
The object of the battle of Hanover Court-house was to
clear away the enemy from the right and rear of the army,
and to leave no obstacle in the way to the junction of Gen.
McDowell's First Corps, which was lying south of Freder-
icksburg, with the right of General McClellan's army be-
sieging Richmond. If he had been allowed to advance, the
march could have been easily accomplished in two days, and
in all likelihood the seven days' retreat, a month later, would
never hav.- occmrcil, aixl General McC'lcll.m would have
been proiiipli\' in Kicliiuor.d. At all events, tb.at was the
belief of all in the Fifth Cori)s, and of the Confederates
themselves.
■- . ■ Tlie PiiiinsjLlar Campaign. 189
The smooth-bore rifles, heretofore in use by eight com-
panies of the regiment, were exchanged on the 30th for
Springfield ritles. The command expected to march the
same day at 4 p.m., but a terrible thunder-storm coming up,
it was delayed. The thunder and lightning were grand in
the extreme, and at times truly terrific ; it rained in torrents,
and continued until late in the night. It seemed ominous
of the storm of battle which was about to open about Rich-
mond.
The next morning, reveille roused us at two o'clock and at
five o'clock we marched four miles, the roads all under water
and muddy, and were ordered back again ; and finally, after
covering six or seven miles, encamped upon an evacuated
cam[vground near Cold Harbor, joining the rest of the divis-
ion.
In the afternoon an engagement took place on the other
side of the Chickahominy. There was a constant roar of
artillery, and the roll of the musketry was incessant. The
division was held under arms, and all ready to move
when wanted. The engagement alluded to was the battle
of Fair Oaks, and the division would have been sent across
the river, and probably engaged, had not the bridges been
carried away by the unprecedentedly high tlow of the waters,
occasioned by the recent heavy storm of rain already men-
lioned.
Sunday, June 1. — The conflict commenced again at day-
light, but in a few hours appeared to recede in the distance.
Our forces drove the enemy antl approached to within five
miles of Richmond. The aggregate losses on both sides in
killed and wounded was 12,500 men. \\'e marched at 4 p.m.
;ibout two miles, and encamped in a dense pine wood near
^'ew Hridge, whicli was an admirable spot for a camp. The
'■:i;igon the other ^idc of the nvcr led the men to expect
t".U ihcy would be called uiion at any moment to take part
;le which aj^peared to them would i)erhaps
190 Fifth A'czo York Volunteer Infantry.
decide the fate of one of the two great armies. We were
■io near the enemy that no drum or bugle call was allowed
to be sounded.
On the 2d the weather was very warm, and the sound of
battle was almost entirely subdued, very little firing being
heard during the day. A sniall detail was made up and em-
ployed in digging about the camp. Colonel Warren sup-
plied the men with a quantity of flour, and bread-baking
was the order of the day. Those who had tin plates were
the favored ones ; the rest were obliged to wait and borrow
them from their comrades. The flour was simi)ly mixed
with water and made into unleavened cakes and baked ; but
the men relished them with great satisfaction, as it was an
acceptable change in the diet to which they had been ac-
customed ; and at times was heard from some epicure who
could not restrain from giving vent to his satisfaction, the
expressive, but not very elegant remark, '"Aint this bully."
I'wo of the boys (of Eastern Shore celebrity in mischief)
procured about a bushel of flour, and some sugar and sale-
ratus, borrowed a sheet-iron kettle of one of the officers' serv-
ants, obtained a lot of fat salt pork, and went into business.
They first washed all the salt from the pork, tried it out,
mixed their flour with sugar and saleratus, let it rise, and
then made some of the finest doughnuts, as they supposed,
that were ever served up ; at all events they were "done
brown." When they had made a great pile of them, they
opened sho|), and never before was there such a rush to
procure some of those elegant doughnuts. The pile was
soon gone at five for twenty-five cents, and the demand far
exceeded the supply. Occasionally a n^an was found who
had the temerity to express the opinion that they were
rather tough, and were good sjiecimens of home-made Indii.
rubber ; but he wai iinmctliatcly frowned down as a bar-
barian, and a man de\oid of epicurean tastes. 'I'l'ie sale
ke[)t U[) so briskly that bv night the batter was almost
The Peninsular Campaign. 191
exhausted, and the firm closed up their business for the day,
.-tiiiiated their protits, and talked over their plans for the
f'lture. But they were in a quandary. The batter was
nearly gone, and no more flour could be obtained within
r.uige of their guns. Suddenly the contracted brow of H.
relaxed from its thoughtful aspect, and his face lit up with a
ccnial smile. He had struck an idea, and was like a gold-
ininer when he pans out a rich lot of " ])ay-dust." " Eureka ! "
\\z exclaimed, quoting Archimedes. They had still on hand
a fjuantity of saleratus, which up to this time was looked upon
as dead stock, but now it was worth its weight in gold.
•• What idea have you struck, pards ?" asked H.'s colleague.
•' Wliy, you noodle-head, its very plain — put in more sale-
r.ilus ! " " That's the cheese. Why didn't you think of that
iiefore?" The saleratus was added hi generous quantity,
nnd tliey turned in and went to sleep, [)robably dreannng of
light doughnuts for the million — so light, in fact, that a piece
t f dough the size of a walnut would turn into a doughnut
the size of a puuipkin. At all events, they must have
<ireauied on promiscuous subjects, for they had partaken
iihcrally of their own stock in trade to show their faith in
iiome manufactures. I am not positive that this was the
KJentical night that the whole camj) was aroused by fearful
<ioains, and the men grasped their rifles, and the otificers
r'.;shed out of their tents clad in Georgia costuuie, swords
.^!ul revolvers in hand, supjiosing at first that the enemy had
< M'^iired the camp and were bayoneting the men in their
I'-nts, until it was discovered that a sonmambulist of Coui-
I'^ny F had jumped up in a nightmare and was trying to
« limb a tree before he was awakened, having dreamed that
■'Me nf Hood's Texan Rangers was trying to scalp him. At
' '-vt-nts this was the camp where this identical thing hap-
'■•■•d. and tliis naturally ought to have been the night, for
•■ vir bftore were the men's stomachs so fidl.
lii tlie morninLT tiie firm were roused fro!n their dreams of
192 Fifth Nciu York Volunteer Infantry.
wealth by tlie icveille, and jumped up in a hurry. But what
a sight met their eyes ! Dough, dough, dough everywhere !
The fact 01" it was, their stock had risen about one hundred
and fifty per cent, above par, and kept on rising. The floor of
their tent, blankets, ritles, cartridge-boxes, and everything else.
were covered with a layer of dough, and they could be traced
out to the line for roll call by a string of dough. This was
soiiiething that had not entered into their calculations. They,
however, did well in business that day, and added saleratus,
as their batter decreased, until the compound was so sour
that all the sugar they could beg, borrow, or steal was nut
sufficient to sweeten it enough to suit the most depraveil
taste. Accordingly one night, after a very dull day's trade,
they buried what remained of their stock in a hole outside
of their tent, in the company street. But their astonishmeiU
was great in the morning at finding that the stuff refused to
stay buried, and had burst through the crust of earth over
it, and, like a fountain, was sending out its streams, where-
upon they were obliged to heap several bushels of dirt over
the spot to prevent its resurrection. The next morning they
looked out of their tent with anything but confidence, ex-
pecting to see a new eruption. They were agreeably disap-
pointed, and thus ends the long, but true story of the
"Zouave" doughnuts.
As the regiment was about to assemble for evening parade,
one of the drummer-boys made his appearance in his accus-
tomed ])lace barefoot, his shoes having mysteriously disai'-
peared. The Drum-Major dismissed him with the admoni-
tion to present himself in just one minute and a half decently
shod, or suffer the consequences. He hurried off in gre;U
anxiety as to what he should do ; for, being a small boy, h<-^
had great doubt in his mind about bemg able to borrow .1
jiair from any of the men off duty that would be an> wheie
near a fit. But time was precious, and seeing a contraban-l,
one of the otlicers' servants, who wore niunber foui teens, ht-'
The Peninsular Cmnpaign. 193
prevailed upon him. witli tears in his eyes, to lend him his
brogans. He made his appearance in the niche of lime, and
as he shuffled down the line with the drum corps, for he could
not raise his feet for fear of losing his shoes, trying to put on an
unconscious air, as if there was nothing extraordinary in his
appearance, it was as much as all could do, from the Colonel
down, to keep a straight face. Such enormous feet were
never seen before on a small boy, outside of a negro min-
strel show, and I venture to say that had he been shot, he
would have died upright, for nothing short of an earthquake
could have destroyed his equilibrium, with such a broad and
lengthy foundation.
At night we slept under arms, and during the following
day, the 3d, the division was drawn up on parade, and Gen-
eral McClellan's battle speech was read. It was, in substance,
that the army was about to go into battle, and that when it
maiched, knapsacks, baggage, and wagons were to be left on
tl-.is side of the Chickahominy. All that the men were to
carry would be their arms and accoutrements, haversack,
with three days' rations, and canteen of water. He said the
enemy were now at bay before their citadel, and that he
would be with his men in the hour of battle. General S3ke3
said that he could add but little ; but that little was said to the
point. He spoke about as tbllows : "Soldiers of Connecti-
cut and New York ! We are about to go into battle, and
if there is any hard work to do, ice Jiave got to do it. ^Ve
must stick by our General, and march by his side into Rich-
n)ond." Cheers then rent the air, and the troo\)s were
marched back to their respective camping grounds.
The rain fell in tonents at night, and continued to do so
the whole of the next day. The Chickahominy had risen to
an unnreced .-nted height, and ovei flowed the swampy ground
•■n i:s borders, and it ua-^ feared that tlie ilood nii-ht en-
<'!ngcr the comnnujication.-. between the right and left wiiigs
of ihe army. Blankets and overcoats were wet through ; for.
o
194 PiP^^ ^'"^^ "^^^^ Voluntctr Infantry.
having no tents, the only shelter the men had, was one of
the most temporary khid. They were troubled with dianhcea
and malaria ; there were about forty new cases of fevers in the
regiment ; many of the officers were absent sick, and others
had sent in their resignations. Whisky and quinine were
given out night and morning as a tonic. There were about
650 men present for duty.
The regiment went out on picket on the mornmg of
Thursday, the 5th, on the Chickahominy, -at New Dndgc.
The enemy opened with their batteries, and it was not long
before three of our batteries were replying ; the artillery duel
continued for two hours, which made the position of the men
on picket and the reserve anything but agreeable. They
were obliged frequently to shift their positions from the road
leading to the bridge, as the guns of the enemy comj^letely
commanded it, and nothing could live there a moment.
Finally the Confederate guns were silenced. They wounded
some of our men, killed three horses, and did other damage.^
Two Confederates who were on jncket deserted their post
and came over and delivered themselves up to George Finley,
of Comi^any H. They were fired at by their comrades, but
escaped injury. The Confederate and Union pickets were
quite close, being in plain view of each other, and >ometimes
made an agreement not to fire on one another. It an otticer
made his appearance the men jumped for cover, as they were
not included in the armistice, and a general fusilade follows
from both sides. One shot breaks the truce, and this may
continue for some days, until they renew the agreement.
The ne.xt morning we were relieved from this duty, and
several of the pickets that relieved the I'ifdi, were shot by
the rebels, who received similar compliments in return. On
the 7th three men died in the camp hospital, oi fevpr. \\ e
•General McCUlbn's Report, (p. 2z^^■. - Ni w Ukidw^, 'June 5, .36. .-Kn-
emy opened widi several baaeries on our bridge, near here tins morn.,i- ; our bat-
terio seem to have prctly mueh .ilei.ced them, though some fivln- is stdl l.j.pl up.
The Pcniyisular Ca?npaig?i. 195
were joined by the loth New York, from Fortress Monroe.
On Sunday, the 8th, after the usual inspection, the men oc-
cupied themselves in mending and washing their clothes.
On the 9th, the division was reviewed by General Prim,
of Spain, the Count of Reus and Castillejos, accompanied
!>y Oeneral McClellan and staff. General Prim paused be-
fore the Fifth, and appeared to be highly delighted. He was
astonished to see a regiment uniformed exactly like the 2d
Regiment of French Zouaves. He inquired respecting their
organization, and complimented Colonel Warren personally
on their appearance, offering him his hand in acknowledg-
in.'ntof his gratification. After the review the Zouaves went
through a drill, bayonet exercise, etc. General Prim atten-
tively watched the unity and precision of their movements.
He clapped his hands enthusiastically, and the men felt
highly complimented.
Orders were sent us on Thursday, the 12th, to be ready at
a moment's notice in light marching order. We left camp at
7 P..M. and marched to the Chickahominy with other troops,
numbering in all about r.500 men. Arms were loaded and
ambulances in attendance. After posting strong pickets and
reserves, the remainder were set to work throwing up an
earthwork to protect a battery, which they also masked ; it
was finished just before daylight, and we marched back to
camp. If the enemy had been aware of what we were doing,
they certainly would have attacked us.
On the following day, about 5 p.m., the regiment fell into
line, loaded rifles, and stepped off in light marching order,
without waiting for rations or evening coffee, after Stuart's
•:avalry, about 1,500 strong, with four guns, who made a dash
by the right flank of the army and got in its rear. They at-
' !' '.cd two squadrons oi the 5lh T. >. Cav.iliy, m^.'cr the
'■JiiiiiKind of Captain Ru}all, near lIaiiov:i U\i ClauJi. ar.d.
overpowered theui. Tiie first squadron \\as siiri'iiscd and
li'Spersed ; the second charged vigorously, without regard to
196 FiftJi. New York Volunteer Infantry.
the enemy's numbers. Capt. Royall killed the commander
of the first squadron of the enemy with his own hand, and
was himself wounded in several places a moment after. It
was feared the enemy might damage the railroad by whicii
the supplies for the army were transi)orted from White-hous
Landing. We bivouacked near Old Church, after a forced
march of thirteen miles. A detail from the regiment, who
were stationed as an outpost, and guard of protection over
Mrs. Robert Lee, her daughter-in-law, the wife of Colonel Lee,
and two nieces, who were living in Rufrin's house, saw all
the enemy's cavalry pass along on the other side of the river
a few hours before the regiment came up. This was the
residence of Edmund Ruftin, the Virginian who went to
Charleston and begged the honor of firing the first gun at the
opening of the attack on Fort Sumter. A few weeks after
the close of the war, with that insane hatred of the Union and
the flag which animated so many at the time, and determined
that he would never again live under the Stars and Stripes,
he deliberately loaded his pistol and fired a bullet into his
head, falling dead on the spot. It was the last tragic act ni
the Rebellion.
When the troops first arrived in this part of Virginia, about
May 24th, a squad of the Fifth, under an officer, were de-
tailed to search Ruffin's house, under the supposition that
papers containing valuable information for tlie Union cause
might be discovered. The search was submitted to with an
ill grace by Mrs. Lee, and as the officer was about to deinirt,
the following note was placed in liis charge, addressed to the
General in conmiand of the division :
Sir: — I have patiently and humbly submitted to a search I'f
my house by men under your command, who are satisfied that
there is nothiiii^ h. re that they want, all the plate and otl:< i'
valuables luniiii,^ long sinee been removed t^j Richmond, and .ne
now beyond the reach of any Northern marauders who may v.i^'i
lor their possession. yy^^^^ OP Robert Lee,
Ccnrral C. S. . t.
The Peninsular Campaign. 197
Instead of not noticing her insulting and impudent com-
munication, a guard was established over the house and
grounds for the i)rotection of the property as well as for her-
self and family.
After two hours' sleep we continued the march, and ar-
rived at I P.M. on the X4th, at Tunstall's Station, about
five miles from the White House, having marched eleven
miles under a scorching sun. The enemy turned oft" from
this point, and fmally crossed the Chickahominy by Long
Bridge, having made the entire circuit of the army, thus ex-
posing the weakness of Gen. AfcClellan's right. They killed
several teamsters and cavalrymen, and a sutler ; burned
fourteen army wagons and their contents, and two schoon-
ers laden with forage ; cut the telegraph, and commenced
pulling up the railroad track. They also tired into a train of
our sick and wounded. This was about the whole of the
damage done by Stuart in his celebrated raid, beside expos-
ing the weakness of our right wing.
After a short rest, the regiment started back to camp, the
lame and laggard left to follow at will, as if was a forced
march throughout. Notwithstanding this, we were left in the
rear of the enemy as witnesses of the burning wagons they left
in their path. We halted at three o'clock^n the morning,
cooked some coff'ee, and continued the march, arriving in
can)p at forty minutes past 7 a.m. of Sunday, the I'sth,
havmg marched about forty-six miles in thirty-six hours. The
niornmg was a beautiful one ; the moon rose about mid-
'";;hi, and there was a cool, refreshing breeze. The troops
on this tramp, besides the Fifth, were the loth New York,
1st Connecticut, Rush's Lancers, and four pieces of Weedcn's
Hhode Island battery.
/,..;. Ji; ■ :i.
CHAPTER X.
THE SEVEN DAYS' RETREAT — BATTLE OF GAINES'
MILL.
Anniversary of the Battle of Bl'nker Hill; Thfn and Now — Frf.edom
AGAINST SlAVERV — SaNITARY CONDITION OF THE REGIMENT — PlCICET DfTV —
A Sabbath Journal — Death of Sergeant Reynolds— Seven Days' Rf-
TREAT— Fifth Corps Engagkd — Battle of Gaines' Mill— Death of Capt.
Partridge— Color-Sekceant Berrian — A Charge in the Woods— A Rkuel
Trick— The Field at Night— Losses— Testimony of the Officers— Of-
Fici.Ai Reports — Confederate Reports— Incidents— Wm. McDowell —
"Dave" Blrns — Walter S. Colby — Francis Sphllman — Sad Sepaf-v-
TiONS — Colonel Warren's Rei'ort- General Svkes' Report.
Tuesday^ June 17, 1862. — The anniversary of the battle of
Bunker Hill was, to our regiment, one of comparative inac-
tivity, nothing having occurred to give special significance or
importance to the day distinguished in the history of the
Union for a conflict which gave so much of character and
impress to the impending struggle for independence and
liberty. Yet no one of all the great army was an inditTerent
observer of the day. 'i'he American soldier remembered the
story of Warren and his heroes, and the soldier of forei^-n
birth, who was fighting for his adopted home, learned, if he
had not before, the nuMning oi the event, and felt stronger
for the struggle before him. The century was nearing its
close, and the feeble colonies of that day had grown up into
a nation of independent States, whose power, grandeur, aiul
civilization rivaled that of the oldest nations of the world,
and commanded the un.iniinous homage of mankind.
All around us and covering die adjacent plain for miies
was an immense camp. There were assembled here scores
•TT
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 199
of thousands of brave men waiting and watching another
army of equally brave men, in about equal numbers, and
jircparing for some great encounter which might decide the
issue of the momentous question which had brought them
from homes and firesides, and from the progress and splendid
ilevelopments of peace to the cruel and barbarous arbitration
of war and blood. There were assembled in other camps,
and on other fields in various parts of the Union, vast num-
bers of men not less brave and not less determined, and the
armies who thus were flashing their blades in the sunlight
were more in number than all the able-bodied men in the
colonies who rejoiced over the achievements of Bunker Hill.
Hut the issue of to-day was not less vital than that of the four-
score years passed away, and the people of the next century
will no less honor the men who surrendered their all on the
altar of their country. The interests of slavery that in-
S[iired the war were compelled to surrender to the grander
behests of freedom ; and while hundreds of thousands of
brave men died in obedience to the imperialism of their
leaders in behalf of slavery, it can never be forgotten that
slavery made the attack, and in the contest perished. The
system, which was itself a perpetual war against humanity,
fell in its attack upon the free institutions under which it
ViX<\ grown into such colossal strength. Although we were
idle for the day in camp, amid its routine the sound of di^-
t.int thunder, borne by the winds, told us that the struggle
^vas continued by some otiier portion of our wide-spread
irmy of freedom.
On Wedncsdav, the iSth, some of our companies returned
from picket. They were posted on the Richmond side of
•'le Chickahominy, within eighty yards of the enemy's jiick-
<^>-^. -\s soon as they were p')r;ted, the enemy o[>cned uom
'■■f^c!-nt ]H_i:r,l~;. but tiie men kcjit thcinselvcs slieiteied bc-
'' ""id old trees and log>, some of them being up to iheir
*vaist3 in water, but none of them were struck, though the
200 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
balls whistled very close, often striking within a few feet.
The firing was continued by both sides during the day, and
toward evening an additional interest was given to the
scene by an artillery duel, which took place to the right.
The firing was continued all night at intervals, and until
they were relieved in the morning. While passing over the
brow of a hill on their return to camp they were made a
target for the enemy's shell, but none were injured.
The sanitary condition of the regiment continued about
the same as usual. Some of the officers were absent on the
sick-list, and a number of the men were in the hospitals.
The locality in which we were placed, and the want of
shelter, day or night, with the continuous e.xposure to the
heavy rains alternating with scorching heat, and the dense
malarial atmosphere, made an ordinary sanitary condition
an impossibility.
On Thursday, the 19th, we were blessed with a supjily of
shelter tents, giving room for two men in each, but o]:>en
front and rear. From the time the regiment landed on the
Peninsula, with the exception of the three weeks spent in
front of Yorktown, they had been destitute of shelter, except
such as could be improvised from the branches of trees
lashed together and plastered with nuid for mortar, or by
spreading their ponchos over low branches of trees and lying
under them.
Picket duty for nearly the whole of the regiment was or-
dered on Friday, the 20th. Seven companies went into the
swamps for twenty-four hours. In this service the artillery
had a part, and a duel between the opposing batteries was al-
most always inevitable. The armies were very close, and a
general engagement might ensue at any moment, and great
vigilance was necessary to guard against a surprise. Six
hhell dropped into our cani[), whicli was hidden from t!ic
view of t';ic enemy by the woods, but their fire may have
been guided by the smoke of our camp fires rising above the
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 201
trees. The first shell went directly over the camp, and
passed so close that some of the men dropped down, ex-
pecting it to burst. It killetl a regular. Another siiell burst
in the ist Connecticut camp, lying near the Fifth, and killed
one of their men. About 7 p..\i. Companies G and H were
ordered to move in light marching order, with details from
other regiments to build a battery for the |)rotection of the
artillery on picket. The rifles were loaded as usual, and
ambulances iii attendance, as they were liable to a sudden
attack at any time. They succeeded partially without acci-
dent or discovery, but the day dawned before it was quite
completed, and obliged them to discontinue their labors, to
avoid being discovered by the enemy and shelled. After
masking it with small trees and boughs, they retired.
Sunday, the 22d, gave us rest from the bloody work of
war. There was very little picket firing, and the day was
imusually quiet. The regunent was very much reduced in
nimibers, and had not over five hundred men fit for duty out
of the nine hundied who left Haltimore to enter on the cam-
paign. ^^any were mere shadows flitting about camp. Pri-
vate Hunter, of Company A, died in the morning, of ty[ihoid
fever, and the funeral, which look place in the evening, was
largely attended. General Sykes and staff, Colonel Warren,
and other officers were present. His deatli was scon fol-
lowed by that of our color-bearer. Sergeant Wm. T. Reynolds,
of Company K, wlio died on Mt)nday, the 2jd. His re-
niains were sent to his friends in New York, who were wealthy.
At I A..M, on the 24th, a feaihd thunder-stoini burst over
the camp, by which everything was thoroughly dienched, and
soon at'terward the men were called out and ordered to hold
fliemselves in readiness, under arms, to repel an attack
threatened to be D-.ade by the enemy at daylight, but which
d.id not occur, althougli firing was heard in the direction < \
iMechanicsville. The canq) remained quietly listening to the
rej^orts of the distant guns that were occasionally heard, until
202 Fifth Neiv York Volnntecr bifantry.
the 25th, on which day we were favored with a strong breeze,
which made the atmosphere cool and refreshing. About
noon we were ordered to fall in, in light marching order.
We stacked our arms, and felt assured that there was earnest
work before us.
On the morning of Thursday, the 26th, the clear sky and
refreshing breeze were a pleasant prelude to its duties. We
received orders to pack knapsacks and be ready to move with
three days' rations. Various orders were received during the
day, showing a state of uncertainty as to the movements to
be made. There was very heavy firing in the afternoon
about 3 P.M., which lasted until 9 p.m., on the extreme right,
where an engagement was going on. S\kes' division was at
length ordered to march. We let't camp and went in the
direction of the firing, which was at ?\[echanicsville, carrying
overcoats, but leaving knapsacks in camp, under the charge
of the provost guard, and laid in a corn-field under arms
until about 4 a.m. of the 27th, in supi)ort of our forces en-
gaged. In the early evening the firing was very heavy.
The night was beautiful, a full moon casting its beams over
the field, which was to many gathered there the scene of
their last hours on earth. On the morrow, at the same hour,
that s.ime calm, peaceful moon, if not hidden by the passing
clouds, would probably shine on thousands of the ghastly
dead and the mangled forms of the wounded. As the niglit ad-
vanced, the din of battle at a short distance ceased, and all was
quietness and seeming peace. But it was only the prelude
of the storm which was to follow on the morrow, and hurl
all its power and fierceness on the Fifth Corps. Many of
the 5th Regiment, who were lying there that night, full of life,
health, and strength, at the same hour on the morrow's eve
were lying in the sleep of death, to wake not agajn until the
last reveille. Some of them had a incmoiiition of their fate.
Captain Partridge appeared to be in an unusually serene frame
of mind; he would exclaim at times to Lieutenant McCon-
The Stvt-n Days Retreat— Gaines Mill. 203
lu'll, as he lay gazing at the moonlit scene, " Oh ! is not this
beautiful! Is not this a glorious night!" Fie had given
directions as to the disposition of his body in the event of
iiis falling on the held, and remarked that he would not live
to fight in many battles.
The morning of Friday, the 27th day of June, 1862, broke
hot and sultry, and found Generals Porter and AfcCall (the
latter of whom and been fighting the day before) stripped and
ready for the fight. The wagons and heavy siege-guns had
nearly all been removed to the other side of the Chickahominy
during the previous night, and it now remained for General
Porter to select his ground and place his troops in line for
the deadly aflfray. The position selected was a strong one.
A small, curving stream (Powhite Creek) empties into the
Chickahominy, the banks of which are, in most places,
bordered with a fringe of swamp, but in otliers rise stee})]}-,
the bed of the stream forming a ravine. East of this the
ground rises in a gradual slope, crossed by gullies, and
sjiieads into an undulating plain, with patches of woodland
and clearings. The line of battle was formed on the higher
ground, on the left bank of the stream, and was in the shajie
ot the arc of a circle, covering the api)roaches to Wood-
Iji'ry's* and Alexanders Bridge, which connected the right
wing of the army with the troops on the opi)osite, or Rich-
«nond, side of the Chickahominy. Butterfield held the
txtreme left of die line extending to tlie swamp of the
Cliirkahominy, which was swept by our artillery on both
Sides of the river ; then came Martindale, occupying the
^^■tlge of the Powhite wood ; then Griffin, deployed across
the forest ; all these belonging to Morell's division. On the
f'ght of them was Sykes' division, which, partly in woods
_ •^^'..-d'.ury'. Bn\I-e. nar.iej after Colonel D. T. Woodbury, of the 4th Mithi-nn
-.■^not, w;u; the mo<;: exten-sivc structure of the kind built during' the =iege. It
1^ '-.u.ih its approaches, a mile long, and in width fifteen feet ; and was constructed
-> i'l^ regiment in six da> s, durin- three of which it r.xiued in torrents.
204 FiftJi New York Volunteer hifatitry.
and partly in open ground, extended in rear of Cold
Harbor. It was composed of Warren's brigade (the 5th
and 10th New York) on the left, and next to (hiftin, next
to whom were the two brigades of regulars ; this composed
the first line. Behind this was McCall's division of Peiin-
sylvania troops, composed of Meade's brigade on the left,
with Reynolds' on the right, observing the road that led from
Cold Harbor and Dispatch Station to Sumner's Bridge;
Seymour's brigade on the right and rear in reserve to the
second line ; General P. St. G. Cooke, with five com]mnies
of the 5lh Regular Cavalry and two squadrons of the Penn-
sylvania Lancers, were posted behind a hill in the rear near
the Chickahominy to aid in watching the left flank and de-
fending the slope to the river. Sixty pieces of artillery were
advantageously posted in the intervals between the divisions
and brigades ui)on the surrounding eminences, in addition to
Tidball's Horse Battery, which was posted on the right of
Sykes, and Robertson's on the extreme left of the line in the
valley of the Chickahominy. The line of battle extended
for more than two miles, and Porter had in all under his
command at this time, including infantry, artillery, and
cavafry, about 27,000 men. " It was, in fact, 27,000 against
60,000, an overweight of opposition that lent to the task
assigned to Porter almost the character of a forlorn hope."*
The Confederates marched to the attack in three heavy
columns, Longstreet's and A. P. Hill's divisions, numbering
24,000 men, parallel with and near tlie Chickahominy River,
Hill in advance. D. H. Hill's division, io,ooo strong, about
a mile further inland, bore toward the Confederate left to
join Jackson, and formed a junction with the latter at Be-
thesda Church ; while Jackson, 30,000 strong, moved directly
toward Cold Harbor. In adtlition there were about 2,000
cavalry, under Stuart, making in all, according to Confeder-
ate reports, nearly 70,000 men.
* Swinton (p. 14?.).
The Seven Days Retreat— Gained Mill. -05
About 2 P.M., A. r. Hill's division, 14,000 strong, a'lvar.ccd
to the attack.
The Fifth Regiment was ordered back to canip in the
woods, at daylight on the morning ot" the 27th; slung their
knapsacks, and about 7 a.m. turned otT on the road which led
inward Cold Harbor, passing over familiar ground. The men
did not know the reason for this change, but supposed that
the enemy were making a movement to get in the rear of the
army.
After marching and countermarching about four miles, and
making several halts, they reached a piece of high ground,
where a large number of troops were getting into jiosition.
Colonel Warren, in command of the 5th and loth New
York regiments, which composed the Third biigade of Gen.
Sykes' division, Lieutenant-Colonel H. Duryea, acting in
command of the Fifth, took up a position well to the front
of the regulars, facing the line of the enemy's ai^proach, the
Tenth being on the left of the Fifth. The 3d, 4th, 12th, and
14th regiments of United States infantry, First brigade, un-
der the command of lientenant-Culonel Ikichanan, formed a
second line of batde on the slope of the high ground to the
right and rear. The 14th infantry were posted in an or-
chard to the extreme right ; the Twelfth to their left fiont, and
the 5th Zouaves to the left froiU of the Twelt'lh, antl nearest
to the enemy, and consequently were the first to be at-
tacked. Between the 5th and 12th regiments there was a
large interval.
Colonel ^Varren selected his position with great care, plac-
ing his brigade just bektw the brow of a slight eminence in
open ground, there being a small depression in the rear of
'lis line, through which ran a stream of water bordered by
marshy ground. The rifles wore sighted to reach a jiine
'^"<ul in front at an easy killing distance. 'I'he jMovo^t
i-'ianl, which was under the command of Lieutenant Whitney,
\^ho had been left behind for the purpose of burning the otTi-
2o6 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
cers' and sutlers' tents, and any property that could not be
removed, joined the regiment, and reported that the enemy
shelled the cainp before they left. The sick turned out in a
hurry and were obliged to hobble to the rear as best they
could ; some of them, however, were able to make excellent
time. We were now certain that a battle was iinnii'.ient.
All the fighting men on any detail joined their companies
voluntarily, among whom was James Tuits (the butcher),
from the Quartermaster's Department, with his Sharp's ritL- ;
Sergeant Joe Vail and Jack Whigam, of the Provost, who
determined to take their full share of honor in the victory, or
suifer their share in any disaster that might happen ; and
Luke Gilligan, from the hospital tent, who was recovering
from typhoid fever. His body was weak, but his spirit
strong, but ere night it had fled, and his lifeless body was
lying on the battle-field.
On the right of the pine wood was a clump of evergreens,
and beyond them and in the woods was a ravine. I'eyond
the evergreens, and stretching back about four hundred
yards, was an open field, bordered on its further side by woods,
and at some distance from our extreme right were thick
woods running perpendicular to our line, and to the rear
toward the position of some regular battalions.
Company E, under the command of Lieutenant John
Collins, were deployed as skirmishers, and went out into
the evergreens and wood on the right, and before long the
sound of their ritle-shots fell on the ears of the men. Com-
pany I, commanded by Ca[Uain Partridge, occupied the pine
woods directly in front of our position.
After waiting in line of battle a short time, a Confederate
officer and staff were seen to ride to the edge of the further
woods beyond the open field, and directly after them a bat-
tery* daslied u[), unlimbv-rcd, ;uui a jiurf of smoke was t'ol-
vhich was roujjhly haiidit; 1 during the engagement.
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaii:cs j\IilL 207
lowed by the rushing sound of a shell. In the meantime the
skirmishers of the regiment had encountered the enemy in
force lying behind a ridge, who opened fire upon them,
which was returned. Lieutenant Collins ordered them to
fall back on the regiment, but in endeavoring to do so he
lost his way, and was conducting his company toward his
right, where they Avould all have been taken prisoners had
it not been their good fortune to meet Lieutenant Porter,
in command of the skirmish line of the regulars, who had
just been wounded by a shot from the enemy posted in the
direction that Collins was leading his men. Being warned
in time, they turned to the left through the woods, and struck
a narrow road, which they took, and passed around the left
flank and rear of the regiment, and took their proper place
in the line on the right.
The correspondent of the New York Tunes, in speaking
of the battle, stated that " the Duryee Zouaves were the
first attacked."
A. P. Hill, commanding twenty-six regiments and six bat-
teries, distributed in six brigades, says in his report :
" I had delayed the attack until I could hear from Longstreet,
and this now occurring, the order was given. This was about
half-past 2 P.M. Gregg, then Branch, then Anderson, succes-
sively became engaged. Branch being hard pressed, Pender was
sent to his relief. Field and Archer were also directed to do
their part in this murderous contest Gregg having before
him (what he pleases to mention as) the vaunted Zouaves anri
Sykes regulars General Maxcy Gregg's brigade in ad-
vance, made the handsomest charge I have seen during tiie
whole war."
It was composed wholly of South Carolina regiments, vi/.:
the r.L Rifles, Coronel J. Foster Marshall, about 5,57 m-r, ;
1st r^-gimenr. Colonel D. H. HaniiUon ; 12th, Cohniol D.
Lames; 13th, Colonel O. E. Edwards; 14th, Colonel S.
2o8 FiftJi Ntzv York Volunteer Infantry.
McGowan. The ist Rifles had St killed and 234 wounded,
nearly all their officers being among the number. The ist
Volunteers were badly cut up, after fighting bravely, and
obliged to rciire. All of liieir color-guard having fallen, the
brave Colonel Hamilton bore the colors himself; their Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, Smith, was mortally wounded. The Twelfth
was routed after severe loss, and Colonel Ilarnes severely
wounded in the thigh. The Thirteenth, in suppoit, also suf-
fered heavily, and the F'ourteenth, which came up in the
thick, of the battle, reported a loss received here and subi,e-
quently of 200, their Colonel, McGowan, receiving a wound
from which he died, and their Major and many ofi'icers were
killed and wounued. The loss in the brigade was over 900
in killed and wounded.
The shot and shell now began to fly in rather dangerous
proximity, and the rushing sound they made was anything
but agreeable music. The men were ordered to lie down,
which ihey did, in an effort to make themselves as diminu-
tive as possible. There was not a man in the line that could
complain of being too thin at this jiarticular time. A section
(2 guns) of Captain Edwards' 3d U. S. battery of lo-pound
Parrotts moved U[) close to the right of the line and oi^ened
in return, but they were too much e.xposed, and were ordered
to withdraw to their original position on the hill in the rear.
Colonel Warren ordered the men of Company E to try and
pick off the enemy's artillerists ; as they were armed with
Sharp's ritles, their fire ajijjcared to have some effect. The
men placed their kuai)sacks in front, hoping the\- might be
of some slight proiecti<jn from the pieces of tlying shell. The
solid shot, shell, grape, and canister plowed up the ground
around them, throwing the dirt and sand into their faces;
while shell, bursting in the marshy ditch in the rear, threw
the mud thirty feet in tne air. A number of the men wei'c
killed and wounded, ar.d many hail narrow escapes. A sol:d
shot struck the stock of the rillc of Sergeant Chambers, da^^.-
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 209
ing it to pieces, and tuinbling him and Lieutenant Eichler over
one another, covering them with dirt, but. strangely enough,
without any injury to either. About the same time Lieuten-
ant Agnus received a severe wound from a piece of shell,
and commenced rolling over like a barrel toward the regulars
in the rear. The men watched him occasionally with much
interest until they saw him get into their lines, where he was
taken care of. One of the men had a favorite dog that had
followed him from camp, who amused himself by chasing after
the solid shot, but he was wounded and retired from the field.
During this time, Edwards', Weed's, Martin's, and other
batteries opened on the enemy's guns and infantry, some of
them firing very close over the heads of the men of the
Fifth. The shrieks of the balls through the air were contin-
uous, but the men kei)t cool, for they knew there was no re-
course but to lie still and obey orders. The enemy ad-
vanced at one time toward our right, but a vigorous fire by
companies, and then by file, drove them back. They did
not seem inclined to advance and begin the long-expected
attack at close quarters,,; but some of them hadcrei)t up into
the woods on the right, and were jncking otT the men. Ser-
geant S. B. Parker had received a severe wound ; Sodcn, of
Company E, a mortal wound from a piece of shell; Lieutenant
Collins had- also been struck, and Winslow's arm fell jxiwer-
less by his side, yet he made a strong etTort to again load his
piece, but it was out of his power. The Confederate hat-
ti-Ty was doing so much execution that Colonel Warren or-
dered the command to march by the left tlank through the
depression in the ground in the rear to a cut in a road lliat
le.l along at right angles to the former i^CNition. Tlu-re was
iiut room for the whole regiment to lay in line and keep
covered in this cut, so one wing was doubled bclviiul t!ie
t'liier. Oi\ t()[) of the baiik was a brush fence, through
\'hich they could watch any movement of the enemy if they
c-^nici out into the open ground.
2IO Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
Martin's Massachusetts battery of Napoleon guns was
posted on the bank to the rear of the new position, and
were firing over the heads of the men, who were repeatedly
admonished to keep their heads down ; but several of them,
not heeding the advice, were placed hors du combat by the
canister shot from these guns. One of the Captains went lo
Colonel Warren, who was sitting on his horse to the left of
the regiment, on the top of the bank, and told him that their
own battery was killing the men. A remonstrance was made
to the Captain of the battery, about which tliere are so many
versions, that I decline to state any of them. In a little
while a column * of the enemy were seen marching by the
flank in formation of fours, through the strip of woods on the
other side of the field that ran along toward the position of
the regulars. Captain B. reported it to Colonel Warren,
who replied, " Yes, Capt. 15., I am very much obliged to you
for the information, but have I not eyes as well as you?"
The Captain returned to his company, and at the same in-
stant the guns poured their grape and canister shot into the
flank of the enemy's column, and they beat a hasty retreat,
where they were out of range of the fire.
Soon after, Lieut. -Colonel Hiram Durvea, acting in com-
mand of the regiuient, said that the enemy we had already
faced were coming out of the woods, and were in the open
field where he wanted them ; but it was only a line of skir-
mishers. They were, however, followed up closely by their
first line of bnttle, who made their appearance advancing at
double-quick out of the wood and over the open grouml.
The men watched them through the brush fence. After
they were well out in the field, Colonel Duryee cried, ''Now.
men, your time has come ; get up and do your duty ! " The
regiment jumped uj) as one man. and down went the feiic'-
on the bank in front, and llie order w:is ^iven to left wheel.
On account of one wing being doubled behind the other in
♦ Eii;Iit companies oi the lath Soulh Carolina.
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 2 1 1
the road, the order was given for one wing to march double-
quick by the flank and form on the other, to make one Une
of battle, which was performed in good order in the face of
the enemy, who were within about five hundred feet. In the
meantime, Company I, on the left, charged over the field in
advance of the main body to the other side of the ditch or
gully, along the borders of which were bushes, to draw their
fire ; they waited until the enemy had got quite close to them,
and then, by order of Captain Partridge, they picked out
their men from right to left and poured in a murderous volley
from their Sharp's rifles, which cut large gai)s in their ranks
and made them come to a sudden halt. They immediately
fell flat on the ground, but suftercd severely in turn, from the
enemy's fire, but then loaded again quickly and jumped up
and gave them another volley; this was repeated four or
five times, the enemy closing up and then made a charge on
Company I. Captain Partridge, before this, had given them
orders when they fell back, to join the regiment according to
their best judgment if they got scattered, either on the left or
the right of it, whichever was the nearest point. He had just
given the order, " Skirmishers, retreat !" when Sergeant Stra-
chan saw him lift his hand to his side ; he jumped for him, but
the Captain fell, oj^ening his mouth as if to speak, out of which
rushed a stream of blood ; he was shot through the heart.
Hannon had seen a Confederate, wearing a long beard,
taking aim at the Captain, but could not cap his piece in
time to fire at him before the fatal bullet sped on its errand
of death. As the Captain fell, Straclian antl ten others
turned instinctively and fired at the Confederate, and he fell
dead ; and it was afterward ascertained that his breast was
I'i'-'rcetl by eight balls. The Captain's death was avenged.
His body was afterward taken charge of by Lieutenmt Mc-
* ">'!ir,Lll and carried to the rear, \xm\ dcli\cicd to (Jiiaitcr-
"i:i-,tcr I'homas. On his person were t'ouiui some iniiiortanl
l'a[)ers, which were placed in the hands of Colonel \\'arren.
212 FiftJi iVciv Yo7-k Volunteer Infantry.
While C(>mi).-niy I was so nobly acting its part, the regi-
ment had formed in line of battle, and the order rung out to
charge with tlie bayonet, when the men made for the Con-
federate line at a double-quick to come to close quarters.
I'he ditch broke up the order of the line somewhat, but the
regiment quickly formed again under the fire of the enemy,
and after deliverin.o; a destructive fire, the order was given,
" Advance Lhe colors I advance the colors ! Charge ! " The
men rushed forward with a yell, and the enemy appeared to
be paralyzed ; they evidently had not come out of the woods
to be driven back, but to make a charge themselves. They
stood for a moment, but the boys not wavering under their
fire, and showing that they were determined to bayonet theui.
the remnant commenced to waver and break, and finally ran
for the cover of the woods, completely demoralized and in a
panic. Some of them stood until the Fifth were within thirty
yards of them, firing steadily, and with good aim. They were
nearly all shot down, as many of the men had reserved their
fire; moreover their right wing received tiie fire of a portion
of tiie loth Regiment, on our left ; they already had suffered
severely, especially in officers, from the fire of artillery and
.sliarp-shooters. in iheir advance over open ground, before
they reached the cover of the pine wood. This regiment wis
the ist South Carolina Rifies, and were armed with Knfields.
It appears, from Confederate reports, that Col. Marshall,
wlio commanded tiie ist Rifles, was ordered to charge the
battery we were supporting. He says :
" Before giving the order to advance, I called upon the regi-
nu lU to renienihcr tlic State from whence they came, to put their
trust in God, ;in<l acc|uit themselves like men. At this awful mo-
ment there was not a quiver or a pallid cheek There was
a calmness, a setllcd dctcrniinatiun on the part of cverv man to
do or die in th.- attempt. I g.ivc the con.mand, ' Double-quid^.
i-.arch ! • and, as soon as we had gained the old field, ' Charge
l)a\onets,' at the saTue time deploying six companies to the left,
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 213
supporting the entire line of skirnr.ishers. As soon as we emerged
from the pines, we were met by a most destructive fire from the
enemy in front and on our left, and as soon as we had cleared
about 100 yards of the old field, two hea\y batteries, on our left,
about 600 yards off, poured into our ranks a deadly fire of grape
and canister. Here it \\>as that my Adjutant, J. B. Sloan, was
shot down by my side, while gallantly aiding me and urging on
the charge of the regiment. Here, also, fell Capt. R. A. Haw-
thorne, gallantly leading his company. A few paces further fell
Capt. Henagen, another noble spirit, leading his company ; close
by his side fell his gallant Lieutenant (Brown), and farther fell
the gallant and patriotic Lieut. Samuel McFall, and near him fell
Scrgt.-Major McGhee. nobly cheering the men on to the charge.
My men, although now under three cross-fires, and falling thick
and fast from one end of the line to the other, never once fal-
tered. Finding no battery, they dashed on to the woods in front,"
etc. " Here my men got the first chance to exchange shots." etc.
" While this successful movement was going on, the left wing
of my regiment was about being outflanked by about 500 New
York Zouaves, who came down upon my left in a desperate
charge
" I ordered my regiment to fall back .... to the tAg^ of the
wood, where we entered, and then filing to the right, conducted
thern in safety down a road, where I forrred the remnant under
cover of the hill in front of the Zouaves. Just as I was forming,
a North Carolina regiment came up, and assisted us in giving a
complete check to any further movement to the enemy in tiiis
quarter. Thus ended one of the most desperate charges 1 ever
witnessed ; and I feel thankful to a kind Providence that so many
of us escaped to witness the most complete triumph of our arms
in the hardest contested battle before Richmond, and the one
which decided the fate of the Yankee army."
Among the losses Colonel Marshall mention?, in addition
to those already noticed, Major J. W . Livingston, wounded
ill the side severely ; Captains J. J. N'orton and 1''. J'". Har-
^;l^on, wounded ; Cai)tain Miller, wountleil, and ihiiteen men
of his coniinxny killed ; Captain C. W. Cox, wounded, and
1
214 FiftJk Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
sixteen men killed ; Lieutenants William C. Davis and \.x\\.
mer, wounded, the latter mortally.
The Fifth now occupied the ground beyond, where the nu-
merous dead and wounded Confederates lay, facing and near
the wood. It was now their turn to suffer severely ; they
received a volley t'rom the second and stronger lini of the
enemy, who were drawn up in the ^AgQ of the wood. The
whole regiment was actively engaged, firing very rapidly, and
aiming low, two of the companies, I and E, being armed with
Sharp's rifles, the others using a patent cartridge, which did
not require to be torn open by the teeth, as usual, hence sa\ cii
time, consequendy their fire was continuous and rapid. IJut
the fire from the enemy was also incessant and well sustained.
and the battle raged fiercely, but the men of the Fifth
obstinately held their own and fought desperately. At times
they were forced back and obliged to give ground, but it
would be for only a moment, as they immediately re-formed
and charged forward again and recovered their former posi-
tion at the point of the bayonet, which tended to demoralize
their opponents, and saved loss to themselves. But fiesh
and blood could not stand such a fire much longer without
one side or the other giving way. Yet the Fifth had no idea
of being tne first, as long as there was anybody left to fire a
shot. They, however, beheld, with dismay, the long line oi
their own killed and wounded, and their rapidly decreasiiiij
nimibers, while there was no slackening of the heavy fire
from the pines, which seemed to increase instead of diminisii,
and there were no signs of any direct relief coming. It war;
a critical moment, when Sergt. John H. Heriian, who carried
the regimental colors, strode firmly thirty paces in front of
the regiment, planted the staff in the ground, and looked de-
fiantly about liim/'^ He was immediately joined by Seigt.
Aiii.-,on, wiio bore the I'liited States iLij:
• John H. BLrriaii en
isteil ai a private May o.
1861, and rnse to be Cclor-Scr:;
in charge ot'tlic rcgimoi
lalculor^. In the sever
e .action of Oaines- Mill, he si;.
I ;i
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 215
The Colonel and officers shouted to them to conie back,
fearnig that tlie enemy might make a sudden onslaught from
the wood, and capture the tlags ; but they were idle fears ;
ihey could only have been taken over the bodies of scores
of brave men, who would have fought with the bayonet to the
last to preserve them. When the men of the Fifth saw the
bravery of this action, they gave a terrific yell — " a yell never
heard off the battle-field, so demoniac and horrid that men
in peaceful times can not imitate it " — and without orders, of
one accord rushed like demons into the wood with the
bayonet, and never paused until they saw the enemy's line
coujpletely broken and shattered, and flying to the rear,
some of them being bayoneted in the retreat, their officers
trying in vain to rally their commands. Some of them had
even thrown away their arms, and our men made the best of
their time in picking them off as fast as they could. On our
right the 12th regular infantry had become engaged, and the
Sixth moved up to our support, and were placed in position
by Colonel Warren.
It was now after 4 p.m. ; the recall was sounded, but some
of the ?"ifth did not come out of the wood for some time.
The enemy, in the meantime, had taken retuge in and be-
yond the ravine. A long line of the Pennsylvania Reserves
were advancing in line of battle, and had nearl\- reached the
wood, and were about to o[ien fire, when the Zouaves that
remained behind were obliged to go through their lines to
get to the rear. As they returned through the wood and
5uch coolness and br.-iveiy. that he received acommiision as Second Lieutenant, but
beini; stricken with the malarial fever, he reluctantly sent in his re.-ij;nation. at the
eimest solicitation of his parents, who had two other sons in the regiment, one of
w hom was killed in action, and the ot'ici- subsequently enlisted .-igain in the Second
battalion, and was also killed. Lieutenant Rcrrinn (the survivor), for thirteen years
h - be-;n a f.i:thti;l irjanllan of the peace, and f-.r some y;ars :,as been sjcrially
■ tni-tcd to w.itch overa:'.d ga.ird the tre.is-.ircs of a very !.u\,-j Savings U.ink, a:id
fr-m his distiMi^uished record as a scklier, it is needless to s:\y thai those whv^e
tre.isures he watches over could not have selected a better or more faithful guardian
of such a trust.
2i6 Fifth Ncvo York VoluntCir Infantry.
ov'er the open fieltl, they were surprised at the carnage, for it
had been an obstinate fight on both sides, ot" over two liour-;
a long row of red uniforms marked the place where they tlr^;
charged, besides little knots of them lying here and tliei •.
while just beycind in groups, and in the wood, lay the dchiil-
ed, h\\\. gallant sons of the South.
I'he correspondent of the CincinnUi ConDnercial tliv,>
describes the conflict on this portion of the line :
"Again he gathered his columns, supported them by frc^ii
troops, again advanced, extending his lines as if to flank our
right, and renewed the attack with greater ferocity than ever, to
h ■ ;ig;un repulsed with terrible slaughter. Sykes' Regulars ni.'i
\V:irren's brigade, in which are the Dur^ee Zouaves and Bendi.\'>
loth New York regiment, played a brilliant part in this porii' a
of the engagement, the Zouaves especially fighting with a dis-
peiation and tenacity only to be expected from such superior
men."*
* Compte de Paris (2.1 V., p. gfi) : " Hill was repulsed by the right of Morell's t!>
visicii, and by the brigade of the young ard valiant Warren."
C. J. Lossing (ist V., p. 421) : " A. P. Hill attacked at 2 p.m. The brunt of l' >•
attack fell first upon Sykes' division, who threw the assailants back in great confn-
.siuJi and heavy loss."
A. H. (juernsey : "It was past 2 p.m. when Hill was directed to bep;in the as-
satih. For two hours the battle raged with equal obstinacy on both sides. 'I'l ■•
P'..-di;r.il troops gained ground, and from being as-ailed became the assailants. Hill
was defe.ited, crushed, ;ind almost routed. S )me of his regiments stood thcr
gr .u:id ; others threw themselves flat on the earth to escape; others rushed ffm
t!ie fi!;ld in disorder." He says: " 1 he defeat at this point is fully shown in i''^
CoiifeJi-rate report," as follows :
" l.ce (Report 8), and Hill {ibid. 176), affirms it in generl terms."
" Archer (ibid. 256), says : ' .\Iy troops fell b.ick bcf >re the irresistible fire of .ir-
lillery and rifles. Had they not fallen back, I would myself have ordered it.'
" Pender says {ibid. 253) : " My men were rallied and pushed forward a:r.>in, bi't
did not advance far before they fell back. The enemy were continually bringi"-
up fresh troops, and succeeded in driving us from the road.'
" W biting, of Jackson's command, who came to the relief cf these troops, s.i> -
{■bid. 154): 'Men were leaving the field in every direction, and in great disordtr;
l:\o regiments, one from South Carolina and cue from Louisiana, were actu.l'v
inr.rohin.g back from (he fire,' etc. ' Ne.ir t!io cre-t in front of us, and lying iij.>: •
.(ppi .ircd the fragments of a brigade,' etc. 'Still further on our extreme ri^ht, • nf
Uiop^ appeared to be filling back. The troops on our immediate left I do uv t
kn..w, .-Old I am glad I don't,' etc., etc."
The Seven Days Retreat — Gai/us Mill. 217
The now thinned ranks of the Fifth marched a short distance
to the rear, and rested after their long fight, in the meantime
supporting a twenty-pound battery, the fire of which was doing
great execution in the ranks of the ene'ny, and there seemed
to be a slight lull in the din of battle, but it soon commenced
again and raged as fierce as ever. The spent balls flying around
them thickly, many of the men received stinging blows from
them. Ail the troops were now engaged. The Confederates
generally advanced in three lines, the first firing a volley and
dropping flat, the next line firing over their heads, while the first
line reloaded. "The din and noise of the contei'.ding tbrces was
terrific, and amid the roar of one hundred and twenty guns, and
the crash of ninety thousand muskets, could be heard the shouts
of the Union forces min""led with the rebel veil."*
Guernsey says : *' Whiting does great injustice to the troops of Hill. They were
indeed defeated and broken, but it was after two hoi:rs of desperate fighting under
every disadvantage of position, against a force quite equal to them, as the record
of their losses shows. Thus, the regiment frnm South Carolina which was actually
marching back under fire, must have been the ist Rifles, South Carolina Volunteers.
Of this regiment its Colonel, Marshall, reports (ihiJ. 502) : ' In that charge we
sustained a loss of 76 killed, 221 wounded, and 58 missing. Early on the morning
after the battle, I made a detail from each company to bur\' their dead, and so se-
vere was the work of death in some of the companies that it took tlu.- detail all day
to bury their dead, and of those missing in the morning, all but four rejoined their
regiment.'"
" Hill, after acknowledging the repulse, says iibui. 176): ' ^^y division w.as en-
gaged full two hours before assistance was received. We filled to carry the enemy's
lines, but we paved the way for the successful attack afterward, and in which attack
it was necessary to employ the whole of our army that side of the Chickahominy.
About 4 P.M. reinforcements came up on my right from General Longstreet, and
later, Jackson's men on my left and center, and my di\ ision was relieved of the
weight of the contest.' "•
* Guernsey says: "Jackson now arrived upon the scene, D. H. Hill on the ex-
treme Union right. Ewell and Whiting on his left, with I.awiou (4,000) a little in the
rear, and a general advance was ordered. Porter's line was so severely pres.ed at
every point, that he was obliged to divide Slocum's division (j,oo<j), which arrived
about half-past four o'clock, sending parts of it, even single regiments, to the points
niost threatened."
General McClcUan's Report (p. 248) : " On the left the content was for t!ic strip
of woods running almost at right angles to the Chickahominy in front of Adams'
House, orbetwet 1 that and Claines' Hou-e. The enemy several limes charge'.! up
t. this wo,.,i, but were each time driven baci; with heavy loss. The reg.d.irs .f
^^vkcs' diviNiiii, 01 the right, also repulsed several strong attacks."
" The enemy attacked ,-igain in gre.it force at <j P.M., but failed to break our lines,
llioiigli our lo5-> was ven.' heavy."
10
2iS Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Soon the sound of the musketry aijproached nearer and
nearer, and the men Icnew that our forces were being
driven. The regiment had not rested long apparently
(for in a battle it is difficult to judge of the flight of time), the
men t very moment expecting further orders, when Colonel
Warren came dashing up, and cried out : " Fall in, men !
Fall in ! " " Fall in ! " was repeated by Lieutenant-Colonel
K. Dm yea and the other officers ; the men jumped up with
alacrity, and were hurriedly marched off by the flank to the
right, through volleys of canister shot that raked the field,
after some minor movements, and the regiment " told oti",''
and the companies equalized under a heavy fire, faced in line
of battle, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hiram Duryea gave the
order, ''Forward, guide center, march!" In a moment the
regiment found themselves on a ridge of ground facing a long
line of the advancing enemy. They opened a vigorous fire
by file upon them, and brought them to a halt. Upon re-
ceiving our fire the enemy called out, "Don't fire on your
own men ; " at the same time they did not return the fire, but
waved what resembled, as seen through the smoke, the
"American colors." At this admonition from sup[)osed
friends, the majority ceased their fire, thinking that possibly
they might ha friends. Ikit it was only a Confederate trick.
Just thtn Colonel Warren dashed up, and cried out : " Bla/e
away ! blaze away, men ! If they are our men, they have no
business there." At the same time a terrible volley, fired by
our supposed friend.--, swept over and through the ranks,
dealuig out death and wounds. Again our rifles flashed, and
the Confederate colors fell. A battery of six Napoleon guns
(Piatt's United States), concealed behind the ridge, and
which was unobserved by the enemy, oi)ened with double-
shotted guns on iheir column, now ad\anciiig again on a
cliaige, ;uh1 they were reimlsed with great slaughter.
. The si^iit from the ri jge was appalling : the view extended
over the hard-fought field, which was envelo[K\l in smoke ;
The Seven Days Ret real — Gaines Mill. 219
oil the far left the troops were falling doggedly back, fjght-
\\\<y for every foot of ground, pressed back by overwhehning
numbers of fresh Confederates, and there were no reserves
on the Union side to i)ut against them ; every available man
h.Kl been, or was, fighting, and the trying hour had come in
which the steadiness and discipline of Sykes' division, now
uuich reduced in numbers, but the most reliable in the
bcrvice/was to be taxed to its utmost. The salvation of our
shattered army on the left bank of the Chickahominy de-
pended upon its efforts, until reinforcements or night should
come to their relief, to stay the advance of the Confederate
columns which were pressing on to drive our forces into the
>wamps of the river.
The battalions of regulars had been, and were, fighting
ilL'>perately to the right, as had also the Eleventh in-
f.intry on our left, lliey stood as firm as a rock, meeting
and foiling the desperate onsets of Ewell's, D. H. Hill's,
And Jackson's troops to outflank and crush the right.
A battery of Parrott guns on the right of our line near
McGee's house, had been creating terrible havoc in the
enemy's ranks ; two regiments charged and took it, one of
them, the 20th North Carolina, losing their Colonel and
I.icutenant-Colonel and more than one-half of their men in
lae attempt ; but it was retaken again.
Up to this time the Confederates on this part of the line
wore held at bay. Lawton now a])peared on the scene, and
ITfssed forward tlirough the broken ranks of the Confeder-
ates in one continuous line of 3,500 men, armed with Knfield
fitles. General Ewell seeing this strong body of fresh troops
'"■'niing to his assistance, waved his sword over his head
•i.'l cried out, '-Hurrah for Georgia!" The temporary
■ I'p-^S^ of the fire of the bitterv on the right was laken
.ii.tage of, ai.d General Winder [.Messed forward with
ti ••.en regiments, the Hampton Legion, ist Maryland, i^lh
Alabama, 52d \'irginia, 38th Georgia, and the 2il 5th, ^^^•}.y
220 Fifth New York Volunteer bifaiitry.
27th, 14th Virginia, with tlni J^i^I1 batlalion, and attacked the
regulars on their flank and rear ; and I'p.ey were compelled
to fall back. When the Confederates h.ad approached to
within two hundred feet, the battery was withdrawn, leaving
two of the guns in the han'ls of the eneniy, the horses being
all shot down. The regulars fell back about three hundred
yards, fighting for ever}' foot of ground. Colonel Allen and
Major Jone;?, of the 2d \ nginia Confederate regiment, both
fell mortally wounded. While this was transpiring on the
right, the Fifth was to tlie right of the left of the division
supporting Piatt's battery.*
Men separated from their regiments, lost, stragglers, and
wounded, were continually passing to the rear ; there was
nothing left in front but Stonewall Jackson's legions, every
available man of them pressing on w-ith the bayonet to be in
at the death. The masses of our broken organizations were
thronging toward the bridges that crossed tlie Chickahominy
in the rear. Officers drew swords and revolvers and placed
themselves in front of their retreating troops and soon
rallied them. The n)en of tlie Fit'th intelligently made the
most of their position, v/!i;ch was an advantageous one, or
otherwise they would soon have been too much decimated by
the Hying bullets to maintain it. Some of them lay down
* Guernsey says : " It was waw h.ilf-im^t six, an hour before sunset. The whole
Confederate force on this side of \.\\-: (.,'hickahominy was brought into action. Jack-
son, Loiig^trcft, and the tv.-o tlilN,«ltl\ the exccpti.in of Kemper's brigade of
' 1,433 muskets,' of Longstrect's Jivisiuu, which was lielJ in reserve ; opposed to
them was only Torter's (two divisions), and McCall and Slocum's divisions.
Making allowances for losses on each side up to this lime, the Confederate force on
the field numbered about 56,oo-j ; Union, 33,00^." [This estimate does not allow
for straggkis on both sides, which were numerous. — A. D.]
Lossing: "At six o'clock, Lrijiidu afltr brig;.dc bui led .ai;ainst the line in r:ipid
succession, hoping to break it. i'or a long time it stood firm, but weakened by car-
nage," etc., etc.
Swinton (p. 152): '>The riuht hell its -round v.irh uiurh nubbornnes-. r-.-prls-
ini; every attack. '1 he left, toa, fc\:-ht stoutly, but was al lcn>;th broken by a
determined charge lej. l)y Hood's I'.j.van troops." (They captured fourlecii guns ;
the horses all being shot, they could not be removed in time, but Hood, according
to his own accounts, lo t i.oxt nicir, kilkd and wounded, in ihc charge].
The Sroen Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 221
behind the licige, others were partially shielded behind trees^
and were firing at the enemy with steady aim and deadly
effect, some of them making the colors of the regiments the
focus of their fire. During this part of the engagement
three times the Confederate colors were seen to fall. There
were only about two hundred of the Fifth together at this
time supporting the battery, which was doing its best. A
few of the loth New York were also there under the com-
mand of Colonel Bendix. The Confederates were advanc-
ing, as seen indistinctly through the smoke, in line
after line, but their fire was not very destructive, as,
according to their own reports, many of their reginients
were out of ammunition, and their heavy force was pressing
on with the bayonet ; some of our men who had faced the
worst up to this time drew out. The majority of the Zou-
aves had stripped off their knapsacks, expecting a hand to
hand conflict, to save the battery, or to keep from a rebel
prison — a fate worse than death. There were some there
who were determined never to be taken prisoners, unless too
much disabled to defend themselves ; a fact which can be
verified by men now living.
The double-shotted guns of Piatt's and Gritfin's batteries
were pouring deadly discharges of canister into the masses
of the enemy : the regulars and the i6th New York, of
Slocum's division, were delivering terrible volleys to check
their onsets, and the remnants of the Fifth and Tenth added.
their fire. Sykes' division was indeed doing its hard work.
and its war-worn and indomitable chief was with it, cool and
steadfast in its time of peril, standing like a lion at bay.*
The Commander-in-Chief of all our forces on that blocily
day, General l-itz John Porter, was there. It was during
• r.eneral Syk.-; jrad.ialsd from t!-e fnlt-jvl States >rilit.ir\' .\.;.uleniy. W.--t
P'liit, nnU wa~ C'nimi>>i' ii»-'J j;ro\et Second Lieutenant In the rcL;iiUir :irm,v Jn'v i,
'''■»•!. He served with distinction in the Mexican war, and ha^ b.ren on active dnty
ever ^ince. General Sykei is a man of few words, but when hard work is required
tc is Jhe man t'j do it.
I
222 Fiftli New York Volunteer Infantry.
their charters ow this part of the battle-field that so nianv
Confederate officers fell while animating their exhausted
men and bearing the colors of their regiments in their
hands.
We vete now passing ihrougli some awful moments ; sud-
denly we lieard the shouts of men in the distance toward
the rear, which at first threw us into a fearful state of excite-
ment, bat was somewhat allayed when it was ascertained
that instead of an enemy, the shouts came from friends.
We answered iheni lustily, and knew that relief was com-
ing, but it was yet far away, and the minutes were test-
ing our ability to stand until succor should arrive. The
Duke of ^Vellington did not long for Blucher to appear, with
more agony, than did those present on that ridge for the
coming up of French, and Meagher with his fighting sons
of Irelaiid. Colonel \Varren moved about regardless of
the missiles of death ; word came to him that the ammuni-
tion of the battery was nearly expended, and on'y two or
three rouinbs remained; he answered, " I.et ihe:n fire all
they have ; I will stand by them." It seemed at this moment
as if the sun stood still, but he was slowly cree; ing below
the horizon, A'eiled by thick clouds of sulphurous smoke ;
the gloiies of his crimson hues were paled, as if he shrank,
with averted face, from the sight of the gory field.
Coloiiel Hiram Duryea stood by our little band, cool, but
anxious; said he, "I wish to Cod we hail help !" and it was
time. In a few moments, if we did not fall back, we niust
either cross bayonets with o\-erwhelming numbers, or be
surren;Je;e>l as prisoners of war.
It was ncuv sundown, and the battery fired its last round,
and, as current rumor has it, raminers and all, almost into
the i"aces (>f Uie Conf..\lerat'-s. and moved oiV down tl'.e
ridge w'vM tvcry gun. Tiie Fifth, worn and tired, filed oii"
by the llanl; in its rear, missing many a familiar face, lust
as they p:i scd down the road a rebel farewell, in the shape
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 223
of a shell, came hissing over iheir heads, and burst in tlie
side of a barn, not twenty feet away, tearing a great gap in
its side ; and as we marched and disappeared in the gloom
of the woods, in the fading twilight, the air was rent with
the shrill rebel yells as they swarmed over tlie vacated
ridge.*
" No battery was lost, or any part of it near our regiment
{5th New York) at Gaines' Mill, nor did the enemy break
our line (Sykes' division) from where we were on the left of
it to the right of it. We were on the field till dark, and then
were withdrawn without molestation by the enemy."t
It was now quite dark ; after marching a short distance,
the Irish brigade were met, which, with that of French's,
came up on a double-quick, and cheering loudly. These
fresh troops charged the skirt of the field, and their opportune
arrival had the moral effect of checking the further advance
of the enemy, who were much exhausted by the long con-
test.
D. H. Hill says :
"It was now fairly dark, and hearing loud cheers from the
Yankees in our immediate front, some 200 yards distant, I or-
dfred our whole advance to halt, and wait the expected attack of
the enemy. Brig. -Gen. Winder, occupying the road to Grape-
vine Bridge, immediately halted, and the whole advanced columns
were halted also. The cheering, as we afterward Icarnrd, was
* Compte de Paris (p. loo) : "At 6 p.m. Jnckson attacked wirh 40,000 men.
F.nell atta-cked the regulars, who made it a point of honor never to yield before
volunteers, whatever may be their niimhers." (p. 102'): "Attacked in front and
menaced in flank, Sykes ftU back defending tlic ground foot by foot. The re^uI.Trs
do not allow Hill to push his success along the road le.ading from Cold Harbur to
I'iip.itch Station, by which he could have cut off the retreat of the enemy.
" Fearfully reduced a<; they are, they care less for the losses they have su-^taincd
»^an for the mortification of yieldinji to volunteers."— (p. 1-3): "Stuart, near
* 'M Harbor, does not know how to make his excellent troops play the part wliich
•^M..Tt..ins to Civalry or. th^ eve if a victory ; ho aU...v.s himself t-. oc l.eKl h:,.-k by
'!ie resolute stand of the re^^ulan, and some few hundred men bearing the ll.'.gs of
^Varren's brigade."
+ General C. K. W.irren.
224 Fifth Nciu York Volunteer Infantry.
caused by the appearance of the Irish brigade, which was sent
forward to cover the retreat. A vigorous attack upon it might
have resulted in the total rout of the Yankee army and the cap-
ture of thousands of prisoners. Ikit I was unwilling to leave the
elevated plateau around McGee's house to advance in the dark
along an unknown road, skirted by dense woods in the possession
of the Yankee troops."
The sanguinary battle of Gaines' Mill was over; a few scat-
tering shots were heard up to 9 o'clock, when quietness jire-
vailed ; both sides were about exhausted by the terrible ordenl
through which they had passed. The regiment was formed
in line and counted by th.e Adjutant, and numbered seventy-
three files, or 146 men. Besides those killed or disabled,
there were some who fell out from exhaustion ; others had
assisted their wounded comrades to the rear and fiiiled to re-
turn, and a detail under Lieutenant Eichlcr were guarding a
number of Confederate prisoners. The number whose hearts
failed them were comparatively few, and these managed to
elude the officers and file-closers, and retire to the rear.
Through the blackness of night little lights- could be seen
dancing about in the distance, looking like twinkling stars.
They were borne by the good Samaritans, and those who had
been transformed from demons into angels of mercy, and
were seeking and succoring the wounded of Union and Con-
federate alike, who lay together like one great t'.unily. As
soon as the ranks were dismissed, the men dropped down on
the bare ground without covering, and were soon in deep
slumber, with their riiles by tlieir sides, ready to clutch at
the first alarm. F.ut many a soldier misses his mate, who
may be lying wounded in the hands of tlie Confederates, or
being jolted over a rough road in an ambulance to the rear,
or mayhap lying on the battie-licM, wearing the laurels of the
brave, tliough his spirit has tied in :;lury from its eanlily t^-n-
ement, and taken winged tlight to Him who gave it.
The orders had been obeyed. Cencral Porter had held t'.ic
The Seven Days' Retreat— Gaines Mill. 225
left bank of the river till night. Notwithstanding their
desperate efforts, the tiower of the Confederate army, com-
prising, at least, 130 regiments of infantry, and 84 guns,
under command of the two Hills, I.ongstreet, Ewell, and
Jackson, all under the i)ersonal supervision of General Lee
himself, and also encouraged by the presence of Jeff". Davis,
had driven the Union troops only about one mile. They
had reaped a barren victory.
General Fitz John Porter fought this battle with 51 regi-
ments of infantry, besides his batteries, which was all his force.
He commanded in i)erson throughout, and directed all the
general movements ; and the obstinacy with which the troojis
held their ground, and the masterly manner in which he di-
rected their movements, foiled the well-laid plans of the Con-
federate Generals, and withstood till night the furious onsets
of the enemy.* This delay gave General ^^cClellan twenty-
four hours' start in which to forward his miles of wagons, con-
taining armv stores, ammunition, etc., and his heavy siege
guns, to the new base on the James River.
•The field officers of the Fifth acted their parts with the
greatest heroism and braver)-, and throughout the battle re-
mained mounted, and were at every jioint where their serv-
ices were most required ; and how they escaped serious
wounds or death is miraculous. Colonel Warren received a
contusion from a s[)ent ball, and his horse was wour.dcd.
He was everywhere conspicuous on the field, and not or.iv
directed the movements of his own brigade, wliic h he hanul d
with consummate skill, and placed in the most advantacjcons
positions, where they could produce the most eft'ect on the
enemy, but directed the movements of other regiments.
Lieutenant-Colonel H. Duryea, acting in connnand o'i tl.e
regiment, rose fronj a sick couch to take part in the action
•Comptedc Paris fp. \o\\ : "Had fought with creat visor, .^nd it wxs no di;-
BT3<.i: 'o Porter's soldiers tlmt they had to succumb in such an unequal strug.;le.''
226 Fifth Nezo York Vohintcer hifantry.
when his services were most required, and did not make his
bodily aihiients an excuse, as some others did. to shirk
danger and responsibility and win glory without earning it.
He set a good example to the men by his bravery, coolness,
and gallantry. Captain W'inslow i>layed a noble j^art as a
field-officer. Surgeon Doolittle was wounded in the course
of the action, and his horse was killed under him. The
other officers, with a few exceptions, won honor by their cool
behavior and fidelity. Of the men, an officer high in com-
mand said that every man who stood supporting that battery
at dusk deserved a comuMssion. Another (a General) officer
said the next day as the regiment passed by \\\\w on the
march, in reply to the remark of an officer who stood by his
side, " Did well ! why, I could hug every man of them."
The New York Herald o{ July i, 1862, says: " l)ur\ e'e's
Zouaves fought, as did all the regulo.rs, under General Sykes,
in whose brigade they are attached, with undaunted courage."
In concluding his narrative of the battle, the correspond-
ent of the Cincinnati Commercial says :
" The conduct of the entire force that day was admirable.
The regulars, who had previously complained of restraiiU, had
full scope, and they re-established their ancient fame. Dunce's
Zouaves, clad in crimson breeches and red skull-caps, emulated
their regular comrades, winning the admiration of the army. But
volunteers and regulars alike won glory on that bloody field."
Extract from General George ?>. McClellan's rei^ort to the
Secretary of War, Hon. Edwin M. Stanton .
Hf.\dquarters Army of Potomac, Savage SxATinx, )^
/////f 28, 1862— 12.20 A.. M. ^
On the left bank our men did all that men could do, all that
soklicrs cnu'.d acooniplisii, hut tht-y were iivcrwlu hncd by vastly
supcriur numliers soun after I had l)rtiught my last reserves
into action. The loss on both sides is terrible. I believe it will
prove to be the must ilesberate battle of the war. The sad rem-
The Sfvcn Days' Retreat — Gaines' Mill. 227
nants of my men behave as men ; those battalions who fought
most bravely, and suffered most, are still in the best order. My
regulars zvere superb ; and I count upon what are left to turn
another battle in company with their gallant coj?iradcs 0/ the vol-
unteers.
Abbott speaks of this battle as follows :
" It was now night — a night of awful gloom. The second day's
battle — the battle of Gaines' Mill — had ended, and silence suc-
ceeded the thunders of war, which all the day had shaken the hills.
Even the darkness could not conceal the harrowing spectacle of
death's ravages. The dead lay upon the tield in extended wind-
rows. The wounded were to be counted by thousands. Their
heart-rending cries and groans were audible on all sides."
Colonel B. Estvan, of the Confederate army, says :
" In by-gone days I had been on many a battle-field in Italy
and Hungary-, but ,1 confess that I never witnessed so hideous a
picture of human slaughter and horrible suffering."
General McClellan, in his report (p. 249), says :
" Our loss in this battle, in killed, wounded, and missing, was
very heavv, especially in officers, many of whom were killt-d,
wounded, or taken prisoners while gallantly leading on th-ir men.
or rallying them to renewed exertions. It is impossible to arrive
at the exact numbers lost in this rt^i/j'/^cn?/,;' engagement, owing to
the series of battles which followed each other in quick succes-
sion, and in which the whole army was engaged. No gcncr.il
returns were made until after we had arrived at Harrison's Lnntl-
ing, when the losses for the whole seven days were estimated to-
gether."
The Compte dc Taris. of General McCldlan's st.iff. \\ii''
distirgnisheil hiin^elf in this engagement, informs us in 1: s
History, lluit out of the 35.000 engaged, tlie h)ss was nearly
7,000, and that the assailants suffered still nior-.'.
228 , Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
The Confederate losses from their own estimates (iuernsey
places at 9,500. "Jackson's loss alone was 3,284, and the
other corps in the same proportion would make the Con-
federate loss about 10,000."
The Fifth Regiment lost more than one-tinrd of its officers
and n)en, killed and wounded, including nearly all of the
color-guard. Out of the 450 men engaged, 56 were killed
or died of their wounds; 3 were missing, no severely
wounded, making the total casualties among the officers and
men 169. Besides tlie above, there were about 50 who re-
ceived contusions in the course of the engagement, which,
although in most cases paintul, were not of such a serious
! nature as to be classed in this regiment as wounds, or to in-
i capacitate the recipients for duty.
j The Tenth lost 114, in killed, wounded, and missing, out
I of 575 nien engaged; among whom were Lieutenants James
j R. Smith and George Y. Tate, wounded.
I As an instance of the different effects of gun-shots produced
[. in battle, the losses in two instances may be mentioned.
I Company H had twenty-one severely wounded, some of them
\ having several wounds, but none of the wounds proved mor-
I tal. Company K had nineteen hit, out of whom eleven were
\ killed or died of their wounds.
I INCIDENTS.
I After the regiment was relieved by fresh troops, and after the
I latter had become engaged, William McDowell, the Orderly
k: Sergeant of Company G, remained on the field wholly re-
I gardlcss of tiying bullets, aiid eini>loved himself in picking up
I - rifles and throwing them into the ditch. He also took off
' his shoes and stockings and bathed his feet, and then rejoined
t!io main L'x'y of th^' re^iiU'.'iit, who u-.-re re.-tir:^:, as already
nicntiuned, lu:icLd down with the riiles lie iuul collected. If
others had been as thoughtful, the enemy uuiild have gleaneil
less booty in the matter of abandoned arms.
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 229
When the men lay in the cut of the road. Sergeants Forbes,
Law, Tiebout, and a few others crept out under lire to the
o\>t\\ field and secured their knapsacks, which had been left
wuh those of the majority of the regiment. The others
socured theirs afterward, but most of the men supportmg the
battery, the second time they went in, which was late in the
afternoon, were compelled to lose them.
Dave Burns, of the Fifth, had a long argument while the
battle was raging with a wounded Confederate, who, it ap-
pears, was an Irishman. His attention was attracted to him,
by seeing that he had a revolver in his hand. He asked him
what he was doing with " that," and was answered, it was for
protection from being bajoneted. Burns waxed wroth at the
idea of one of the Fifth doing anything so cowardly, and be-
rated him soundly ; getting warmed up, he wished that the
Confederate was a well man, and he would knock all the
secesh blood out of him ; that he was a disgrace to the Irish
people for figliting against the tiag, etc. Finally, he took the
revolver away from him, and removed the caps, but the man
begged so hard for it, as it was a present from one of his
officers, he gave it back to him, and also a drink of
water, and went at the fighting again, a? if he had merely
stopped work for a few moments to have an argument with
a friend.
In the battle, Walter S. Colby, a native of New Hamp-
i>hire, and a member of Company G, received a wound which
shattered his leg, and he fell. He supported himself as well
as ne could, pulled his caji oft" his head, waved it in the air,
•'ind gave three cheers for the Union and the American flag,
and iiiW down again. Several of the men went to his assist-
'ince and offered their aid, but he declined it, saying that
"^lt• would have to luse his leg, aiid that meant, in his p',>';r
•i^-aiti), his lifo ; that ihcy could testify that he died in a g.-od
f^iuse and died 'game.' " He told them to look after them-
selves and let him lav.
V
230 Fifth New York Volunteer Infa}itry.
No other information of him has ever been obtained from
any source, and the only inference is that he died Hke a hero
in the hands of the enemy, and sleeps in an unknown grave.
He was troubled with a racking cough in Baltimore; and
when the regiment left Federal Hill, he was left in the hos-
pital. He was offered his discharge, but refused it. After
the regiment was on the march up the Peninsula, beyond
Yorktown, the men of his company were surprised to see
Colby appear among them, knapsack and all, fully equipped ;
he looked thin and emaciated. One of the boys said : " Why,
Colby, we never expected to see you again." He replied :
"You didn't! Well, I expected to see you again ; and I
mean to go home with the regiment, or go home in a box,"
and there was not a man in the company but knew that Walt
Colby meant what he said. He had an iron will, and his de-
cision once made, as they knew from exi^erience, was un-
alterable. The writer had him for a messmate on the march
up to near Richmond, and was often kept awake by his vio-
lent coughing. One night, being very tired and sleepy, after
a long march, a rather petulant remark was made, which
the writer has ever since regretted. The poor skeleton, for
that was all there was of hnn in the tlesh, flared up with,
"I'll live to stamp on your grave," and bounced out of the
shelter that I had rigged ; nor could any persuasion on my
part induce him to come back that night, but he laid outside
on the ground, without any covering, in a drizzly rain. As
long as he liverl, no matter how long or hard the march, be
it rain or shine, there was Colby at its end, with what was
left of the regiment. While strong men were strewed all
along far in the rear, he was never known to dro[i out, and
his limbs were wasted away to skin and bone. He did
not aspire to any higher position than that uf a private,
although evidently of good social rank, and had seen much
of the world. When he enlisted he was handsomely dressed.
He once told the writer that when he enlisted he was only
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines Mill. 231
on a visit to New York, and had dined with a friend at the
St. Nicholas Hotel, and bid him good-bye, the friend to go
South for the purpose of joining the Confederates. He him-
self strolled otf, went into the quarters in Canal Street, and
entered the Fifth. He always had plenty of money to spend
or to lend, but who he was or who his friends were, he would
never divulge. And this invincible hero, unknown to his
comrades, further than is narrated above, sleeps in an un-
known grave in Virginia. He deserves a better tribute than
mine to the decision and character of a soldier who had no
superior for loyalty and heroism in the army,
Snittin, of Company B, was one of the first men killed in the
first charge. He was one of the comical characters of the
regiment. Skipping out over the turf, he said : "Johnny on
the green ! here comes a ball from Brooklyn," then, " Here is
one from Coney Island;" but one came from a Confeder-
ate, as if in mockery, and poor Snifiin dropped dead.
One of the color-guard, Spellman, was overcome by the
lieat during the height of the action, and fell as if dead ; he
was carried to the house used as a hospital, on- the hill to the
rear. His "chum" found time to run over and see how he
fared, after the regiment was relieved the tirst time, and dis-
covered him lying unconscious. He asked a surgeon to i\o
something for him, who said it was of no use, as he was as
good as a dead man. Finally, another surgeon was induced
to e.vamine him, but he also gave him up, and said that he
must use his time on tliose he could save. When the ene-
my shelled the hospital building, the crash of the shell i)ar-
tially aroused Spellman, and his comrade raised him up and
half dragged him from the building. All those who could
niove were crawling off, and a great many stragglers were
dicing to the rear. Spellman oi)cned his eyes, and glared
• 'b'mt hiia tor an in-tant, as if his consciousness was return-
ing. "What does this niean ? " he asked. He was an-
swered that the battle was going all right ; those are the
232 Fifth Neii> York Volunteer Infantry.
stragglers. " Cowards ! " exclaimed Spellman, and again he
went off in a swoon. His friend succeeded in getting liiui
into an ambulance, never expecting to see iiim again, and
rejoined the regiment. On the march to Malvern Hill, tl.o
men were surprised to see Spellman coming over the fields
to join them. We will see what a " dead man " was maiic
of on a future occasion.
We rested as well as it was possible to rest, after the san-
guinary struggle of the day, and early in the morning of
Saturday, tiie 28th, before daylight, the men were ordered
from their slumbers, and crossed the Chickahominy, over
Woodbury Bridge, to the Richmond side of the river, and
took a position on Trent Hill, which overlooked the stream.
The regulars crossed about 6 o'clock, and blew up the bridge
behind them. We remained here, with the rest of Syke^'
division and the reserve artillery, serving also on picket
along the river till 6 p.m. We then started about dusk and
marched to Savage's Station, and destroyed by fire a large
])ile of knai)sacks and other property, to prevent them from
falling into the hands of the enemy.
At this i)lace there were about 6,000 wounded and sick,
about 2,500 of whom, the last troops that left on the suc-
ceeding night, were compelled to leave from inexorable ne-
cessity, as there was not sufficient means of conveyance to
remove them all. The army marched on its way, accom-
panied with the thousands of disabled and afflicted com-
rades upon whom the blow of war had fallen, but with heavy
hearts that so many were left behind to take the hospitalities
or the revenge of the enemy, at whose hands they had re-
ceived their wounds.
Rev. J. J. Marks, D.D., in the "Peninsular Campaign in
Virginia," p, 24 ;, dL'scribi.s the scene on the evening of the
291!), in the following language:
"I beheld a long, scattered line of the patients staggering
The Seven Days Retreat— Gaines Mill. 233
away, some canning their guns and supporting a companion on
an arm, others tottering feebly over a staff which they appeared
to have scarcely strength to lift up. One was borne on
the shoulders of two of his companions, in the hope that when
he had gone a little distance he might be able to walk. One had
already sat down, fainting from the exertion of a few steps. Some
had risen from the first rest, staggered forward a few steps, and
ftU in the road ; but after a few moments in the open air, and
stimulated by the fear of the enemy, they could walk more
strongly. Never have 1 beheld a spectacle more touching or '
more sad."
Also an eye-witness* of this painful episode in the events
of the campaign, tells his observations as follows :
" A very affecting scene was now witnessed as the troops bade
adieu to their sick and wounded friends, whom they were com-
pelled to leave behind, to abandon as prisoners to the rebels.
'• Up to this time the disabled had not known that they were
to be left behind ; and when it became manifest, the scene could
not be pictured by human language. I heard one man cry out,
* O my God ! is this the reward I deserve for all the sacrifices I
have made, the battles I have fought, and the agony I have en-
dured from my wounds?' Some of the younger soldiers wept
like children ; others turned pale, and some fainted. Poor fellows !
they thought this was the last drop in the cup of bitterness, but
there were many yet to be added."
Report of Colonel G. K. Warren,
Sd Brigade, 2d Division, '^th Corps, of the Battle of Gaines
Mill.
Headquarters 31) Brigade, Sykes' Division. )
Porter's Corps, July a, 1S63. ^
Sir t—I have the honor to report the opcnitions of this brig ule
from June 2(><^^ to July 31I. iSio.
The brigade consistetl, on the 26th ultimo, of the 5ih New
• Rev. John S. C. Abbott's " Change of Base."
■! ^:: „MilX|
234 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
York Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Dun,ea, numberint^
about 450 effective men for duty, and of the loth New York Vol-
unteers, commanded by Col. Bendix, numbering about 575 men
for duty. The ist Connecticut, Col. Tyler, had been relieved from
my command for duty with the heavy artillen,-.
The conflict having- begun on the right of our army, at Mc-
chanicsville, on the afternoon of the 26th ultimo, we were ordered
out with the rest of the division, and remained in line of battle all
night. At 2.30 A.M. on the 27th, we marched back, as directed.
and took up our line so as to defend the crossing of Gaines' Creek
while the trains and artillery effected a passage. This having
been accomplished, we again marched forward to a new position,
about half a mile from the last, where it had been determined to
prevent the further advance of the enemy.
The line assigned to my brigade, forming the left of the division,
had its left resting upon a forest, which, I was informed, was held
by Griffin's brigade, and our line of battle was in an open, plowed
field, along a gentle slope, in a measure hiding us from the obser-
vation of the enemy, though affording but little shelter from dis-
tant curved firing. In front of us, distant from 200 to 300 yards.
was a belt of woods, growing in a ravine, through openings rf
which a view could be had of an extensive, open held beyond.
These woods I occupied with a company of the 5th New York
Volunteers as skirmishers. From 300 to 400 yards to the right
of my line was another forest bordering the open field, and run-
ning nearly in a direction perpendicular to our line. This I
guarded by a company of the 5th New York Volunteers, deployed
as skirmishers. Major Clitz's battalion of the 12th Regular In-
fantry' was on my right, on a line nearly perpendicular to mine,
with a large inter\-al between us. Our artillery was posted to the
rear and to the left of my line.
About \o\ o'clock a.m. these arrangements were complete,
and we waited the approach of the enemy. The weather was
ver}'- warm.
About \2\ P.M. the enemy forced the passage of G;iines' Creek
near the mill, and cheering as they came, apn;:!rcd in force at a
distance in the oi)en field beyond the wooded ravine in my front.
About I o'clock P.M. they advanced in several lines, and at my
The Seven Days" Retreat— Gaines Mill. 235
request, Captain Edwards brought up a section of liis battery- on
my right, and opened on them, and a tierce tire was carried on
between them over our heads, in which we suffered considerably.
Captain Edwards steadily kept up his tire, though opposed by sev-
( r.il batteries, till the enemy having driven in our line of skir-
mishers, I advised him to retire. The enemy now advanced sharp-
shooters to the edge of the woods to pick off our artillerymen,
posted behind us, but our ritle-firing compelled them to retire.
One of our batteries .having opened with shrapnel, the prema-
ture e.xplosion of these shells behind us caused so much loss that
1 was compelled to change my line by throwing the right to the
rear along the road, and the left more toward the enemy, and
along the woods to our left.
The enemy's fire ceasing for a time, our artillen,- also ceased,
.Tnd there was a lull, so that we began to think the enemy had
rt-iired. But under the shelter of the woods he had formed a
column to attack the position occupied by Major Clitz, to the
right of my first position, and as soon as it appeared, the rapid
firing of our artillery dispersed it in a few moments. Again
there was a lull, but this time he had planned his attack on the
jvisition occupied by myself, and where our artillery could not be
UM.d without endangering us.
I should think it was now nearly 3 o'clock P.M. Suddenly a
regiment burst from the woods with loud yells, advancing at
double-quick upon us. The 5th New York Volunteers, which
had been drawn back to be out of the lire of our own artiller}-,
rapidly re-formed to meet them on our tirst position. The enemy
received a portion of the fire of the loth New York Volunteers
as he came rapidly on, and when he neared the 5th New York
N'olunteers we charged back, turning his charge into a liight.
*■ ilip.g and wounding nearly all of those who tied. This charge
of the enemy had also been accompanied by a vigorous attack on
'•■•';r position in the woods, and as we advanced we received a
hr.ivy lire from the enemy stationed in them. Our men, nothing
'I'lntju, continued to advance, and drove them from it. The
'•i/ade w.'Ls re-formed (as well as the confusion [)riidiiced by this
' -i U'.re would allow) in its first position, and again it successfully
'■''IHilsed the advance of the enemy, driving him back to the wooils
'••• Iront. up to which point the colors of the 5th New York were
236 Fifth Ncik' York Volunteer Infantry.
twice rarried. Dun'nc,'' this part of the fight, the artillery on both
sides was silent. Tiie enemy continued to threw forward frr,i,
troops. The gallant and lamented Major Clitz engaged them on
the right.
The 6th Regular infantry came to reinforce me, and I placed
them in position. General Reynolds also came up now with his
brigade, and I withdrew my shattered regiments. Besides tlu-
exhaustion of the men from their efforts, and the bad condition
of the arms from the fu-ing we had done, about one hundred and
forty of the 5th New ^'ork Volunteers, and about fifty of the
loth New York Volunteers, were killed and wounded.
The battle had now become general all along our lines, and
the artillery had resumed its fire. I took up a position support-
ing a twenty-pounder battery, just to the rear of the first position,
and maintained it, though suffering continually from the enemy's
fire, which now reached all parts of the field. To our left was
the iiih U. S. Infantry, also supporting batteries. Toward
evenmg the enemy succeeded in forcing back the division
on our left, when the batteries we supported were withdrawn.
we throwing in all llu- fire our diminished numbers would per-
mit. We here witnessed the firm stand of the nth U. S. Intantr)-
on our left, and the charge of the 2d U. S. Infantry on our right.
The advance of the enemy on our front was thus effectually
checl:ed. We then took up a position supporting one of the bat-
teries under Captain Piatt, which position we maintained till
darkness i)ut an end to the firing, and the battery was v.itl-.-
drawn.
We were much concerned as to the cause of the cheering
which tock place in our rear, by the regiments of French's and
Meagher's brigades, fearing they were a rebel force that had suc-
ceeded in getting in our rear. From the beg-nning of the battle,
till niglu brought it to a close, we were almost constantly under
fire, of which fact I be'ieve the Genera! was a witness.
.... Among the killed was Captain Wi!li;mi T. Partridge,
who fc'l nol)Iy It-ading on his men to the cliarg-;. Among thi'
wom-.d' d v,\re Captain George Pairyea, Lieutenant Th m.as W.
Cartvvriglit. jr., Lieuten:mt Felix Agnus, and Lieutenant Ra!]>!i
E. IVime. Lieutenant-Cnlonel Hiram Duryea was everywhen-
conspiruous in the fight, mnimted on his horse, and inspired
TJic Sei'en Days Retrtai — Gaines Mill. 237
every- one by his g-allantr\-. Major Hull's horse was shot in the
first charge. Captain Winslow was acting as field-officer, and
mounted. Both acted most bravely. Colonel Duryea speaks of
the gallant conduct of the following-named ofticers. to which I
can also add my own testimony : Major H. D. Hull. Captain
C. Winslow, Captain William T. Partridge. Captain George
Uuryea. Captain H. H. Burnett, Captain C. J. Cambrelling, Cap-
tain W. F. Lewis, Captain C. Boyd, Lieutenants C. J. Mont-
gomery, G. O. Hager, H. G. O. Eichler, J. McConnell, J. IL
Lounsbery, Charles Sergeant, T. W. Cartwright, Jr., R. E.
Prime, F. Agnus, S. W. Wheeler. I refer you to the list of
meritorious non-commissioned olTicers and privates in Colonel
Dur\-ea's report submitted herewith, and also to it for the names
of the killed and wounded.
Three of the officers of the 5th New York Volunteers left the
field, it is believed unnecessarily, from the effects of contusions
made by spent balls. Their conduct will be made th& subject of
official investigation. I received a bruise on my knee by a spent
ball which gave rise to the report of my being wounded, and my
horse received two balls in his neck, but he carried me all through
the fight.
.... Colonel Bendix has not furnished any.rei)ort of those
distinguished tor meritorious conduct. I have only to say that
the Colonel himself behaved in the most cool and efficient man-
ner, always at his post, always ready to execute my orders with
l)romptness, and always with his regiment under fire. I must
:-lso mention the gallant conduct of Surgeon Doolittle, whose
horse was killed under him and himself bruised, but who has
been constantly with the command to this day.
Ver)- respectfully, your obedient serwint,
(Signed), G. K. Warrex,
Col. ^th N. V. Vols., com. yi Brigade.
Lieutenant Samuel A. Foster,
Aide-dc-cavip^ and
Act. Asst. Adjt.-Gcn., Sykcs Difishm.
{Ofjlcial Cof'y\
R. C. Drum, Asst. Adjt.-Gemral.
A. G. Of FiCE, October 29, 1S78.
238 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
The following extract from the ofiicial report of General
Sykes was furnished for publication in these pages through
the courtesy of the Hon. George W. McCrary, Secretary of
War :
Headquarters Sykes' Division, i
Camp near Harrison's Landing, (.
. July 7, 1862. j
Sir :— The events taking- place since the 26th ultimo have fol-
lowed each other so rapidly that they may well be included in
one general summary, which I have the honor herewith to sub-
mit : . . . .
About II A.M. (June 27th) the enemy appeared in some force
beyond the ravine in front, and with his artillery endeavored to
shake the center of my line of battle. From this hour till 2 p.m.,
his battalions being constantly strengthened, he made repeated
attempts on the flanks and center of my line, and was as often
driven back to his lair.
At noon Tidball's Battery of Horse Artillery reported to me,
and taking position on the right of Weed, these two batteries
broke up every attack of the enemy on our right flank, and tinail;/
sent him scampering to his main body on our left. Matters now
remained quiet for an hour. It was only the lull that precedes a
storm.
At 3 P.M. I directed Colonel Warren to throw for\vard his
skirmishers and feel the enemy in the ravine. Desultor\- tiring
began, which soon deepened into a continuous roar, unvarying
and unceasing, until darkness set m and the conflict ceased.
In this interval, between 2 and 3 P.M., the enemy had brought
up his reser\es, replenished his ammunition, and, under cover of
the forest heretofore mentioned, marshaled his legions for a
grand attack. It was not one, but many, each of which was met
and repulsed with a steady valor that could not be surpassed.
In these attacks the 5/>^ Nnu York Volunteers, under I.ieu-
tenant-Colonel Duryea, and 2d, 6th, 12th, and 14th U. S. Infantry
were especially conspicuous. The 5//: Xe::' Yur': \'jlui:tecrs
were the peers of any troops on that hard-fought field.
The 1 2th and 14th U. S. Infantry, under Major Clitz and Cap-
tain O'Connell, advanced in the most perfect order in line, hero-
.V-. 'i '■ ■■ {
The Seven Days Retreat — Gaines' Mill. 239
ically aiding Warren's brigade (5th and lotii New York Volun-
teers), drove the enemy from our left and center far into the
woods beyond.
In connection with this movement the 3d U. S. Infantry-, under
Major Rossell, was thrown from its orisrinal position to the right
ind rear of the 12th and 14th, and while in this exposed situa-
tion, boldly resisting the foe, the gallant Major lost his life
(Signed),
George Sykes,
Brt::adicr-General Commanding Division.
Adjutant-General's Office, )
Washington, Nov. 27, 1878. f
Official:
R. C. Drum, Assistant Adjutant-General.
■■■ CHAPTER XL
THE SEVEN DAYS' RETREAT — MALVERN HILL — HAK-
RL^OX'S LANDING.
White Oak Sw.-iMP— Cha':i.;.s Citv Ckoss-Roads— C;en':r al Kearney — Mal\ i k-;
Hill— A D'^'^perate STra-GCi.t^— Rebel Repu! se—Rl treat from M.alvl ■■•
Hill— The Kais and ike Roads— An Incident— A Life Saved by a Stu.u-
AOE.M— Report of Lieu i::s an; -Colonel H. Ul-kvea— Letter from Su. ck'.n
Joseph S. Smith— Hakiusii-'s Landing— The Ca.mping-Grolnd— Want if
Water— A Review ev PiiE-iur.NT Lincoln— Moving «;.r Camp— Revikv rd
BY Gener \l McClellan — KrSiGNvnoN OF Captain Cambrelling— CHAsnti
— Health or tub Army- Lif'sriTAL Grounds— A Di.ath by Poison— I >i-
PROVED Diet — A Rebel Salltk — Death in a Ten r — Pine Woods Evit;-
RiENXE- Knapsacks Foi'v.a' u';i— A Night ^L■\RCll--CKO^SING THEClIICic^-
HOMiNY— Negro Mi,--k.(Ei; Shot— Soldiers' Hosr;TALiTY Refised—
Newport News— Thk '.! -.Krii to Mana^^sas Jlnchon— On the Batti.e-
FIELD.
We marched during :\ik- viightj leaving behind us the blooi'-
stained field, the silcnl .,raves of our de',).iilc(' comrades, and
the multitudes of the .-ici: and woum'.ed, "lul at length fouiul
a brief repose on the ro.ul through White Oak Swamp, 'liii-"
next day, Sunday, the ^oiii of June, we completed our p;'s
sage through tliis p.irt of tlie exodus. It was a teriihtv
dreary pilgrimage. The heat was almo.st in5Ui)portable ,
there was not a bi\ .Uii nf air, and we si.ffered intensely I'lr
tlie want of water, of v iiic'i none could be h.id but the black,
stagnant water of tlie svwVinp through which sse were wading.
Having again stepjped ui nn firm grtjund, we formed in line
of battle at Charh.--, City Cioss-Roads, pulled down tbe
fences in frr>nr. and sont o'-it yiickets. The s;hots of skirmi-h-
ers wen^ he.ird i?i flic 'vicinity. We rem.Wned here, guarilu.j;
this invf-ortat t poir.*. uvsVA ( m neral Kearney arrived with hi--
division to relieve Genci il Sykes. General Kearney looked
'MO)
The Seven Days Retreat— Malvern Hill. 241
like a Knight errant of old ; his face was bronzed by ex-
posure, ^nd as he sat on his horse, straight as an arrow,
with his strongly-marked and stern countenance, holding -the
reins in his teeth, he was a perfect picture of a soldier.
At 10 A.M. Sumner's corps were attacked by the enemy
at Allen's field, but were repulsed. At 4 p.m. Sumner's and
Franklin's corps were attacked near Savage's Station, and
fought until 9 P.^t., when the enemy retired.
We continued our march on Monday, the 30th, to Turkey
Bend Creek, near Malvern Hill. At this point we were
formed in line of battle, sent out pickets and skirmishers,
advanced through a wood, and the skirmishers reached an
immense corn-field on level ground, outside of the wood.
Sergeant William Hoffman about 5 p.m. discovered the
enemy in force over a corner of the corn-field, in the edge
of a wood, with artillery in position. Colonel Warren was
immediately notified, who ordered Lieutenant Dumont, of
the Fifth, on detached service with the signal cor[)S, to
signal the g\.\n-ho:^\.s /acob Bell, Galena, and Aroostook, which
opened over the heads of the Fifth, where they rested on
their arms in the wood, and created great havoc in the
rebel ranks, thereby preventing them from advancing.*
Sergeants Forbes, Wilson, Jack Taylor, and Hoffman, and
some others were stationed in the corn-field and elsewhere,
to signal where the shell struck, so as to regulate the aim of
tile gunners. Some batteries and infantry also opened from
the Hill, and drove the enemy back, leaving two guns of
(•raham's battery, with their caissons, in the hands of Colonel
Warren. The guns were subsequently spiked, and the
spokes of the wheels cut with axes, leaving them entirely
unserviceable. About half a barrel of whisky and a quan-
• While enp.igoJ in this duty, Licutcn:int Dumont u as stationed on the c^-i of
* I-irge house .sitaated on Malvern Hill, .^lld wa, much exposed to the fire cf the
enemy's batteries. He was highly commended for his good conduct.
II
242 Fifth Neiv York Voluiitecr Infantry.
tity of prime pork were also seized, the latter being distril>-
uted among the men.*
When the hundred-pound shell from the gun-boats came
rushing over our heads, they conveyed the impression that
flour barrels were flying through the air, and tt required con-
siderable nerve to listen to their roar without being moved,
especially as a mistaken signal or a short fuse would bring a
shell in our midst. The discharges from one gun especially
were rather unreliable, and it was with a sigh of relief that
we heard its shell go beyond us. The crash, as they burst
in the woods among the enemy, was terrible. During the
night the Fifth and Tenth were in lii^e of battle in the
wood, expecting an attack. Some cattle were slaughtered,
and small pieces of tough meat were distributed, but as there
were no means of cooking, fires not being allowed, it was of
no benefit to us whatever.
The enemy attempted to follow the army across White
Oak Swamp, and attacked General Franklin's corps about
I P.M., but were repulsed. At night, after a desperate en-
gagement of five hours near the Charles City Cross-Road.s
and after driving McCall's division, the enemy were again
repulsed by Generals Hooker and Kearney, aided by Gen-
eral Sumner's corps. These continual encounters iiad kept
the army in unceasing activity, and the month of July opened
wearisomely upon us, for the men had passed the previous
twenty-foar hours without sleep.
Remaining in position. Porter's corps held the left of the
line with many batteries ; Sykes' division on the left, witli
* Gener.il McClellan's Report (p. 268) : " At about this time, 4 p M.. the enemy
began to appear in General Porter's front, and at 5 o'clock advanced in Ur,'"
force against \wi left flank, posting artil'.erj- under cover of a skirt of timber, «ith
a view to engage our force on Malvern Hill, while with his inf;<ntr}' and sonic ..r-
tniery, he .Ut.ickcd (>!,uel W.irrcn's bri-a-'.e. A concentr-ued fire cf al-iut
thirty guns \va>. brought to bear on the enemy, which with the infantry tire -f
Colonel Warren's command compelled him to retreat, leaving two guns in the
hands of Colonel Warren."
The Seven Days Retreat — Malvern Hill. 243
Warren's brigade on the extreme left on low ground, which
was swept by the fire of the gun-boats. It was a vital jioint,
for if the enemy could force their way in here, they would be
enabled to cut off the line of retreat to the James River, hence
their desv>erate efibrts during the battle to tbrce back the left
tlank. About 9 A.M. the enemy commenced the attack
with their artillery, the batteries on the hill rei)lying. In the
afternoon, the Fifth and Tenth were advanced to the edge of
the wood facing the corn-field, the Fifth on the extreme left,
the Tenth on their right, which rested on the Richmond road,
running along by the " Hill," and the regulars on their
right.*
The men were ordered to build barricades of logs and
stones from the fence, and whatever other material they
could make available, and two men were placed together
about fifteen feet apart behind each barricade. Their orders
were to hold their posts to the last man. About noon the
enemy made a demonstration on our left, as if they intended
to attack us, but the fire of our battery and from the gun-
boats drove ihem to cover.
About 3 P.M. a heavy artillery fire was opened by the
enemy on Kearney's division, and their infantry advanced
against Couch's division on the right of General Porter, but
they reserved their fire and drove the enemy back in dis-
ord-^r. Shortly after 4 p.m. the firing ceased along thu wliule
line, but it was only the calm that precedes the storm. At
0 P.M. the enemy suddenly oj^ened with the whole of their
artillery, soon after which brigade after brigade started on a
run from the cover of the woods, and across the open ground
• General McClellan's Report (p. 26u) : " From the position of the enemy, hii
"■.nst obvious lines of attack wou'.J come from the directions of Richmond and W hitc
•V.V: Swnrap. and ftOLill almo'^t of ncc-s-ity strike lis upon our left win;;. Kcro,
'! tr,:!'.,re, the lines were streti^tViti.od by ma>-in<; the irnops and c^'Ilecti k; I'lc
;-'in;^..d p.uiof the amllery. Porf-r's orp- held the left of iho line (Sykes' di^ is-
«■ i-.l Oil the l.-ft (p. 2;o). One bri;,'.idc of Porter's was thrown to the left i.n the low
6"ound, to protect the flank from any movement direct from the Richmond road."
244 Fifth New York Volunteer Infayitry.
to storm the batteries stationed on the left, supi^orted by
Porter's and Couch's commands ; but they were met by such
a withering fire of grape and canister shot, that they were
mowed down in heaps. Still did these brave men sweep on,
when the infantry, who had reserved their fire, opened with
such terrible volleys, that their columns broke, and the rem-
nants went back reeling and tottering like drunken men. In
the meantime the terrible shell from the gun-boats fell among
them as they were gathering in the edge of the wood for
their reckless and desperate charges, which were without a
parallel almost in history. General Porter had sent to Gen-
eral Sumner about 6 p.m., who was the chief in command,
for reinforcements, who sent to him Meagher's, Richartlson's,
Sickles', and Patterson's brigades, who relieved such of the
troops as were out of ammunition. By the stead}', cool fire
of the infantry, aided by the batteries, the enemy were driven
back to the cover of the woods, leaving the ground in front
heaped with their slain. The loss of the Union side was
comparatively small as compared to that of the Confederate?.
The enemy in large force at one time advanced against
Warren's brigade on the extreme left ; Pollard says :
" Holmes' division were frustrated from cutting the enemy
off from the river by the severe fire of the gun-boats." Wo
could plainly see the flashing of their bayonets on the opi)o-
site side of the corn-field. The continual roar of artillery
and musketry during the battle was like long rolls of thunder,
and did not slacken until 9 p.m.
The men remained in their positions in the barricades all
night, and were worn out and almost dead for want of sleep.
They felt as if they had heavy weights fastened to their
eyelids, but they were kept awake by the consciousness of
the great responsibilities resting upon them ; knowing al^o
that the penalty of sleeping on their i)osts in such a posi-ion
was death. Moreover, one-half of the regiment, who were
on reserve, went tb.e grand rounds, under command of Major
I -■ ■' I ;/: . ■I'll'.',
Tfie Seven Days Retreat— Malvern Hill. 245
Hull or Captain Winslow, every half hour. The enemy ap-
peared to be desperate enough to undeitake any movement
to destroy the Union army, and it was probable they might
attempt to accomplish, under the cover of darkness, what
they had failed to do by day. Besides, as was currently re-
ported, they had been plied with whisky, and could be led
into the jaws of death itself, and it was necessary to be
vigilant.
On the right of the Richmond road was stationed James
W. Webb, of Company F, a trusty and reliable soldier, and
on the left of it was William Higgins, of the same company.
The clatter of a horse's hoofs were heard coming frou) the
direction of the enemy, and soon the form of an officer on
horseback loomed up over a slight hill on the road. He
discovered Webb at the same time he was sighted, and im-
mediately pulled rein and came to a sudden halt. He called
cut and inquired where General Whiting's headquarters
were situated ; Webb pulled his cap off and said, " Come
forward, they are a short distance in the rear." But un-
fortunately at this moment Sergeant F., who was a few feet
in the rear of the picket, jumped into the road and said,
" You are my prisoner." The officer turned his horse about
in almost a second of time, and disappeared over the brow
of the hill. Webb and Higgins fired their rifles at him as
quick as they could, but he did not fall from his horse.
Thus, by the want of forethought on the part of the Sergeant,
the capture of an officer with, in all probability, important
dispatches, was frustrated.
After the battle the army commenced to retreat again,
and wagons, troops, artillery, and ambulances were leaving
all night as their convenience dictated. The covering of
the retreat was let't, as usual, to Sykes' 'division. On thi»
morning of Wednesday, the 2(1, about 4 o'clock, a hravy
storm of rain began, which continued the entire day. The
balance of the troops were retreating from the hill in a dis-
246 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
organized mass, fleeing from a beaten and demoralized foe.
They became blocked up on the road among the ambulances
and wagons; many of the sick, weak, and wounded were
knocked down and trampled upon, notwithstanding tlieir
cries of anguish. When Lieutenant-Colonel Hiram Duryea
saw this, his soul revolted at the sight. He also knew that
if he marched his regiment into such a disorganized mass
of moving humanity it would be impossible for them to
keep their formation, and he would lose all control of their
movements ; he therefore ordered a halt, and remarked that
"before he would take his command into such a mob, he
would face the whole Southern Confederacy." An aide
soon came to him with orders to move, but he took the
responsibility of acting on his own better judgment; an
aide came a second time with orders to move, followed in
a few moments by Colonel Warren. Lieutenant-Colonel
Duryea explained, in a few brief words, the situation of
affairs, and pointed to a train of wagons on the hill, ap-
parently abandoned by their guard, that should be moved
off. Colonel Warren took in the situation at a glance, and
looking toward the retreating crowd, exclaimed, "This is
disgraceful ! " He called the officers together, and, after a
brief consultation, turned and surveyed his men for a mo-
ment, when he called out, '• Unfurl your colors ; " "About
face! Forward, march !" and the regiment moved down the
Richmond road, toward tho enemy, formed in line of battle
on the hill, antl there they stood alone awaiting orders.
Colonel U'arren sent an aide to order up a batteiy. In a
few moments a tuie battery of artiller) came up, the horses
on a run, unlimbered. and the men stood by their guns, jire-
pared for action. In the meantime some of the regiment
were djtaik'd to gather together a lot of abandoned shell
and aninnmition v.Iiuh wa^^ lying nc.ir, and throw it into a
ditch, that it nn^ht be of no service to the enemy, ^\'hcn
tlie regiment was readv to move the first time. Colonel
i-v
The- Seven Days Retreat — Malvern Hill. 247
Warren ordered Lieutenant to see to it personally that
all the men on picket were called in. As the regiment was
about to march, the Colonel discovered a Zouave (Corporal
James R. Murray, of Company A) standing a good dis-
tance off alone, who had not been relieved, but, like the
Roman centurion of old, would not forsake his post without
orders. He dashed up to the Lieutenant, and asked him if
he had obeyed his orders in reference to the men on picket,
to which the officer answered in the affirmative. " Then,''
said the Colonel, " what is that man doing out there ; is that
the way you forsake my men ? is that the way you obey
orders? Draw your sword and defend yourself," at the
same time he half unsheathed his own sword, for he was
very much vexed.
The regiment remained in this position, the Tenth not
having halted, until the road was clear, in the meantime
manitesting much interest in the skirmishing of the cavalry
with the enemy in the edge of the woods on the other side
of the plateau. Finally they were ordered to march, and
when they came to a little bridge that led over the creek, tiiey
found that its sui)porting timbers were nearly cut through, as
well as the trees each side of the road near it, and men with
axes in hand stood ready to put the tinishing strokes as soon
as the rear guard had passed over. There were no troops
lel't behind at this time but Colonel Buchanan's brigade of
regulars, a batler\', antl Colonel Averill with the 3d Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry. This was nearly 7 a.m. These trooiis weie
the last to leave. " Sykes' division could have held the hill
if ordered to do so."
The men experienced this daj' the hardest marching they
had ever endured. They had been without sleep for forry-
ei:^ht hours ; a cold noith-cast storm had set in, and it wns
"iiiiiig in torrents. The road was cut up by the wheel-, so as
t*> be almost impassable. The men fonled iniumierable small
streams and ditclies, often nearly waist deep. At the nu-
248 Fifth New York Valunteer Infantry.
merous halts, the road and fields being blocked very often,
they could not sit down without being content to rest in mud
a foot deep ; the fields on either side of the road were all
underwater, and the men were continually slipping and flill-
ing down. They were very much weakened in their condi-
tion, for, be it remembered, this was the seventh day in which
they had been deprived of their sleep, except the few hours
now and then snatched at intervals ; they had nothing to eat
except a little hard-tack, and were almost starved and thor-
oughly reduced. Moreover, they were obliged' to form in
line of battle after every mile's march, and wait for the
wagons to pass on.
Beside all these trials of endurance, the continual excite-
ment of battle and suspense night and day, and the never-
ceasing rattle of musketry and thunder of artillery, of which
there seemed to be no end, there was added the doubt as to
where they would come to rest. Such was the indifference
on this day, that a colored man who had been run over, and
was lying in the road, was left to his fate, no one taking the
trouble to pull the body out of the way ; wagons and ar-
tillery passed over it, as if it were nothing but a dead dog.
Finally, at night, we reached Harrison's Landing, with an
unbroken organization as a regiment, one of the very few,
outside of Sykes' division, of which the same is recorded, in
the Slh corps. A large ration of whisky was given to each
man, and the whole army were soon vigorously recounting
their experiences ; but they laid down in the mud and
water and, notwithstanding the rain, which continued all
night and until noon of next day, slept soundly. We had
no covering but the sky, for nearly all in the regiment
had lost their knapsacks, and all they possessed was on
their backs.
The loss during the seven days, in Morell's, Sykes', Mc-
Call's and Slocum's divisions, the same that fought the battle
of Gaines' Mill, was 8,500 in killed and wounded alone. If
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1^1 (.1 L.<ni;i
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The Seven Days' Retreat — Malvern Hill. 249
all the divisions in the army had lost in the same proportion,
it would show a total loss of over 25,000 men.
One instance, out of many, will serve to show the straits
to which the men were reduced on the retreat.
One of the drummers saw Drum-Major John M. Smith, of
the Fifth, sitting on a log at the side of the road, completely
worn out and not able to go any further. He told the
drummer that he was starving, not having eaten a mouthful
in three days. The latter was possessed of a few crackers,
and gave him two or three, and told him not to move a foot
from where he was, and he would get him some meat. The
drummer started off with not the slightest idea where he was
to obtain it ; but fortunately he saw a colored man toast^ig
a piece of bacon over a fire. He immediately accosted h.im,
and asked him whose servant he was ; to which the negro
re[)lied, giving the name of a well-known General. J.,
nothing abashed, said that he was a cousin of General Mc-
Clellan. "Shuah?" said the cook. "Shuah," said J., " and
I would be very much obliged to you if you will till my can-
teen with water, as I am wounded in the leg, and it is hard
work to move ; in the meantime, I will toast your bacon."
Off went the innocent on his errand to do a favor for the
cousin of the Cieneral of the army, and, of course, as soon as
he was out of sight, off went J. with the bacon. Smith ate
the whole of it, and it probably saved his life.
The following is the report of Colonel Duryea on the
service of the regiment-from June 26th to July 2d :
Report of Lieutexant-Coi.onel Hikam Dlrvea,
Command in i^ tJie '^tli Hegiment — Seven Days' Retreat.
Headquarters 5TH Reoimen-t, N. Y. \., 1
Camp near Harrison's Landing, -
July \, iSo:. I
Sir: — I have the honor to respectfully sulMiiit the rollowing re-
port of tlic movements of this regiment from June 26th to July
2iJ, inclusive.
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250 Fifth Ncio York Volunteer Infantry.
Thursday at 4 P.M. moved out of ramp to the support of McCall's
division on the Mechanicsville road, bivouacked that night in line
of battle in an open field, where we remained until about half-past
four on Friday morning-, when we returned to our camp, slung
knapsacks, and moved on the road toward Coal Harbor. About
daybreak formed a line of battle on the skirt of a wood in rear
of Gaines' Mill, where we remained for about two hours, then
moved.forward in the direction and to the left of Coal Harbor,
where we formed line of battle in an open field about half-past
10 A.M. Here we rested until about noon, when, in accordance
with your order, we changed our position forward, our line resting
under the crest of a hill about two hundred yards from a piece of
woods, where, after remaining al^out half an hour, the enemy aj)-
peared in force opposite our right, advancing in successive lines
of battle. Shortly after making their appearance they posted a
battery on our right and opened fire through an opening in the
woods, throwing shrapnel, shell, grape, and canister with ac-
curacy and effect. Company E was then ordered to the front
as skirmishers, to pick off the gunners from the batteries, which
was done with considerable effect ; they were driven in by an ad-
vance of the enemy in force, which was met by a fire by com-
panies along the whole regiment, followed by fire by file, which
had the effect to check the enemy and drive them back into the
woods. They did not appear again for about an hour ; the bat-
teries meanwhile continued to play upon us, thinning our ranks
perceptibly. Agreeable with your orders, we again changed po-
sition, forming line of battle in the road. Shortly after the enemy
emerged in force from the woods on our left, and we then resumed
our former position on the crest of the hill. Of the charge which
the regiment then made, in which Colonel Warren and all the
field officers, mounted, took a part in leading, it is unnecessan.'
for me to report. Suffice it that the enemy were driven in con-
fusion from the field, and the fugitives were neariy annihilated by
our fire. The enemy with fresh troops now opened with musketry
from the woods ; the most deadly fire being earned on bv ln;l!i
sides, they several times appearing on the field in force. They
fought bravely and contested the ground with great stubbornness ;
our line was several times forced to yield, which it did in good
order, before a greatly superior force, but as often advanced and
/'•\\ A'l^^v^.v.■^ J i-^'ii ':^/. ^\\v\
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Report of Lieut. -Col. H. Diiryea. 251
regained the ground at the point of the bayonet. We occupied
the ground till reinforcements came to our support and held it :
when we were relieved and ordered to support batteries of field
artillery on our right, which we did until 8 '2 P.M., delivering an
effective fire whenever the enemy approached, and suffering con-
siderably. Night having set in. and firing having ceased, the
batteries were withdrawn, and we retired from the field. We
were in the engagement about eight and a half hours, the greater
part of the time under a very severe fire.
Colonel Warren having charge of the brigade, left but two
field officers to the regiment, and Captain Cleveland Winslow, of
Company E, was detailed to act as Major. During the action
the following changes took place in the commands of companies :
Lieutenant C. S. Montgomery, of Company C, was assigned to
the command of Company B. The two remaining officers of
Company C being subsequently wounded. Lieutenant Eichlcr, of
Company H, was assigned to the command of that company ;
Lieutenant Lounsberr\', of Company K, was assigned to the
command of Company E.
I wish to mention the gallant conduct of the following officers :
Major Hull, Captain Winslow, Captain Partridge,' Captain
Duryea, Captain Burnett, Captain Cambrelling, Captain Lewis,
Captain Boyd, First Lieutenant Montgomery-, Lieutenant Sargent.
Lieutenant Hager, Lieutenant Cartwright, First Lieutenant
Eichler, Lieutenant McConnell, Lieutenant Lounsberr>', Second
Lieutenant Prime, Second Lieutenant Wheeler. Second Lieuten-
ant Agnus. Their coolness was particularly shown in preparing
for the last charge, just previous to which, the regiment being
very much thinned, the ranks were closed and told off with great
coolness under a most terrific fire.
Captain Wm. T. Partridge, of Company \, behaved with great
bravery and coolness, commanding the admiration of the entire
regiment. He was nearly the whole day advanced with his com-
pany as skirmishers in a very e.vposed position, and was killed
while gallantly leading his company in a charge.
I must als.) call attention to the following non-commissioned
officers and privates whose meritorious acts come under tlie
notice of myself and officers :
Color-Sergeant Andrew B. Allison, who bore the National
I r< ) • /illl
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A- -/'If
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252 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Flag, which was pierced by eight balls, one of which nearly
severed the staff.
Color-Sergeant John H. Berrian, who bore the Regimental
Standard, which was pierced by eleven balls, one of which entered
the staff. Color-Corporal George L. Guthrie, Company D. Or-
derly Sergeants Patrick Gilligan, Company A ; John H. Reilly,
Company D ; John Frie, Company E. Sergeant Thomas R.
Martin, Company D. Corporals John McKenna, Company D ,
Jos. H. Pierce, Company D. Sergeant John S. Raymond, Com-
pany E. Orderly Sergeants Andrew Whitehead, Company H ;
Wm. McDowell, Company G. Sergeant Wm. H. Chambers,
Company H. Privates Wm. H. Manderville, Company F ; James
E. McBeth, Company H ; John McGeehan Company E ; Drum-
mer-boy Robert Daly, Company D.
We went into action about 450 strong.
[For list of killed, wounded, and missing, see Appendix].
You will obsen^e that our loss amounts to thirty-six per cent.
of the number that we took into the field. Dr. Owen Munson.
Assistant Surgeon, remained with the sick and wounded at
Savage Station, and no doubt fell into the hands of the enemy.
He is the officer reported missing.
Of the missing enlisted men, some are supposed to have been
wounded and left on the field, and all are supposed to have been
taken prisoners. After leaving the battle-field, we proceeded to
near Woodbur}''s Bridge, where we bivouacked and remained
until three o'clock Saturday morning, 28th, when we crossed the
Chickahominy and remained supporting the artillery, defending
tlie passage of the stream till about 5 p.m. We then pro-
ceeded in the direction of Savage Station, marching all night,
crossing the White Oak Swamp on the morning of the 29th,
halting on the Charles City Cross-Roads in the direction of Rich-
mond. Monday morning took up the march and halted about
noon at Turkey Creek, near James River. Here we took a
position on the Richmond road along the river. About 3 o'clock
P.M. the enemy appeared in force of infantry, cavalrj', antl
artillery. The latter opening fire upon us, we prepared to give
them battle, advancing our skirmishers along the etige of the
woods ; when tiie enemy being fired upon by the gun-boats
and artillery on our right, he retired.
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' •■ Report of Liatt.-Col. H. Dnryca. 253
We remained on the ground that nijht, and in the morning
were reinforced by a section of artillery. About noon the enemy,
force of cavalr>- and infantry, again made tlieir appearance ad-
vancing along the Richmond road. We opened fire on them
from our battery, and succeeded in driving them back ; they
afteavard appeared several times during the day, but were as
often driven back. In this position we were very much exposed,
shell often falling inside our lines. The entire regiment re-
mained on picket till I o'clock Wednesday morning, July 2d.
Marched through a cold and drenching rain to near Harrison's
Bar, where we arrived and bivouacked about 5 P.M.
During all these tr}-ing scenes the men under my command
have maintained a spirit of cheerfulness and determination, yield-
ing none of their discipline or soldierly pride.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
H. DURYEA,
Lieritenant-Colonel CouimMiding ^i/i N. Y. Vols.
To Lieutenant A. S, Marvin, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
■^d Brigade, Sykes' Divisioti.
The following letter from Surgeon Jos. S. Smith speaks
for itself :
Headquarters, Army of Potomac, )
July^Z, 1 86 2. \
Colonel G. K. Warren :
Z)t-ar 5//-;— While within the Confederate lines I was much
gratified at often hearing the highest praise bestowed upon your
gallant regiment by the enemy.
From their Generals down through all grades they all coin-
cided that they never had seen the superiors of the " red legs ''
for unflinching courage and coolness.
Yours, with respect,
Jos. S. Smith,
Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.
Jtdy 29, 1S62.
The above was sent to me by Colonel Warren, then Acting
■'(ni\-.ri -j-il ,1 • ..: 1 .."11 . -titO
..' .-'Si. a. '■■.• . ...' ■ ■ ' ■■'■' '■'■•' '•
aij
254 Fiftii New York Volunteer Infantry.
Brigadier-General, I being in command of the regiment in the
actions referred to.
H. DURYEA,
Lieut.-Col. Comma}tding ^th N. Y. Vol. Infantry.
' ' Harrison's landing.
Wednesday, July 3. — In the morning we were saluted
soon after reveille by the report of cannon, and some shell
dropped into camp. The regiment was ordered out into line
of battle, and after advancing and standing under arms for
some time, the firing ceased. The battery was charged and
captured by the 5th Maine, and was found to consist of two
rifled pieces. The cannoneers and an officer were taken
prisoners.
The next day, the 4th, a salute was fired in honor of the
day at sunrise, and in the afternoon we were reviewed by
General McClcUan and stall, and a Major-General's salute
fired by the artillery in each corps. His addres.-., which was
very eloquent and patriotic, was read to the men.
Some of the companies in the Fifth were in command of
non-commissioned officers and Second Lieiitenants, most of
the officers having resigned, or were on the list of sick and
wounded. This loss of officers made room for manv proii:o-
tions. ^^any of the officers and men had contracted the
fever peculiar to the swamps of the Chickahominy, which
made a large portion of them invalids for life. Three of the
former were under arrest, and awaiting trial by court-martial,
for their unsoldierly conduct in the late retreat. The regi-
ment numbered in Baltimore, when in the height of its organ-
ization, 1,000 ; only about two months previous. We mus-
tered on the 4th for duty only 350 men.
Harrison's Landing was favorably situated for a large
camp, easily defended, and supplied with the necessary ])ro-
visions and forage by way of the James River. The Fiftli
was encam[)ed about two miles back from the river, on the
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••■'^^' ■!'»^■. Harrisons Landing. 255
borders of a narrow strip of timber, through which flowed
Herring Creek, a narrow stream which emptied into the
James River, suitable for bathing and washing clothes, if the
men had any to wash. But there was one great deticiency:
the cause of constant delay, trouble, and vexation — the ab-
sence of pure water for consumption. Much of the time
was spent in waiting turn on the line at the only spring in
the camp. Most of the men had lost their knapsacks in the
recent *' change of base," and were obliged to bivouac with
star-rays for mantles, and pillows of turf from the sacred
soil. Requisitions for knapsacks, clothing, etc., were made,
but some time elapsed before their arrival. ATany of the
men had scarcely anything left of their uniform but rags, and
there were very few who did not carry these fluttering badges
of their late hardshii)s. All they had was in daily use, and
if they wanted to wash a shirt or pair of socks, they were
obliged to go without until they dried ; or, if ordered on
duty, put them on wet and let them dry on their persons.
They had, however, already become accustomed to these
laundry eccentricities.
The enemy was 1iow at some distance, and the remnants
of the bands played at times, and the drum was heard for
the first time since the evacuation of Yorktown.
General McClellan complimented Colonel Warren, and
said that men never fought better than his regiment did, and
that they did their share toward saving the right wing of
the army at Gaines' Mill. General McClellan's address was
read at parade on Sunday evening. It was eloquent and true.
But eloquence and eulogy were swallowed up in the stern
realities of the dead and dying, the wounded on the road,
the sick and wounded left behind to be made prisoner?, the
unknown and unremembered graves, and the individual sul'ter-
in^f of every survivor. Kach iiran had an cxpviiciice uf l.'.s
own. and the battle of a life-time is epitomized in a sliort ten
days of such experience.
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256 Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
But such is a soldier's life ; he accepts it as a part of the
inevitable experience that he must pass through sooner or
later; and he can say with R. H. Dana, Jr., from his expe-
rience of two years of sailor life, and his view of it, will
apply in one sense to that of a soldier's life in the field, viz. :
" It is at best but a mixture of a little good with much evil,
and a little pleasure with much pain. The beautiful is
linked with the revolting, the sublime with the common-
place, and the solenm with the ludicrou.s."
The regiment dragged out the weary hours of camp life,
one-third on the sick-list, and the rest half sick, while faith
and hope kept them up, and that is about all that could be
said, for there was no enjoyment in the mode of living at
that time. The ringing laugh was seldom heard, but men
slowly paced along with sad and care-worn faces, with noth-
ing to do but to kill time, answer roll calls, or occasionally
do a little fatigue duty, each man doing as little as possible.
The weather was intolerably hot and water was difficult to
obtain.
The men all had great confidence in General McClellan,
and would fight to the last and die under him if necessary, but
they knew that the army needed strengthening by new re-
cruits, and that Richmond would never be taken unless we
were reinforced. The Confederates fought desperately, and
were on their own ground, and had an extensive territory to
maneuver in. The union forces were compelled to go
through a country where every man, woman, and child was
opposed to them, and as they advanced they grev.- weaker
and their opponents stronger. They were obliged to look
well to their communications for the army supplies, and this
necessity demanded the care of a large fighting force. .
On Friday, July i2tli, the whole army was reviewed by
President Ar.RAHAM Lixcoi.x, who made us a brief visit.
The men were all glad to see iiim, and noticed that he was
a keen observer, and asked a great many questions of the
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••■ Harrison" s La7tding. 257
officers in his escort. He left a good impression with the
rank and file, and convinced them that the " powers that be"
took some interest in their welfare.
The regiment had a thorough inspection to-day by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel H. Duryea. The sick were also inspected.
We went out at 9 a.m. and the work lasted till noon. The
sun was very hot, but the men considered only three hours'
standing nothing at all. The weather continued very hot.
The time was occupied quietly with comv)any drill in the
early morning, and then continual details. Knapsacks and
uniforms in part, with a change of underclothes, were dis-
tributed on the 2ist, making nearly a month since we had
a change of underwear.
We had moved our camp the day before about one hun-
dred yards, to a better location, and were hard at work all
day, grading and ditching, to keep the camp dry as possible
when a rain-storm set in. There were two companies in
line which were called a division, and between them and
the next line of two companies was a space, to assemble
for roll call or other duty. We built temporary arbors over
each division to screen the shelter tents from the sun, which
gave the camp a pleasant and inviting appearance. In fact,
not to be outdone by other regiments in this respect, under
the superintendence of Colonel W^arrcn, we succeeded in
making our camping-ground, all things considered, tlie most
inviting of any in the army, with one exception.
On Saturday, the 2 7tli, the division passed in review be-
fore General McClellan, and the following day the whole
corps was reviewed. Captain Cambrelling resigned on ac-
count of ill health. He was much beloved by all, and tlie
men felt that they had lost a good friend.
Flc had not an enemy in the regiment, and that fact is a
In^h testimony to his condnct as an ofticor antl a gentleman.
At this date there was only one of the origmal Ca[>taiiis,
witli the exception of our Lieutenant-Colonel, who entered
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258 Fifth N'eic York Volunteer Infantry.
at the organization of tlie regiment — Captain Winslow, and
only two or three of the original Lieutenants. The healih
of the army i:i;proved somewhat in the new encampment,
as we were not living in the miasmas of the swamps ; but
there were funerals every day, and the three rounds of
musketry told that the last ceremony was performed, and
another soldier had been mustered out of the service of his
country.
Lieutenant Fowler resigned, having been sick for some
time. Lieutenant-Colonel Duryea was on the sick-list, not
having been able to be on duty for several days, and Cap-
tain Winslow was in acting command of the regiment.
During one of the heaviest thunder-storms that we ever
witnessed, one of the regimental hospital tents blew down ;
in it were patients suffering with typhoid fever and other
complaints, who were too weak to help themselves, and
they were obliged to lie still until the tent could be ])ut up
again. There was great mortality in the hospital, and the
tents under the personal superintendence of ColonelWarren
were removed to higher ground further to the rear of the
camp, where the sick were in good condition and com-
fortable.
A lamentable mistake occurred in the loth Regiment.
A bottle containing sugar of lead and whisky, used as a
prescription by a member of the regiment to- bathe his
limbs, was left exposed. It caught the eye of three of the
men, who drank out of it, and one oi them died in conse-
quence. A new spring was discovered on the banks of the
creek, and a cracker-box was sunk, as a basin, to hold the
water. It was of service only during low tide, as it was
flooded when the water rose. The loathsome insects which
dropped down into the sj^riii--, front the bank above it, at
low water, were scooped away from the surface.
The general health of the men slowly improved with rest
and better diet. They fared well for soldiers, occasionally
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Harrison s Landing. 259
having a stew made from fresh beef, potatoes, and onions ;
sometimes cabbage, beets, and vinegar. For breakfast and
supper we had nothing but "hard-tack" and coftee ; occa-
sionally rice or stewed dried apples were served for supper.
These variations in our bill of fare were very gratifying to
the " Koys in Blue" as well as to the " IJoys in Red" in our
regiment.
The whole army was aroused at midnight on the ist of
August, by the thunder of very heavy cannonading in the
direction of the James River. At first it was supposed that
the Confederate rams had come down from Richmond and
attacked the gun-boats. For about an hour there was a
tremendous noise. The fire of the Union gun-boats could
be easily distinguished, by their loud reports dying away in
the distance with a long roll, like thunder. The reserve
artillery lying by the river also opened, and the enen)y's bat-
teries soon ceased their work. They had posted forty-one
guns under the command of Colonel W. N. Pendleton, at
Coggins' Point, on the other side of the river, and their fire
killed ten men and wounded fifteen, besides killing some
horses. The shell looked very grand going through the air,
as the night was extremely dark ; but the spectators would
have been just as well satisfied if they had not opened the
performance, as they did not know but that with the morn-
ing's light an attack would be made in front.
At this time two Corporals of Comixany T were retiuned
to duty from the hosjiital ; but the officer in command of
tlie company was convinced that they were not strong
enough to drill. On the second day thereafter, which was
the 25th of July, when their company came in from evening
parade, they found one of them lying dead in his tcin ; \\c
ii-ul breathed his last while they were out on i-arailf.
Oiie of tiie men saw an appaiitiun in the wood-> nuiving
along toward the crock, and not being suj)erstitious. ho
went over to make an investigation, and discovered one of
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26o Fifth Nczv York Volunteer Infimtry.
the hospital patients, who was deHrious with fever, making
his way to the water to drown himself. Besides the patients
in the catnp hospital, there were two hundred and tifty ab-
sent, sick and wounded. This left only a small number
able to perform the necessary duties, but it was noticeable
that at dinner-time there was a pretty large muster.
" Sunday, August lo. — The weather is now opjiressive,
and the steady heat, day after day, without rain or clouds, is
very trying in its effects on the troops.
" On Friday last several companies were detailed to cross
over to the south side of the James River to cut down trees
and work on the batteries. Men have been sent over every
day since the rebel bombardment of the shipping. After a
pleasant sail across the river on the steamer Z^//^^ Branch —
which reminded several of the men of a sail on this san)c
steamer in former years on a more auspicious occasion —
they set about their work, but could not continue it more
than three hours in the pine woods. The temperature was
over one hundred degrees, and some of them fainted. We
arrived at camp about 7 p.m., having suffered more from the
heat than at any time or place in all our experience."
On Monday, the nth, our knapsacks were sent away,
which was premonitory to us of an early movement. This
took place on Thursday, August 14th, when we left Harri-
son's Landing at 9 p.m., in our accoutrements, with a blanket
looped, tied at the ends and thrown over the shoulder ; we
did not see our knapsacks again for ten weeks. We marched
till midnight, and after resting about two hours at Charles
City Court-house, we resumed the march, crossing the Chick-
ahominy at Barrett's Ferry, near its mouth, over a pontoon
bridge nearly 1,000 feet in length. We limped into a biv-
ouac in the woods two nuics beyond the river, at the side
of the road, at 3 o'clock in tlie afternoon of the i;th. Th's
was one of the most trying marches the regiment had at one
stretch, being about thirty miles. The men tried to sing and
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'< . • ■ On the March to Manassas. 261
be cheerful, but toward the latter part of the march, the
fiitigue and strain had a very marked effect upon their tem-
pers, as they had not yet mounted their marching legs. On a
long march, when the men get tired out, they will move
along for half an hour, or longer, at times in perfect silence,
but let one of a company happen to stumble and only touch
the man next to him, then it seems as if bedlam is let loose.
He is asked if he is too lazy to hold himself up, and if he
wants to ride on somebody's back ? This brings a retort, and
in five minutes the whole company are likely to be engaged
in a " war of words," the formulae of which are not usually
found in dictionaries or works on military tactics.
While bivouacking here the men were startled by a shot,
just back of the spot where they were lying, and a cry of
*'Oh ! I'm shot !" but hearing notliing further, they went to
sleep again. The following morning, the i6th, we ascer-
tained that Corporal Frank Hyatt, of Company G, was
called by one of the pickets. He went to him and took
charge of a negro, who had been stoi)ped in an effort to pass
through the lines in the direction of Richmond. He was
bringing him in to the guard, when the negro shied off into
the woods. He was called back and warned not to try it
again ; but the messenger was determined to accomplish his
errand if possible, and a second time darted off on his way,
when Hyatt shot him dead. He had a carpet-bag contairw-
ing papers, which were delivered over to Colonel Warren.
It was supposed that he was conveying important informa-
tion to the enemy.
Marched at 6 a.m., and having reached a point about two
miles beyond Williamsburg, we bivouacked twelve miles dis-
tant from our resting-place the night previous. While pass-
ing through the town, a young woman called out that we were
going the wrong way. One of the men answered, he guessed
not. " Oh, yes, you are ! " " Why, what makes you think
so?" " I5ecause that aint the way to Richmond !" was the
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262 Fifth New York Vuluntccr Infafitry.
reply. He had to acknowledge that the young lady was
right.
Sunday, August 17th, about 6 a.-m. we renewed our march ;
passed through Yorktown, and bivouacked about eight miles
beyond at Smith's Mills, having traveled twenty miles. The
8th New York militia garrisoning the works at Y'orktown
had dinner and coftee prepared for the regiment, but Colonel
Warren refused to stop ; probably on account of orders to
reach a certain point. This refusal to accept the hospitality
of friends, after a long march under a burning sun, and over
dusty roads, provoked the ire of the men, and brought out
curses not loud, but deep. Monday, the i8th, we started at
5 A.M., and passed through Big Bethel to Newport News and
bivouacked, after a march of sixteen miles. We spent two
days at Newport News, where we saw the hulk of the frigate
Cumberland^ sunk by the Confederate ram Merrimac. \Ve
enjoyed the luxury of salt-water bathing in the James River,
and were joined by about 100 recruits. We left Newport
News on Wednesday, the 20th, about 6 p.m., on the steamer
Cahawba, for Aquia Creek. It rained all day on the 21st,
notwithstanding which everybody was cheeiful. After a
much crowded voyage, there being two regiments, the 5ih
and loth New York, packed on the steamer for forty-
two hours, we arrived on the 2 2d off Aquia Creek, and
were finally landed by a steam-tug in detachments. While
being ferried to the dock by the tug, some of the men found
their way to the storehouse and helped themselves, and were
supplied with sugar-cured ham enough to last a week. At
Aquia Creek we were put in baggage and on [)latform cars,
like so many cattle, some of the men sitting with their legs
dangling over the sides, there being no railings, while the
CL-ntcr of the platforms was crowded with men.
We reached l''almouth Statioii abvuit 11 f.m. on tlie 22J,
after a trip of an hour and a half, and the regiment went into
bivouac. While woitinc here a " Union " man came around
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'"' On tJtc March to Manassas. 263
with a wagon and a barrel of cider, which he was selling to
the rnen at five centjacup. Some iniscliievoiis fellows look
out the pin that fastened the front axle to the body of the
wagon, and on his starting, the fore wheels moved out, and
down came wagon, cider, and man, to the astonishment of the
latter.
On the 23d we inarched two miles, and halted near Fal-
njouth ; Sunday, the 24th, we started at 4 a.m. to Deep
Run, and bivouacked under arms after a inarch of ten miles ;
the 25th we reached Ellis Ford (four miles), and bivouacked
under arms; the 26th, left at 6 a.m., and after a march of
about ten miles, we joined the division about six miles trom
Bealton, and bivouacked under arms.
On Wednesday, the 27th, we moved at 4.30 a.m., and
niarched to Catlett's Station, twelve miles, and bivouacked
under arms. We resumed our march at 4 a.m. on Thurs-
day, the 28th, eleven miles to Bristoe Station, and bivouacked
under arms. As we approached this place, we saw numerous
ambulances, and wounded men were lying near a house un-
der the care of surgeons. Details were burying the dead
slain in an encounter between Hooker's division and
Ewell's forces that had taken place the day previous. Some
Confederates were lying dead alongside of the railroad
track in their gore ; also a number of their wounded were
lying about in the sun, and Colonel Warren ordered some of
the men to place boughs over them to shield them from its
burning rays. Two locomotives, their trains, and ihe bru];^'cs
had been destroyed by the enemy. We fell in line aiul
inarched at 7 a.m. on Friday, the 29th, and after moviPL; as
expeditiously as possible, halted at Afanassas Junction. The
destruction of property at this point was enormous ; large
numbers of locomotives wore ruined, and long trains of cars
\'>crc burnt, and daniagcd stores for tiie army wcrj !} iny
about in promiscuous heaps. x\fter marching and couuler-
uiarclung all the afternoon up and down a narrow road, lead-
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264 Fifth New York Volunteer Infa?itry.
ing through woods, looking for a fight — the men in a bad
humor at what to them looked like useless exercise — the regi-
ment drew up in line of battle in the afternoon on an ele-
vated position, from which the country could be seen at
intervals for a long distance. In front of us the ground
sloped off into a Uttle valley, and was cleared of timber.
The opposite heights were covered with dense woods. Gen-
eral Porter was observed at one time pacing backward and
forward over a little clearing a few yards from the road. A
battery stationed within a few yards of us fired about a dozen
shell into the distant timber, but there was no response ;
although from the reports of stray skirmishers the woods we're
supposed to mask an enemy ; if so, it would have been very
poor judgment for them to expose their position, as any
force marching to or through the woods could have been
taken at a great disadvantage. We heard heavy firing late in
the afternoon, apparently a few miles to our right, and it was
the general impression among the rank and file at the time that
an engagement was going on ; but as to the firing heard, it
was nothing unusual, as we had been accustomed to hearing
it in various directions for several days, and the common talk
had been that Jackson was in a bag, and all that remained to
to be done was to pull the string and secure him. Finally, after
having traveled over about twelve miles of ground since morn-
ing, we laid down at night on the side of the road and slept
under arms. There was no movement of the regiment during
the afternoon that could be misconstrued as a retreat.
The following will show the position of tiie forces under
General Longstrect at this time, as described by his own
pen :
New Orleans, L.\., Jii/y 30, 1870.
General F. J. Lippitt, Boston, Mass. :
The head of my column reached the field of the second Ma-
nassas about 1 1 o'clock A.M. on the 29th of August. The forces
wtre advanced and deployed as rapidly as possible, and I think
I J <c;. |(ji
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7 r.i u
.'■.J. On tJic March to Manassas. 265
that I was fully prepared for battle by i o'clock P.M There
were twelve brig-ades, Anderson's division of three brigades
coming up after dark on the 29th.*
Extract from a letter to the Philadelphia Weekly Times oi
Feb. 27^, 1S78, written by General Longstreet :
" . . . . When the head of my column reached that field it was
about 12 o'clock on the 2Qth. As we approached the field we
heard sounds of a heavy battle, which proved to be General Jack-
son very severely engaged uilh the enemy. As my column de-
ployed on the field, the enemy at once withdrew in good order,
however, and took up a strong position a little in the rear of where
the heaviest fighting had been going on. During the lull that
succeeded, General Lee rode up to where I was and told me that
he had deteniiined to attack the position taken by the enemy, and
indicated his purpose to have me open the fight. Aly men were
then arranged for battle, but I asked General Lee to withhold the
order for attack until I had made a careful reconnoissance and de-
termined exactly how the troops had best be handled. He con-
sented, of course, to this, and I went forward to make the recon-
noissance. After a careful examination of the ground I rode l>ack
to General Lee, and reported that the position was very strong
and the prospects hardly such as to warrant the heavy sacrifice
of life that a serious attack would involve. General Lee was not
satisfied, however, but seemed disposed to insist upon an attack.
He began to suggest moves by which an advantageous assault
might be made. Before the question was at all decided a dis-
patch was received from General Stuart, giving us notice that a
very strong column was moving up against my right. General
Lee ordered me at once to reinforce that part of my line and bo
ready to repel the attack. I ordered the reinforcing column to
the march, and rode out rapidly in advance that I might see pre-
cisely what was needed. The threatening column proved to '•■■
O !r:ral Filz J^i':n Forfar's coiniiuvtd. Afier spring it 1 report- d
AtLinilc M.'nthly for September. 1S7S. Tope's "Vlr-liiia C.impai..;i;
ter"s psrt in it, by Francis J. I.iiniitt. Letter from (jcneral Lon«;street.
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266 Fifth Nczv York Volunteer Lifantry.
back to General Lee that it was too lig^ht a column, in my opinion,
to mean a real attack. This presumption was correct, and the
advance soon halted, and then withdrew. General Lee then re-
called the question of an immediate attack u[)on the main [)osi-
tion of the Federals. I was thoroughly convinced that the position
was too strong to be taken without \er\' severe loss, and I sug-
gested to General Lee that the attack be postponed, and that
we make a forced reconnoissance just at nightfall, and that we
could then prepare to attack at daylight, if it seemed advisable,
after thorough investigation, to make the attack at all. He con-
sented very readily to this, and I left him to prepare for the forced
reconnoissance. The reconnoissance was successfully made at
nightfall. During the night several of my Brigadiers came in,
and they all agreed in reporting the position ver>- strong. At about
midnight Generals Hood and Evans, and possibly one or tv.o
others, came to my headquarters and made similar reports, ex-
pressing apprehensions as to the result of the attack. Evervthing
developed by this closer reconnoissa'-.ce v/ent to confirm the im-
pression made upon me by my reconnoissance during the day. 1
therefore determined not to make the attack, and ordered my
troops back to the original line of battle."
On the other hand, in referring to General Porter's con-
duct on the 29th, General Pope says, in his official report,
dated at New York, January 27, 1S63 :
" .... I do not hesitate to say that if he had discharged lii^
duty as became a soldier under the circumstances, and had nu'.'li'
a vigorous attack on the enemy, as he was expected and clirccttd
to do, at any time up to S o'clock that night, wc should have ut-
terly crushed or captured the larger portion of Jackson's force bi-
fore he could have bet:n, by any possibility, sufficiently reinforoiu
to have made any effective resistance.
". . . . I believe — in fact, I am positive — that at 5 o'clock in
the afternoon of the 29th, General Porter Imd in his front no f^n-
siderable body of the enemy.
" I believed then, as I am very sure now, that it was ea>i'y
practicable for him to have turned the right tiank of Jackson, arui
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On the March to Manassas. 267
to have fallen upon his rear ; that if he had done so. we should
have g-ained a decisive victory over the army under Jackscn
before he could have been joined by any of the forces of Long-
street "
It is an undoubted fact that General Pope was unaware
that Lcngstreet had arrived on the field, and expected Gen-
eral Porter to advance and attack Jackson, who was opposed
to himself, on his right and rear. Jackson's right was within
a few miles of Porter at tliis time, and it is alleged that the
latter did not receive General Pope's order to make the at-
tack until it was too late in the day to obey it. Also we
have seen by the testimony of General Longstreet himself,
that if Porter had advanced, he would have encountered his
overwhelming forces, which had made a junction with Jack-
son's right, and as he (Longstreet) testifies before the board
of officers appointed for the rehearing of the court-martial
proceedings against General Porter : " In view of the impen-
etrable woods, it would have been very hazardous for
General Porter to take his command around the road to
Groveton, and if he had attempted it his force woukl have
been broken up. General Porter's position checked the
forces of the witness till it was too late ; if General Porter
had attacked that day any time after 13 o'clock, the forces
of witness would have annihilated him, for the Federal lines
were then too much e.xtended and disjointed."
General Porter's infantry force this day and the following
one consisted of but twenty-four skeleton regiments. Griffin's
l-rigade not being present. These regiments, although nom-
•nally composing five brigades, only made in reality, as com-
pared to the enemy's similar organizations, four and one-
^ilf; as Warren'^: brigade of two rcginicnt>=; was >nial!cr by
'■!'C-half than any brigade in ihe Confederate army. On th.;
t*tlier hand, General I..ongsticet's infantry force thai he men-
tions as being present on the at"ternoon of the 29th, was
■..cil Ij:j/1 ^j.'.'r. lO 'P ;'( i^i-) -liJ
• ■..ty,.
268 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
twelve brigades, to which were added, by the arrival of An-
derson's division during the night, three more, making in all
an infantry force of sixty-five regiments. Jackson had uiuk-r
him at this time only about fifty regiments, while, on th'j
other hand, General Pope had in hand, exclusive of Porter,
about one hundred.
' : CHAPTER XII.
SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN.
The Field— Distribution of ForcES— The Henry House— Position- of thr
Fifth — Generals Jackson and Longstreet — The Fifth Engaged —
Fearfcl Slaughter— Allison, the Color-Bearer, Killed— Annihilation
OF our O.lor Compawy— Bald Ridgk- The Tfxans-" Don't let them
take my Flag !"— Overpowering Numbers— " Let there be no Falter-
ing IN this Line ' "—A Zouave Targeted- A Roi-t- A Terrible Sce.ve
—The Remnant of our Regiment after the Battle— Colonel War-
ren's Report— General Pope's Revort— Personal SKETcnts and Inci-
dents — Spellman — Chambers — ^rcDo^vELL— Wilson— Hager — Sapher—
Humanity— Stonewall Jackson— Jamf^ Cathev— A Str.\ngk Coincidence
—a Rifle Shot— James Patterson— Pollard's TESTnioNV- Bullwinkle
—Sturgess—Tyndall—Strachan— Huntsman-— A Walk among the Graves
-Faulk's Letter — Confederate Testimony — March to Fairfax-
McDowell's Bkothek— General McClellan's Return to the Command
—Near Frederick City.
Ox the morning of Saturday, August 30th, the men of the
Fifth arose from their bivouac and took up- their Hne of
march to the rear and right, 7-ia. the Gainesville and Sudley
Springs roads, to the scene of the previous day's engagement
of General Pope's forces, which took place near \ranassas
Plains, and known by the name of the battle of Groveton.
As the regiment marched toward the front, they passed by a
large number of troops who had bivouacked in the fields each
side of the roads (among whom was rccogni/ed Km^'s
division), many of whom cheered our regiment as they
niarched by them ; and they noticed that the cannon wore
begrimed with powder, as if they had been recentl)- in use,
\vhile the soldiers wore that general look of weariness and
ias>uude which is tiie hal)itual and natural reaction fro;ii the
CAcUement oi baltic. As they neared tiie hunt, they met
many details of men carrying off the wouniled and tlead ui
the previous day's fight. Among them were recognized the
(_'6n)
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1 • .•.: o* i' ,
270 Fiftli Nczu York Vohmtccr Infantry.
uniform of the Brooklyn 14th, some of whom were lying on
a hill in sight at the front. Our brigade (the 5th and loth
New York) took a position well to the front, on the borders
of a hill running up in front of them. The Warrenton turn-
pike, at the point where the engagement took place, known
as the Second Bull Run, or Afanassas Plains, intersected the
Union lines at their center, and ran in a westerly direction.
It was the great highway, in this immediate vicinity, by wliich
the army must advance, or, if defeated, retreat, as it led in
their rear over Bull Run Creek across a stone bridge, the
river being difficult to ford, and die banks on each side quite
steep, "As the road approaches the battlf-field. going west,
it goes up the valley of a little rivulet of Young's Branch,
and through the battle-field is mostly close to the stream.
The ground rises from the stream on both sides ; in souie
places, quite into hills. The Sudley Springs road, in cross-
ing the spring at right angles, passes directly over one of
these hills, just south of the Warrenton pike, and this hill
has on it a detached road, with fields stretching back away
from it some hundreds of yards to the forest. This is the
hill on which the Henry House stood," which was the key
to the Union position, particularly in case of a retreat.
If the enemy could gain possession of it, the result would
be disastrous to the Union forces, as it would drive them
from access to the turnpike. To the west of this hill was the
Bald Hill, so called ; between the two hills was a suiali
stream, a tributary of Young's Branch.
The Confederate line of battle was in the shape of an
'•obtuse crescent," at least five miles long, the apex of the
crescent con\'exity toward the west. Jackson was on tiif
Confederate left, his extreme right about one-fourth of a
mile from th,- W'arrcnt.'ii turnpike; l.un^strcel s comma;:':-
fifteen brigades, extended I'rom a point north of the tumi'ikc
near Jackson's right, far to the right beyond the line of M;^-
nassas Gap Railroad. In the interval, to the rear, between
CJi ?
KM H':-.\l Jlr-i.'-O Vffj"'-
''111 H- <:<!] ': JlO) ■;('! OI -!/■ ( :■■ J^-'>f;;.l ifnVJril . lOoj
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{.•<.•: ^:.m;|_ .U j-ft '' ;iv.7/f:!
Second Battle of Bull Run 271
Jackson's right and I,ongstreet's left, the Confederate artil-
lery was placed, eight batteries, on coninianding elevations
behind a ridge ; front of it was open ground between two
forests, which stretched on each side of tiie Warrenton turn-
pike, the s[)ace between opening like the letter V, and about
half a mile between theni. At the apex facing the open
ground the Confederate artillery was placed.
General Pope's army, comprising, besides batteries, at
least one hundred and forty skeleton regiments of infantry,
was in the following position :
General Heintzelaian (3d cori^s) was on the extreme right
of the Union forces; General AfcDowell (1st corps) on the
extreme left ; Fitz John Porter, Sigel's corps, and a divibion
of Burnside's corps (Reno's) were placed in the center north
of the pike. Porter's corp.s, composed of less than two di-
visions, Morell's (Griffin's brigade not being present) was
on the left center, pushed forward in the concave crescent,
facing west, and on the north side of the pike, with two
brigades (Sykes' regulars), their left resting on the Warren-
ton i)ike ; Morell's tvvo brigades, Butterfield's and Martin-
dale's, were on the right of the regulars ; Warren's brigade
was held in reserve, with the batteries of \Veed, Smead, and
RandolL Reynolds' division of Pennsylvania reserves was
on the left, or south of the pike.
As Warren's brigade remaiiied in this position, batteries
posted on the left and the right of them were throwing their
shot and shell in the direction of the enemy. They returned
the fire, and their shot and shell came whi/zing about us,
sometimes compelling the men to lie down. While this was
transpiring they made their little fires and boiled coffee \w
their tin cups, which was their princip.al nourishment during
fix-ir long and tedious marches. Alter Iviiig in this position
>^'inc time, they were advanced to the top of the hill in fiont,
s>"Pportirrg a battery wliich still kept up a raj)id fire on ihe
:up .'lag.-'
S.i / , l";C'i -U-fyi
2/2 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
enemy. The regulars were now further to the right, sup-
porting batteries.
General l*oiter having received orders from General Pope
to attack Jackson, on the supposition that he was retreating
from his position, ordered General Butterfield to attack. Wiiile
ht: was n^aking his preparations to do so, General Reynolds,
who held the left of the line, withdrew, by orders, two of his
brigades (Meade's and Seymour's) to a ppsition in the rear,
nearer the pike. It was. at this juncture that Warren, seeing
the wide gap on the left tlank of Porter, leaving tlie ap-
proaches to the turnpike open and exposed, advanced his
little brigade, about one thousand strong, to occupy the po-
sition, and also to protect Hazlitt's battery, whicli had been
ordered to the left and was without support. The brigade,
accordingly, was marched to a hill on the left, and in ad-
vance of the former jiosition.*
While marching up the slope of this hill they met a stray
skirmisher, belonging to Reynolds' division, who was una-
ware that his division had moved ; he came from the wood
in front, and as he passed on to the rear, he reported that
the enemy were advancing in force. A battery was posted
* General Sykcs* Report, " Pope's Campciij^ " (No. 35, p. 146^ : " The rennsyl-
vania reser\'f'^, under Genenl Reynoids, Jind been posted on my left, south of the
Warrenton pike. Just previous to the attack these troops were withdrawn, leaving
my left flank entirely iinovered, and the Warrenton rond open. Colonel Warron,
5th New York Volunteers, commandinij my 3d briij.ide, seeing the paramount ne-
cessity of holdin;; this point, threw himself there with his britjade, the remnants if
two regiments, and endeavored to fill the gap crettcdby the remo.alof Reynolds "
Swintoii (p. i9ot : "General Reynolds' division was detached from the left of
Porter by McDowell, and. with a portion of Rickctt's division. pK-jcod sc as to clieck
a flank maneuver that menaced to seize the Warrenton turnpike, which wa-. the
line cf retreat of the whole army. Some other troops shotdd have been taken
rather than remove Reynold, from that position. Rut the detachment of Reynolds
from Porter's lo.''t fur that purpose, had an unfortunate result ; for it exposed the
key-point of Porter's line.
"Colonel O. K. Warren, whi5 thci coTT.ni.^r.dod one of I'ortcr's br:^.-ides. vejir.ir
the imniii-.c:ice of '.be d,in.;cr, at oii.:c, and without waiting fi;r orders, moved i- .'-
ward \wlh his .Mar.il, but brave brig;idc of about one thousand men, and otcuiM'-d
the important position abandoned by Reynolds," etc.
-1.'. <^_/'-' ^li J.' .V.T-TO
■■A -XM^'l ■_■ ((■■:^'i
I : 'ii ;w;k ,1.' •:
(Kru-.,;' :„i ..
Sc ond Battle of Bull Run. 273
on the right of the brigade, and a Httle to the rear, and con-
tinued its fire o\cr the open s[)ace, between tlie woods be-
fore mentioned, on the enemy's batteries beyond.
This new move of Warren's placed the brigade on the
south side of the turnpike, which was on his right, and some
distance from it, to the extreme left of our assauhing col-
umns. On a hill to the rear, commonly called Bald Hill
or Ridge, about twelve hundred feet away, was CoUiiel
Mcl.ean, commanding a brigade, consisting of four regi-
ments and a battery of four guns, and in his viciniiv was
Colonel Anderson, in command of Jackson's brigade, Rey-
nolds' division, composed of four regiments and a battery.
The 5th Regiment was drawn up facing a wood which
ran down near their position to a distance of from thiitv to
ten feet, and again to the rear on the left ran along at nearly
right angles. . Company I, on the lel't, were mostl\ in the
wood ; a little to the right of the regiment was the boimdary
of the timber land, and then came the ojien space stretcliing
back some distance, and also across to the wood on the
north side of the pike.
Directly to the rear was an open field, which. sloped down
to a brook, the banks of which were quite steep. The
water varied in depth from one to six or eight feet, and
was skirted by some light timber on the other side of the
stream ; then came Bald Hill or Rulge, on the slopes of
which was scattered a scant growth of bushes.
Six companies of the loth New York were posted in tlie
woods, in front of the left wing of the regiment. The re-
njaining four companies were sent out as skii nii:,hcrs.
About this lime Butterfield, on the north side of the pike.
having made his arrangements, moved toward the eiiemv
with his own .uid .Martindale's brigade, uf .Mniell's <iivi-.j.,.i;.
and attacked them wi'h great >i.iiit, supi'Drted by.->\ke>'
regulars ; but instead of being on the retreat, the enemv
were strongly posted in an old railroad cut, which shielded
I 2 '•-
'.■ .^ri;::."i.:
;IT /[■yj)i -.iiiip oi:>v/ ;!ui!./ 'o i-Av^C -nv' o'O J --J
2/4 Fifth Neiu York Volunteer Infantry.
them to a great extent from his fire ; and although he main-
tained himself with great gallantry for some time, aided bv
the regulars, and made three assaults, lie was finally obliged
to retire, suftering a loss of one-third of his command. At
the most critical moment of this attack, the Confederates
on the left, under Longstreet, who had been 'masked, biding
their time, opened a heavy fire of shot and shell from a bat-
tery posted on a commanding eminence, which enfiladed his
line, and which decided the contest, so far as his attack was
concerned.*
As we have seen, nearly all of Longstreet's command,
lying in concealment, was south of the pike, facing the left
wing and tlank of the Union troojjs ; and, according to Con-
federate reports, the general disposition of their troops was
as follows: Law's brigade, of Hood's command, four regi-
ments, was on the north side of the pike, his right resting
on the pike. During the subsequent charge it crossed over
to the south of the pike and joined Hood's Own brigade.
Hood's Own, composed of the ist, 4th, and 5th Texas, iSth
Qeorgia, and the Hampton Legion, was lying south of the
pike, its left a short distance from it ; and Plans' brigade,
under the command of Colonel P. F. Stevens, was a little in
the rear, with the left resting on the pike and in support of
Hood. These three brigades were closely supported bv
Anderson's division of three brigades. On the right of
Hood were the divisions of Kemper and Jones, three brig-
ades each. The remaining three brigades were advantage-
ously placed, and also took 'part in the action.
At the decisive moment of the repulse of the attack by
Porter's troops on Jackson's right and center, Longstreet's
phalanx counnenced its terrible charge, under cover of a
* rolbrJ's History (p. 463) : " TIio liir,iiury .ittacUcd J^ickson, who^e men were
coiicciletl behind .\n excavation on the railroad, two crack corps of the Fetler.il
army, Svke>' and M..re!l's, but it wx^ not in h.iman nature to -tand unfli.iciiumly
before tJKit h.iirric.ine of firo."
;Hi ,>,;/•, r
Second Battle of Bull Run. 275
heavy fire from all his batteries posted on the comnmndin:;
ridges on his right and rear, and which played over the heads
of the charging columns. This charge was only checked at
night, after nearly all our whole army, and many batteries,
had been engaged. The first to meet it was Warren's little
brigade, which happened, by the exigencies of war, to be oc-
cupying the position of a forlorn hope* being pitted against
overwhelming numbers, and obliged to hold on to the last to
enable the rest of Porter's corps to withdraw from Jackson's
front.
The enemy had kept so quiet on the left, that it struck the
men that either some mischief was brewing, or that they were
retreating. A few riile-balls had struck the ground a little
while previous, pretty well spent. It looked njysterious, as
not a Confederate was to be seen. It was not long before
some shots were heard close in front, fired rapidly. A body
of the Tenth came in all in a huddle, excited and somewhat
demoralized, breaking through the lines of the Fifth, on their
left, and cried out that the et^emy had come out of the
ground, as it were, and were coming on in heavy force, and
were right on top of them and on the llank. An order was
given by Colonel Warren to change position, but the thoughts
of the men were so intensely engrossed on the movements
of the enemy, that their principal anxiety was for the 'i'enth
to get out of their way as soon as possible, so that they couM
make tlieir fire tell, and get to close quarters ; they pretended
not to hear any orders, or did not wish to com[)rehend them.
The balls began to lly like hail from the woods, and the
Texans ware yelling like fiends ; their fire directly increasing
into one unceasing rattle, the air was full of deadly missiles ;
• Poll.ird (p. 4^.) : " la the pi?autime, J.ickson's left hail ni'.vanc-J r.iorc r ,t ■ ilv
ll>.m the rig'ct, rmd wen; pressing tlie federals back toward the turnpike. It "..i?
now the opportunity fur Loiigstrect to attack the exposed left Hank of tlie enemy ia
front of it."
I^c's R'-port : " Iluod'i two brlgudcs, followed by Evans, led the attack."
A l\xv<\ \- ^\-Av-n \uw-,Z
••'■■5". ,-,■ ■■ ' ".
1 -■'.:;;'' ,i .. . ■ > ' :-f(r;i /;n<l " inV/'
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• ,if;3' ' ' '>
I
2/6 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
it was a continual hiss and slack, the last sound telling that
the bullet had gone into some man's body. On account of
the companies of the Tenth who were in front of the left
wing, and who had not all got away from their front, the
Fifth returned the fire with difficulty, and that only by
obliquing their aim, but Company I, on the extreme left, with
their Sharp's rifles, and G Company, were doing well, and
could not fail to bring their man every time, they were so
close.
The Tenth having thus been surprised by overwhelming
numbers, without any warning, were forced to fall back to
save themselves from annihilation or capture. Themajority
of them passed through the right and center of the Fifth 5
but before they could extricate themselves from their perilous
position they suffered a loss in a few short minutes, killed,
wounded, and missing, of one hundred and fifteen. Owing
to the very heavy fire, and being somewhat scattered in
breaking out of the woods, it was impossible for them to
rally and re-form on that ij^rt of the field. But no blame
should be attached to them for retiring, as no regiment in
the service would have hesitated to do the same, under sim-
ilar circumstances ; moreover, they would have received the
fire of the Fifth if they had not fallen back.
But notwithstanding the desperate situation, which was
enough to deinoralize almost any regiment, particularly un-
der the heavy tire they were receiving, and their own men
falling like autumn leaves, not an able man- in the Fifth left
the raiiks, and the regiment stood as firm as a stone wall.
In fact, they had so much i>ride in their organization, and
were so well disciplined, that they did not require any offi-
cers to urge them on.
About tins time Sergeant Andrew 1'. Allison, formerly a
soldier of the IJritish army, who carried the United States
flag, received a ball through his wrist, and gave the Hag to
one of the color Corporals, but immediately took it again.
,-■'.'■>'•■ ■>"',^\ ■' ^^■, V.O. " '' 'A^U ^y,'tf, -MyyX
1 -r
!.. '■,; \ii.; ton hi,; o
:■. .'»>. : .K -^rl
Second Battle of Bull Run. 277
and fell shot through the heart, the colors falHng with him.*
They were immediately raised again, and how many took them
during the seven minutes that the regiment stood alone, to be
t^laughtered, and before they were brouglit off the field, will
never be known. Lucien B. Swain, of Company K, was the
brave hero who brought them oft", holding them on high, but
was wounded in the attempt, and went to the hospital, where
he remained until mustered out. The Hag came to the regi-
ment the next day. Around the colors nearly all were cut
down ; it looked like a slaughter pen. Four of the color
guard besides Allison were lying dead ; two others of the
eight were wounded, and the color Company K was almost
wiped out ; the men kept closing up toward them, trying to
fill up the gaps, but it was in vain ; they were swept down as
if mown by a scythe. Sergeant Francis Si)ellman, of Com-
pany G, who carried the reginiental flag, was bleeding at
every pore, yet regardless of pain or his own life, still clung
to his tlag.
All along the line the fire was murderous ; the enemy were
on the front and flanks, and were pouring in a terrible cross
fire on the men, and were endeavoring to surround and take
prisoners the remnant of the regiment. Captain Winslow. in
command of the regiment, who v.-as acting nobly, fell wiili
his horse, which had received seven v.ounds, but fortunately
the brave Winslow was spared. Cai)tain Lewis, of Company
D, acting as field officer, who a few moments b<iore had
been begged by his men to dismount, fell from his horse.
dead, while one foot was still in the stirrup, and his liotly was
being dragged over the field. Lieutenant Wright, of tlie same
company, its only remaining officer, had rcceivctl his moit.d
wound. Adjutant Fred Sovereign and Captain H.ig^T, of
Company F", and its only remaining olhccr. were botii eUad.
* It is to be reiircttecl thut a likcnes-i of Ser^e.int Allison could nut have luen
preserved in this work, as he was equally deserving as Spellman. lUit .ill elTorts
I'j olitain his photograph were futile.
t:
.r. Ir.
,1
cc- ilVVS-
Jl., M*wU. 1»
i.;;;;iiivi (It
2/8 Fifth A'fz:' York Volunteer Infantry.
Lieutrnitit Martin, of Company G, and its only officer, was
wounded in the leij, but scorned to leave his coniaiand.
Lieutenant Raymond, of Company H, wounded, and with
Captain McConnell, the remaining officer, soon to become
prisiMKTS. Captain }5oyd, of Company A, wounded, and
soon to become a prisoner. Lieutenant Keyser, the re-
maining officer of the company, wounded and left the field.
Captain Montgomery, of Company I, also soon to become
a prisoner, and Lieutenant Hoffinan, the remaining officer
of the company, suffering from three wounds. The forego-
ing include, with Colonel Warren and one other officer, all
the officers that were present with the regiment. Colonel
Warren still stood by the regiment which he had cherished
with so much care, and was not the man to forsake his troops
in tlie liour of need, although he would have been justified
in doing so, as he was only exposing his life to no purpose,
before as murderous a fire as ever fell to the lot of soldiers
to endure. It was not in his power to aid them, and he was
forced to look on and see the flower of his regiment swept
away. Nearly all of -the new recruits who had just joined
had fallen, and the remainder broke out to the rear. Some
of the non-commissioned officers at first attempted to shove
them in again, until Sergeant Forbes sung out: '• Let theni
go ! let them go ! " and the men were receiving deadly vol-
leys frnni an unseen enemy on -their left and rear, at close
quarters, as well as on their front, into their faces, from
Hood's brave, but ragged, barefooted, half-starved Texans,
who now swarmed in their front within twenty paces, yelling
like hrnd-^. Had the l-'ifth not been overwhelmed by such
vastly disi)roporti()nate numbers, they would have -hown
them a tiick with the bayonet which they did not uiider-
s\xn I. 0,ir men \\m\ siieh confidrnce in themselves tVoni
Ih.e ii-id training in the jiractical use of the I.ayonet, first in-
troduced, b) Colunel Warren, and such pride in the honor oi
Second Battle of Bull Run. 279
their regiment, that it never entered into their heads that
any force could drive them, nor could they have been forced.
except under the circumstances in which they were placed.
Here was a regiment of 490 men standing alone, without sup-
port, against two choice brigades of Confederate troops, meet-
ing the tirst onset of Longstreet's famous charge, that drove
several divisions of our army before it was finally checked
on Henry House Hill by Sykes' regulars, who were the bul-
wark of the army on many a field. They belonged to the
Fifth corps, General Fitz John Porter, who had saved the
Army of the Potomac by his skill and obstinacy in fighting
at the battle of Gaines' Mill. His military sagacity had
saved his corps from useless slaughter, and perhaps annihi-
lation, on the afternoon of the 29th, only to be ordered for-
ward the next day, without support, to be slaughtered, while
the efforts of the innocent victims were treated by those re-
sponsible with slight and dis[)aragement. If General Porter
committed a fault on the 29-th, who was responsible for the
disaster of the 30th, when a small force was ordered to attack
an enemy supposed to be retreating, while an immense re-
serve was held back in the rear at a safe distance ?
It now became apparent that the only hope of saving a
man was to tly and run the gauntlet, for in three minutes
more there would not have been a man standing. The only
alternative was to tly or to surrender. Put the men of the
Fifth did not understand the latter movement ; they had
never been taught it by their officers. All hope having van-
ished, and being without officers, the remnant of the once
proud regiment broke and ran for their lives. They were
nearly annihilated, but not conquered or disgraced, and boie
away with them all of their fiags, and many of their wountictl.
'I'ii>:ir heroic stand had- not been in vain. Hut tei field on th ■
ri^nt had been enabled to withdraw, as well as ila/hn's
battery, which the regiment was supporting. '"'The latter
Vv ■^\\\<!.'i\ V.u-sv.?.
':,< i . .1.!.:? ;^ ■■ -:
V. y.tn/.
28o Fifth N'eiu York Volunteer Infantry.
had greatly impeded the enemy's movements on our right
by an enfilading fire."*
As soon as Colonel W^irren saw that his men were tiyin^'
to save themselves, wliich he had ordered them to do before,
he put spurs to his horse and escaped by dashing down tlie
slope and jumi^ing him over tlie brook at the foot of the hiil,
but turned again as soon as over to meet his men.
When the remnant of the regiment turned toward the rear,
the enemy were coming on in a long line without a break,
and were not over twenty feet distant, witli others pouring
out of the woods that ran along on the left and rear of their
position. It was ascertained afterward from wounded men
left on the field, and who subsequently returned to the
regiment, that they were followed closely by a second and
third line. On the right toward the turnpike was another
long line of Confederates, led on by their officers. But here
and there were some of the Fifth who scorned to turn their
backs or to surrender, and fought to the last. They were
all shot down.
The Confederates came charging on, a division snong.
with yells and cheers for Jelf. Davis and the Soiuiicrii
Confederacy, and giving vent to all kinds of proflane and ob-
scene epithets. x\.ll this time they were ])ouring in their
deadly fire at short range, picking out their victims as they
ran down the slope to the brook ; men were tailing on ail
sides, canteens were struck and tiying to pieces, haversacks
cut off, rifles knocked to pieces, and still the enemy came on
and swept everything before them.
Alluding to General }5utterfield's attack, General Sykes
says :
"The enemy seeing its failure, and that our weak point lay oii
my left in front of Warren, !)oured upon his liule conunaivi.
« A. H, G.i-;rus'-y ;,iy-, in " Hnrper's Pictonal History of the W.ir " : " WnrriiN
desperate st.-ind had not, however, been unavailing. To all seeminj:, it saxfi i"=
defeat fruni bccomiiiir a rout. '
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Second Battle of Bull Run. 281
under cover of the forest, a mass of infantry that enveloped —
almost destroyed — him, and completely pierced our line."*
Captain Smead, a regular officer and a graduate of West
Point, who commanded one of the batteries, was killed.
Hazlitt's battery, which the regiment was supporting, and
which the enemy expected to capture, was saved while our
men were standing, receiving their fire ; but the artillerists
suffered severely.
There were about ten men of Company H who were
among the last to fall back, among whom was Sergeant Wil-
liam H. Chambers, formerly a soldier of the British army and
of the Crimean war. He saw Color-Sergeant Spellman (Regi-
mental), while coming off th' field, very badly hurt, with one
of his hands pressed to his side, his body turned half around,
with his face looking toward the rapidly-approaching enemy,
who, with vile epithets, were calling upon him to surrender.
With the other hand he was holding up his flag, and lo(jking
the very picture of distress. When Spellman saw him. he
called out, " Chambers / For GocT s scke don't let them take
"lyjlagl" and to use the words of Ch.ambers himself (who,
* Sw-inton (p. igi) : " Warren occupying the important point he had sei/ed, held
on stoutly and against a fearful loss till all the rest of Porter's tro.>ps had been roiircJ,
and only withdrew when the enemy had advanced so close as to fire in the very faces
of his men."
Compte de Paris (p. 2^7): "There remained only about i,oco men. Warren's
brigade, to form the left. The youn^ chief of thi> bri.:.ide, with that war instinct
for which he was always distinguished, had not waited fororder-. to place himself it
the most important point of the line, which Reynolds had stripped by nuAin;:
toviard Bald Hill. In this position when Porter made his great attack, Warren liad
stuhb'vrnly covered the left tlaak of his chief. I!ut the reverse sust.iii'.cd by the
tatter I billed him to fdl back with the remainder of the corps."
Pollard (,p. 461): " Hood's bri;4.-ide charged ne.\t the turnpike. In its tr.ick it nut
Sickles' Kxcelsior brigade, aud almost annihilated it. The ground was piled with
thcshdn."*— [* He is i:i error; it wa-. Warren's brigad.-. SIc'kIcs" 'Drigrle w.is
composed of five regiments — in Hooker's division of Heintzelinan's corps. wlifcU
h'-ld i!-,e extreme rij;ht at leiut two miles from Warren, who was fn the cxtrciU'j loft.
>-c Pope's Campiugris, Utint/clman's Report (p. 56) : " General Hooker's divisKii
now advanced into the woods near our right, and drove the enemy back a short
dial ince," etc.]
Vl«^:^^<L
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282 Fifth New York ]' luriteer In fa,! try.
as all of the oKl mc^1bel^ of ihe Fiftli know, was a brave
man and couli] appicciiite a brave deed), he replied: "/
7i'on!t if lean J'clp it." and l>r(iu'j;lit it off safe, but, as he says,
" It was the narrowest escape 1 ever ha/; in my life." He
had been a soldier all liis life ; wlien he enlisted his i^rofession
was recorded as that of a ^ol.iier. Chambois yet bears the
scars on his face and bod\' where he was scratched by the
bullets of the enemy. Fla\e Carr was the only Color-Cor-
poral that came off the hel.'. After the loen crossed the
brook they saw a few regiments in a kneeling position, and
farther back a battery, but tliey were, from appearances,
beginning to receive a dericiiy fre/"'
In fact, there was little io stop Longstreet. who was per-
forming one of those flank movements for whicli the Con-
federates were ever famous, aiicl had force enough to walk
over the few troops that were ready to oppose him.t
The men of the Fit'th l;ept on after they got across the
brook, but the bullets fo'iov.cd :i3 they went. Many of them
• "Pope's Campaigns " (Report No. 13, p. 101) : " Coljnel N-. C. McLean, com-
manding 2d brigade, i^t division, Sig-.rs corps, four rcijiiaeiits of infanlry and a
battery, occupied the Bald Hill. ' I c<ukl, by this time, see the enemy advancing
on ray front and a little to the right, diivin.^ before them a re,:;imc; it of Zouaves
They came on rapidly, when som^ tfji.i- advanced to meet ihei:! from behind a hill
on my right ; the-.o tr j>ops were also d::-.-en back in CMiifii^ion,' etc. After fighting
hard a short time, the enemy were on bis flanks and rear, and he was compelled to
fall back.-
Colonel Andcr;on. commanding Jac'.on's brigade of Reynold-.' division, four
regiments, and a battery of four gun^, ij tb.e right and in advance of McLean, w.is
overwhelmed, and lost hi.s batter^-. S.-vr,-,: other regiments were also driven.
tMcDoweir^ kcpirt (Xo. ?, p. -.1 : '•'i'Sie attack ..n the \'.A,\ Mid^'c line h.aJ
been too severe f-r the tmnps to h.lt' it in;.: under the b'>'. fire the enemy main-
tained upon it. Jackson's brigade, or Reynolds' division ; McLean's, ofSchenck'-..
and Towers' two brigades, of Rick-jc's division, were, after heavy Ifjsscs, little by
litiie compelled to yield it. Genera! ^ '.icn.k and Tower receiving scserc wounds."
Pollard (p. ^fy2\ : '" Hood has alrea!;,' ad-, anced his division nearly half amilc at a
doa'.'le-in'.ick. the Te.vans, tleor-i^:'-;, ,ind Hampton's L-./; .m lo.T.iinc; and firing as
they run. yelling all the while lik- in:x.!:r.:n."
'• The dill W.1S almo.st do.Uoning, the I.tavy notes of the arlilkry, at first deliberate,
but gradually increasing in their rapidity, mingled witli the sh up treble uf the sm.ill
arms, give one an idea of some diabulro.al concert in which all the furies of licll were
at work."
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*• ■ Second Battle of Bull Run. 283
now endeavored to assist their wounded comrades who had
succeeded in getting thus far.
The remnant of the regiment rallied on Buchanan's brig-
ade, in the rear of the plateau of Henry House Hill, where
they found their regimental flag, the staff of which was planted
in the ground by Chambers, who was standing on guard at
its side, with Colonel Warren, who was dismounted, his horse
having been disabled from wounds. The Colonel formed the
men in line as they came up, but there were only about si.vty
of them that got together. The renjainder were mostly en-
gaged in assisting the wounded to the rear. They were joined
by lost members of other organizations, and Colonel Warren
took command of them again, saying every {^\v moments, as
the shell and bullets came over their heads, " Don't dodge,
men ! don't dodge ! " They were glad to see their colors
safe, with the remnant of stout Iiearts yet left, rallying
around them. There were a few of the Tenth wliom Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Marshall was exhorting and encouraging,
with tears in his eyes, to be brave and resolute, come what
This stand was made on one of the camp-grounds, and as
a proof of the rapid advance made by the enemy, tlie cam[)-
kettles were boiling over the tires. Lest the meat therein
nu'ght be wasted, a {<t\s of the Zouaves picked out pieces and
stowed them in their haversacks, not meaning to star\ e to
death, whatever else might hai>pen, notwidistanding the
bullets were continually flying around and overhead.
Among these provident men was "Jake " Lowns, oi Com-
pany G, at present in the regular army, wliere he has been
for eight years or more, who tilled the writer's haversack
witii the meat, his own having been sliot away.
.\t this time the wounded came Hmping along in s.pi.uL,
covered witii bio xj. s.):ne being a^>i>tcd by comra.ie^ and
others carried in blankets, a man hulduig each corner, and
^iH intensjlv e.xciled
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284 Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
The field everywhere presented to us, at least, one of tlie
worst pictures of the chances of war. The wounded reeled
about from one place to anotlier, some of them groaning
with pain ; infantry and artillery tlying, the horses galloping
as if they were mad, with drivers bewildered ; ofticers with
drawn swords and revolvers, shouting, cursing, threatening
in the confusion, striving in vain to rally their comtnands ;
bullets were tlying and shells bursting ; the rattle of musketry
and the roar of artillery made a fearful din, while everything
was enveloped in smoke, and aides and orderlies rode back
and forth in wild confusion, or endeavoring to convey the
orders of their chiefs. This was, in fl\ct, what is called a
" rout." All this commotion was as sudden as a storm at
sea after a calm. We stood here excitedly looking on all
this scene, in an agony of suspense as to the fate of our
army, and what the effect would be on our cause. The little
band stood with but one will, to obey orders ; /'/// winidcs
were ages. Finall)', they saw General McDowell, with some
other officers, ride along the front anu'd the storm of bullets.
After making some motions with his hand, he dashed away
again. Soon a long line of men were seen through the
smoke advancing rapidly along the ridge in front. The men
went onward at double-quick, and with a cheer ; at the end
of the line was one of the Fifth going with them, although
he had no business ihrre. It was never ascertained who he
was, and he probably left his body on the field, and his name
is on the rolls as missing in action, or, mayhap, among the
names of the deserters, as many anotiior man who lost his
life in the service of his country stands to-day. This line of
troops was a brigade of Sykes' regulars, who were sent to
the rescue. The fate of the army, and, for all we then knew,
perhaps that of the Union, depended upon their success in
.-staving the onward rush of the eiieiu}'.'"'
* I'ald Rkl^e liaviiij,' been c.irried by the enemy, they were making .in attempt
to capture Henry Ilnuse Hill, the key to the Union position. I.ieuieniint-Colunc.
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'•■ ' Second Battle of Bull Run. 285
A general officer's voice rang out clear and loud above the
din, "Zf/ there be no f Littering in this tine ! " Iinmediatclv
after, a fearful rolling crash, as the whole brigade poured in
their volley, succeeded by a fierce yell, told that the brigade
had commenced the work of death ; at the same time sev-
eral batteries stationed on the hills opened with grape and
canister on the Confederate hordes. But darkness was fast
spreading her mantle over the scene, and the army was
saved. The regiment now only a company, witli the rest of
Chapman, commandinc; the 2d brigade, regulars, and a volunteer brip;ade nnd bat-
tery, held that vital point for three-fourths of an hour; Sigel's corps and other
troops were also engaged at this time on other parts of the field. The rc-ulru<;
were deserted by some of the volunteer troops and the battery, but they succeeded in
keeping the enemy from flanking the position and in checking their onward career.
Meade's and Seymour's brigades al5o came up and did valiant service ; but the lat-
ter, being hard pressed, about six o'clock Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan's ist brig-
ade of regulars was ordered forward,
Swinton (p. 191): " Longstreet kept on and carried the ' P.ald Hill," held by
Reynolds and Ricketts ; and it then became doubtful whether even the ' Henry
House Hill ' could be maintained so as to cover the retreat of the army over Hull
Run, for Longstreet had thrown aruund his right so as to menace that po>iti'>n.
The regulars saved it, until relieved by the brigades of Meade and Seymour and
other troops, that maintained the position and permitted, the withdraw.d of the
army across Bull Run by the stone bridge."
Compte de Paris (p. 29S) : "Hill, crowned by the Henry House, checked by
Buchanan's brigade of regular infantr>% whose unfaltering stand under a terrific
fire, vindicated the reputation of the troops d'e'.iie. of which it was comp.isc.!.
They were afterward reinforced by Tower's brigade of Ricketts' division, Mcadc s
and Seymour's brigades of Reynolds' division, forming a nucleus around \\:ii<ti
grouped regiments and batteries that had preserved their organization amid the
disorder" (p. 299) : " In checking the offensive-movement of Long?trect, the \;..I-
l.ant defenders of the Henry House had saved the Federal army from a terrible
disaster. They held their ground until night."
Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan (Report No. 37, p. 153); " I can not omit l-:>!IIh4
the attention of the Ilrigadicr-Goneral commanding to the firm and gallant manner
in which my brigade held the enemy in c'neck on the extreme left for such a length
of time, and finally prevented his turning our flank."
"Pope's Campaigns" (,Xo. 50, p. 175). E.\tract from a letter of Lieiiten.mt-
Colonel Buchanan to Geaeral McDowell : " I did not luse one inch of gnuind .ifter
I got my brigade together, which I did inimediattly by moving this latter porti"n
to the loft, hut held the enemy at bay for an h.nir ; and, in-tead of bci:ig ' fir^-Ld
back,' I maintained my p '~iti ^n until ordered to f.dl b.ick. In the scn.e <\ llei.o.-. 1
.Milroy's report, he would have obtained pos.,es-.ion of the stjiu- bridge ; and w!>at
would h.-xve been the reside ? Yoii are well aware, our defeat would have been di;^
-■Kit no :-j::ut3^'j
I
286 riftJi Nezu York Volunteer Infantry.
the army, under the cover ol" night coninienced their re-
treat.
From the time the first shot was fired at the regiment, to
their getting oft" the field, it was not over fifteen minutes. It
stood in line receiving the murderous fire only about seven
minutes, yet in that short space of time one hundred and
thirteen were killed or mortally wounded ; four missing, who
were never heard of, and one hundred and eighty wounded ;
a total of two hundred and ninety-seven, out of the four
hundred and ninety engaged. Many of the wounded were
struck more than once, and of those who escaped the
tempest of bullets the majority could show scratches, and
bullet holes through their clothing, some having no less than
seven. No other regiment suffered an equal loss in so short
a space of time, on the Union side during the war. The
Fifteenth Massachusetts, mentioned in Pollard's "Southern
History of the War," nearly equals it. They lost at the battle
of Antietam in twenty minutes, eighty men dead on the
field, and two hundred and twenty-four wounded, out of a
total of five hundred and fifty-six men engaged.
The following report by Colonel Warren is from General
Pope's report (No, 36, p. 149) :
Headquarters Third Brigade, \
Sykes' Division, Sept. 6, 1S63. ^
Sir : — I take leave to present herewith a sketch of the field of
action ot the 30th August, as it appeared to me, with an account
of what 1 witrussed and the part sustained ]>y my brigade, con-
sisting- of the 5th New York Volunteers, about 490 strong, and
the loth New York Volunteers, about 510 strong. (Diagram)
Smead's and RandoU's batteries in the road near me.
Hazlitt's titled battery was executing an order from General
Porter to take up a position at where Reynolds had been.
(lia/litl's baiter) wis wiUiout support, and our whole left flank
was uncoveretl). J uumcdiatcly assumed the responsibility of oc-
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: •■'^, Second Battle of Bull Run. 2S7
cupying- the pLace Reynolds' division had vacated, and make all
the bhow of force I could.
For this purpose I deployed three-fifths of the loth New York
Volunteers to hold the edge of the woods toward the enemy on
our left, and keeping the 5th New York Volunteers in reserve,
out of view of the enemy's battery.
Notice of this movement of mine I immediately sent, by an
officer, to General Sykes or General Porter. He found the latter,
who directed me to hold on, and sent me mounted orderlies to
keep him informed. He was, I believe, near where Weed's bat-
tery was placed. From the point where Hazlitt's battery was
placed, I probably had the best view of what followed that the
battle-field presented. As soon as General Butterfield's brigade
advanced up the bill, there was great commotion among the
rebel forces, and the whole side of the hill and edges of the
woods swarmed with men before unseen. The effect was not
unlike flushing a covey of quails. The enemy fell back to the
side of the railroad, and took shelter on the railroad cut and be-
hind the embankment, and lined the edges of the woods beyond.
Butterfield's advance beyond the brow of the hill was impossible,
and taking his position, his troops opened fire on the enemy in
front, who, from his sheltered position, returned it vigorously,
while, at the same time, a battery, somewhere in the prolonga-
tion of the line, E, B, opend a most destructive enfilading
fire with spherical case shot. It became evident to me that
without heavy rei -tbrcements. General Butterfield's troops must
fail back or be slaughtered, the only assistance he received being
from Hazlitt's batter)-, which I was supporting, and Weed's,
(near N).
After making a most desperate and hopeless fight. General
butterfield's troops fell hark, anil the enemy immediately fornucl
and advanced. Ha/lit.'s battery now did good execution on
them, and forced one column that advanced beyond the point of
llie woods at (A), to fall back into it. Unwilling to retire from
the position I held, which involved the withdrawal of this tf-
" -"nt batteiy and I'k- f\pn-;ur>' iA t'ae flanks of our rrtrcjiiiig
' '■ ts, I Ih-I.l on, liopi:ig lli;vt HTbh tr<>oi)s wouid h<- tlirow.i i.ir-
^^ ''d to meet the enemy now advancing in the o[)en lickls ; will
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288 Fifth Ncxv York Volunteer Infantry.
knowing, however, that my position was one from which I could
not retreat in the face of a superior force. Reynolds' division, on
my left, probably aware of the superior force of the enemy gath-
ering- in his front, fell back from I toward P. The enemy advanced
with rapidity upon my position, with the evident intention of cap-
turing Hazlitt's batter}'. The loth New York was compelled to
fall back, scarcely arriving at the position held by th? 5th New
York, " before " the enemy ; and in such a manner as to almost
completely prevent the Fifth from fi.-mg upon them. While I
was endeavoring to clear them from the front, the enemy, in
force, opened tire from the woods on the rear and left flank of
the Fifth with most fearful effect. I then gave the order to face
about and march down the hill; so as to bring the enemy all on
our front ; but in the roar of musketry I could only be heard a
short distance. Captain Boyd, near me, repeated the command,
but his men only partially obeyed it. Thty were unwiiltn^ to
viakc a backziuird moziemcnt. He was wounded while trying to
txecute it. Adjutant Sovereign carried the order along the lin^'
to Captain Winslow, com.manding the regiment, and to the other
Captains, but was killed in the act. Captain Winslow's horse
was shot; Captain Lewis, acting tield officer, was killed; Captain
Hager was killed ; Capiains McConnell and ATontgomery were
down with wounds, and Lieutenants Raymond, Hoffman,
Keyser, and Wright were wounded. Both color-bearers were
shot down, and all but four of the Sergeants were killed or
wounded.
Before the colors and the remnant of the regiment could be ex-
tricated, 293 men of the Fifth, and 133 of the loth New York
were killed or wounded.* In the loth New York, Lieutenant
Heddenwas killed, and Captain Dimmick, Lieutenant Deweyick.
Lieutenant Mosscross, and Lieutenant Cuthane wounded.
We assisted from the tield 77 wounded of the Fifth and t> ot
the Tenth. The remainder fell into the hands of the enemy.
Among these were Captains Boyd, McConnell, and Montgomer>'.
and Lieutenants Wright and Raymond of the Fifth.
Braver men than those who fought- and fell that day could nui
A later roi..^rt slates the loss in the loth New York as 115.
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^"' « Second Battle of Bull Run. 2S9
be found. It was inipossible for us to do more, and as is well
known, all the efforts of our army barely checked this advance.
Very respectfully your obedient serv^ant,
G. K. Warren,
".",., .,■ , Colonel ^th Nezu York Volunteers,
Com)na?tding TJiird Brigade.
Lieutenant Heyward Cutting,
Acting Aide-de-Ca>np aJtd Acting Assistant Adjutant-
General, General Sykes' Division.
General Sykes, in his report (" Poi>e's Campaign," p. 148),
makes the following statement of the occurrences on the
field :
" I desire to call the attention of the Maior-General command-
ing to the services of Colonels Warren, Buchanan*, and Chap-
man,! United States Army, commanding brigades of my division.
Their coolness, courage, and example were conspicuous. Their
claim to promotion has been earned on fields of battle long prior
to that of the 30th of August, 1862." " Had the efforts of these
otllcers, those of Generals Reynolds, Reno, and Butterfiekl, been
properly sustained, it is doubtful if the day had gone against us."
" Warren's command was sacrificed by the withdrawal of Rey-
nolds' troops from my left, and their non-replacement by others.
The enemy masked and concealed his brigades in the forests south
of the Warrenton pike. His presence was unseen and unknown
until he appeared in sufficient strength to overpower the infantry
opposed to him."
Many of the old and experienced members of the regi-
ment ran zig-zag when escaping from the enemy, to distract
their aim, who were picking their men at close range. A
number of new recruits were on the way to join the Fifth,
but little could they imagine what their trials and troubles
^ve^e to be. Second Lieutenant Thomas R. Martin, in com-
mand of Company G, v.hich lest 34 men killed and wounded
• i-ec Appendix. t See Appendix.
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290 FiftJi Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
out of 50, stood at his post to the last encouraging his men,
although himself wounded in the leg, ably assisted by Ser-
geants Forbes, Law, Jack Taylor, and Wilson. They, and
the remnant of the company, which was next in line to the
left company, did not leave until the enemy were within a
few feet of them, and all hope had fled of making any effect-
ive resistance. There were present with the regiment after
this engagement only about eighty privates of the two years'
men who were at Fort Schuyler when the regiment was first
organized ; the rest had been killed or wounded, sick in
hospital, dibcharged or deserted. Had this little remnant
been so unfortunate as to become engaged in another simi-
lar struggle, it would have been wii)ed out as a thing of the
past. It was a fearful conflict, and seemed to be one of ex-
termination. The Confederates fought hard and with the
greatest determination, and the prisoners taken seemed to
be confident of success in the end. They persisted that the
South would never yield. One of the Texans drawled out,
in a conversation with Jack Whigam (whose brother was killed
in this battle), one of the men detailed with the flag of truce
to bury the dead and look after the wounded: " \V'e will
foute you until we are all dead, Yanks ! and 1 reckon the
women will foute you after that." The people of the Nortli
were too nuich disposed to underrate them. Afany of them
did not seem to reflect that the Southerners were fighting for
what they were brought up to believe was their right, and
for their homes and firesides, and were of the same flesh and
blood as themselves; and I venture to say that the proi-'or-
tion oi native born was much larger than in the army oy-
posed to them. They were the descenthmts of the men
who, under Generals Greene, Sumter, Marion, .Morgan, and
the inur.ortal Washington himself, fought and suffered in tin-
struggle tor mdependence against the power of Great Ikitain,
and in the wars in wluch the country had since then been
engaged.
(>q::
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Second Battle of Bull Riui. 291
FRANCIS .SPELLMAN.
Sergeant Francis Spellman the writer had every opportu-
nity to know well, as he was one of his messmates for some
tinie in Baltimore. Afterward, when there was a vacancy
in tlie color-sergeantcy, he conversed about it ; he was very
quiet and calm when he spoke, and with a resigned air, as if
he should never think of refusing any duty that might be im-
posed upon him as a soldier. He said: "Several of the
men have been talked of tor the vacancy on the colors, and
I am one of them. I don't care for the honor, but I -won't
refuser That sentence was the utterance of his nobility
and courage ; for he knew that the position entailed, besides
the honor, almost sure death, sooner or later. In all his
associations, in the mess or out of it, he never had a.quarrcl
or a cross word with any one. He was no ordinary man ;
being quiet and retlective, spending his leisure hours in read-
mg or discussing military questions from Hardee's " Tactics,"
and was ^Qxy quick to see through their complications ; and
if he had lived, his merit and ability to command would have
been discovered by such an observant officer as Colonel
Warren. He was always gentlemanly, and there was nothing
vulgar in his composition ; extraordinarily neat, his rit^e al-
ways shone like silver, and he was one of the most perfectly
drilled men in the regiment. But beneath his outward and
even-toned temiierainent, one could see in the deep blue eve
that lighted his face the truest kind of courage. When he
was discovered in a hospital in Washington (by what means
lie was conveyed there was never learned), his right arm had
been taken off near the shoulder. He was shot through the
side in several places, and had a ghastly wound through the
"eck, his throat being so much swollen that he could only
"i-ike a humming noise. The following letter wa. written
1 ;« a tnend and former messmate of Spellman, AIoii.-:o Ameli,
of Company G, and addressed to his brother ; and was copied
from the original by the author :
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292 Fifth Ncnj York Volunteer Infantry.
Baltimore, Jan. 30, 1863.
Last week I received a letter from the Rev. W. W. Winches-
ter, who attended Frank Spellman in his last moments, and
he said that being- interested in him, he strove to learn his name,
and mentioned over several names to him, to all of which Frank
shook his head ; then taking his memorandum book he held it
up, and feeble and trembling poor Frank tried to write his name
upon it. When he got through he said, " Francis } " and he
nodded yes ; then he wrote again, and the minister said " Spell-
raan ? " receiving an al'firmative nod. .He said he tried to find
out where he lived, but the left hand fell upon the bed, and he said
he could not urge the poor, brave man to any more exertion. Then
he prayed with him, and when he left, Frank was humming a tune
very faintly, which he says was a hymn. In a few hours he called
again, and he found him sinking rapidly from his severe wounds,
but he was happy, and soon after died. Noble Frank ! He was
indeed a true friend, a cheerful companion, and a brave soldier.
I have copied his name just as he wrote it upon tht; leaf of the
memorandum book.
Spellnian died a few days after the battle, and sleeps in a
soldier's grave, near Washington, among an army of others
who died under the old Hag, for the honor of which they gave
up their lives. He had not a relative or a friend in this
country outside of his army comrades, and there was no one
at home to watch his career, or who would feel proud of his
honorable deeds, and from whom he could expect paens of
praise, or who would mourn over him if he should fall. All
the honor he could expect would be that from his comrades
in arms and his officers, and the consciousness that he was
performing his duty. His actions proved that his whole
thought was nobly fixed on the trust he had accepted, when
he singled out from those around him a comrade whom he
knew to be a brave man and a soIOIlt. and who would ac-
C:'[)t the flag he was no longer able lo UL'fcnd. And in his
agony of mind, far above iiis bodily pain, he called out :
"Chambers! for Gff//'s sake, don't let them take my jhii; .'"
■\-M."
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Secotid Battle of Bull Run. 293
A nioniiiiient should be erected to his memory, and no
more fitting words could be inscribed upon it, than the dying
words of the hero, as an example to future generations.
■ ILLIAM H. CHAMBERS.
William H. Chambers enlisted, when he was only seven-
teen }e3rs old, in the English army, and in the course of his
service was in the Crimean war. He came to this country
a short time before the breaking out of the Rebellion, ami
immediately enlisted in the 5th Regiment as a private, and
was mustered out with it as a Major by brevet. May 14, 1S63,
having never been absent from sickness or serious wounds — an
honor accorded only to one other Captain. Re-enlisted with
the 5th Veterans as a private,'commanded by Colonel Wins-
low. He was promoted on the field for bravery, and served
till the end of the war, and was again breveted Afajor. He
was offered the position of Orderly Sergeant in the regular
army, with the i)romise that he should be promoted to a
commission at the first opportunity, but he declined to accept
anything but a commission.
I omitted to state that the first officer he met after cross-
ing the brook with the llag he had saved, was Lieutenant
Hoffman, who was wounded ; the next was Colonel Warren.
WILLIAM MC DOWELL.
Among those who lay dead on the battle-field, was William
McDowell, the Orderly Sergeant of Company (/, to wliich
jiosition he was appointed from the ranks, thus stepiiing
over all the intermediate Corporals and Sergeants, and no
man better deserved it. He had been offered, and re-
fused to accept, .\\\ inf'-tior appointment. He was a.
nicni!)t.r of A\'ashini;ton Truck Coinpan}-. No. 9. \\<lnr.!err
I'ire Department, New York City, wiien he enli>ted, iu
April, 1 86 1. (Three members of this fire company were
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294 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
killed in this battle). He belonged to a family noted for their
fine physique, and stood six feet two and a half inches in
height, and was well-proportioned. He was as brave in the
hour of need as he was kind and gentle in his social relations
among his comrades and friends. A large party of members
of the Volunteer Fire Department enlisted together, one of
whom was Wm. McDowell, and it was their fortune to serve
together in Company G. When he became Orderly, it soon
began to be understood among his former associates that
they must not presume on old acquaintanceship to shirk any
duty, or expect any partiality, even among his own messmates,
in the line of duty. When a man's turn came to go on a
detail of any kind, go he must, no matter who or what he
was ; and often when a man tried to evade it by managing
to be in some other than his own quarters, I have seen ]V[c-
Dowell take a spade or pick in his hand and stand in the
shirker's place until he could be hunted up, rather than put
a man to duty outside of his regular turn. When the delin-
quent was found, he would quietly remind him of his duty in
such a way as to mak^ him thoroughly ashamed, and the
men of the company soon began to dread, a lecture from
" Billy," or " Pop," as he was sometimes called, more than
they did the guard-house. He very seldom reported any one,
because under his management it was not necessary. When
off duty it was just the opposite; anything that he possessed
he would share with the men, but the majority respected
him too much to attempt to take any undue liberti*.'s with
him, and those who were wanting in the latter quality, did
not care to rouse his lion nature, as he was known to pos-
sess great physical power and undaunted courage. He had
a tine sense of honor, and would never run guard himself nor
allov.- any one to pas'^ him svlieii he wa^^ a i rivatc on post.
At the second battle of Bull Run, McDowell was one of
the number that would not run or surrender. It was seen
that he was wounded in the body, and had f:illen back a few
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Second Battle of Bid I Run. 295
paces, and was facing the enemy when they came out of tlie
wood. After the most of the remainder of the regiment had
made for the rear, a ball struck him in the forehead, and he
fell dead, with his feet to the foe, and in this position he was
found and buried by Jack Whigam, of the same fire company, '
who went with the detail under tiag of truce. Thus died as
brave and noble-hearted a man as ever lived. The men of
his company felt his loss keenly, and mourned for him, as
they looked up to him as their father. They could have
another Orderly, but there was only one Sergeant McDowell.
The following tribute to the memory of Sergeajit AfcDowell
appeared in the New York Leader :
"THE LOSS OF ANOTHER GALLANT FIREMAN AND SOLDIER.
" We notice that in the battle of Bull Run, at the head of his
company, Wm. McDowell, First Sergeant of Company G, Dur-
yt-e's Zouaves, fell, nobly leading his command. He was one of
nature's noblemen, well known in the Department, standing over
six feet two inches high, of heroic courage, [assessing an innate
modesty and kindness of heart that made each one love the fnan.
A native of this city, he^ possessed the conlidence of his employ-
ers, and the highest esteem of his brother firemen as a member
of Washington Truck Company, No. 9.
"His towering frame might have been seen in the front rank
of the Dur^ce Zouaves on leaving New York, one of the very
first to go forward to guard the emblem of our country, and to
put down the traitors to his beloved flag and the institutions he
adored.
" His company was in many battles. He was forem'^st in en-
couraging his comrades, offered promotion tor his gallantn-, but
ever declining. He died like the brave ever like to die, and he
now fills a patriot's grave, leaving an aged mother to mourn the
loss of an affectionate and brave son. God protect and con-
sole the widowed mother! His companions deeply mourn his
luis, and will ever h.olj his memory in grateful remembrance."
Another of tho>e who would not leave the held, was Ser-
geant Philip L. Wilson, oi Company C>. He was a direct
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296 Fifth Nt-c York V-hmlrcr Infantry.
contrast to McD. i'^ b:.:c, social oi :>iiion, and education. Coin-
ing from the hij^lier v-alks oflife, ii:}u though still suffering from
his wounds, is at jnesei:!t a lawyer of standing in N. Y. City.
He stood to the last, and had rect-ivid two scratches, and as
'the enemy were to inng from the wcod;, fired at one of them,
and saw him clip '>:.s hands on hi:, abdomen and fall. He
went about forty iMces further to i'.i- rear, at the same tiuie
endeavoring to \o'\C\ IiIs rille, and the charge was partially
down in the barrel, vrhen he heard a Confederate officer give
vent to an opprobrious epithet, r.ijd t-xclaim : " My children,
kill every Yankee you can hrd.' Tl,is stirred Wilson's
blood, and he turned reward thiNn, at the same time endeav-
oring to ran) home t!ie charge, for he was determined to kill
that officer if possible, when his right leg was knocked from
under him, and he tcil with an ugly wound, which perma-
nently crijjpled h.im.
Before the regi'r.cr.t went on tlie field of battle they came
to a Iialt and rested on the banks of a beautiful stream of
water. Many of the men availed themselves of the op[)ar-
tunity to wash tiienr ••jvcs, among whon; was Captain Hager,
of Company F, wlio v.-as tlie only commissioned officer in the
regiment at the time who wore tlic full Zouave uniform.
After he had washed and completed his y^reparations. he said
to tlie company, " Ivoys, how do I look?" "You look
nobby," said one ; " You look bully," said another. " Well,"
replied the Captain, •■ cion't you think I'd make a fine-look-
ing corpse?" A s'.cMt time afterward ho was lying dead on
the battle-field. lij was a favorite wiih his company, and a
brave, cool soldier. He enlisted in tlie regiiiient as a private.
The irrej-.ressi !■!•.• '• !;i:lch" Saplier was in the mo.st serious
difficulty of his w!: ,!.• service, and he was awaiting sentence
of court-martial f r ^"ik;:;:: an f ir.rrr ;u Harrison's Landing,
and the probabiiitW s u^re, that iiotwitii.sianding his many
good o.ualities .as a [.rave and cool-hoa.led soldier, and the
life of the regimenf, l^;,•.^ t-e would be shot. Notwilhstand-
f'oidv; X^'
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V.-.- Second Battle of Bull Run. 297
ing his dliemtna he must have lis amusement. He had on
an old white-felt hat he had picked up somewhere, with
the crown torn out, his hair, or •' scalp lock " rather — for that
was all he would allow to grow — was standing up above it,
and over his shoulder was a stick, with a bundle tied to tiic
end of it ; this was just before the battle, and he had " come
up to take a hand in." A shell came bouncing along, and
struck close by him ; he did not budge a hair, but taking off
his apology for a hat, he bowed very gracefully, saying,
"Good-morning; may you all strike in the same spot,"
which made a laugh all about him, among the officers as well
as the men. For two or three days after the battle nothing
was seen of " Butch," and it was supposed that he had either
been killed or had disai)peared to avoid the sentence of tlie
court-martial. When the regiment arrived at Hail's Hill, a
strange character was seen approaching at a distance, but on
getting closer, it was perceived that it was our missing " Butcli .'
mounted on a mule, with three or four ritles strapped to liis
back, together with a surgeon's knapsack of n)edicines. He
had taken them from a cowardly hospital steward who ii:ul
run away, and been captured by "Butch," who stri[iped h.im
of the stores, and it appears he had been rendering iiivalu-
able services to the surgeons and among the wounded. The
first words he said were, " Come here, all you that are sick,
and I will give you physic." Nothing more was heard of the
court-martial. He was a very powerful man, and had served
an apprenticeship in the navy, before the war, and was
marked in India ink with the usual devices of anchors, shiiis,
etc. He could hold a fifty-poiind shot at arm's length, with
ease, in either hand, and was always full of fun and mischief;
could sing comic and sentimental songs, etc., and was a great
favorite with officers and men.
One of tlie wounded who was l\ing on the field st:Urd
afterward that the Confederate General, " Stonesvali" Jai k-
soii, came over the ground where the regiment had been
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298 FiftJi Nciv York VohiUtecr Infantry.
engaged, and he heard him say to the Confederates, " Be
careful not to hurt any of the enemy's wounded, as they must
be regarded as our friends."
Charles Taylor, of Company G, was lying badly wounded
near the brook, and he asked one of the Fifth, who laid
down under the enemy's fire and became a prisoner, to fill
his canteen with water from the brook a few feet off. He
replied that he was afraid that the enemy would shoot him.
A Confederate came along, and not only tilled his canteen,
but bathed his wounds himself.
Among the recruits who joined the regiment at Newport
News, twelve days before the battle, was James Cathey, a
young man of high spirit and strong principle. The last
words he said were to Patterson, who stood near him in the
line, and who knew him and his tamily in New York, before
they went into the tield. They were these : " Look out for
Siss." He was killed.
A prominent member of the Afasonic fraternity, who is
irietor of a well-known house of refreshment in the
: er part of New York City, and was also well acquainted
with Cathey, told the writer that the day he left for the front,
he came into his house in full uniform, and bade him and
some friends good-bye. Before he went, he took out a
copper cent from his pocket, and cutting a nick in it, said,
" Keep this until I come back." The barkeeper stuck it
up on the wall behind the bar. On the day of the battle,
and at the precise hour, as was afterward ascertained, that
young Cathey's spirit had fled, a few friends were talking
about the war and the absent ones ; among them were men-
tioned the many good qualities of Cathey. They were com-
menting on the circumstance of his leaving the penny when
he went away, whicli was still sticking on the wail, wb.cn,
wiiliout any apparent cause, it dropped to the tloor. They
thought it was ominous of evil at the time, and in a few
days their forebodings were verified. Cathey was dead.
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"■'•■ Second Baitle of Bull Run. 299
A ball passed tlirough the canteen, haversack, a blank
book (three-fourths of an inch thick), a tin plate, and a
large piece of pork, and embedded itself in the hip of First
Sergeant Geo. A. Afitchell, of Conii)any F, occasioning a
painful, but not dangerous wound. This circumstance, tri-
fling as it may appear, shows at what close quarters the men
received the fire of the enemy.
James Patterson, of Company G, was lying with four
wounds made by one ball, and perfectly helpless. A Con-
federate cavalryman came along, and was robbing the dead,
and not even sparing the wounded. He said to Patterson,
" You won't live anyhow, and I guess PU take what you
have got." He took his shoes off and two dollars in money.
The wounded man begged him to till his canteen with water,
but he refused, and said that he didn't need any water, as he
could not live anyway, for he was all shot to pieces. As he
left, the rebel told him that Jackson was in Washington, and
waving the bill in his face, said, " I am going there too, and
will not fail to drink your health with this note when I get
there."
Pollard in his histor)' says :
" The scenes of the battle-field were rendered ghastly by an
extraordinary circumstance. There was not a dead Yankee in
all that broad field who had not been stripped of his shoes and
stockings — and in numerous cases, been left as naked as the hour
be was born. Our barefooted and ragged men had not hesitated
to supply their necessities even from the garments and equip-
ments of the dead. So numerous were the wounded Yankees,
that in four days' 3,000 had not been attended to."
The following is from a narrative by a Confederate Lieu-
tenant :
" The fight was by far the most horrible and deadly that I
have seen." "Their dead (Union) on the field were left in such
numbers as to sicken even the veterans of Richmond and the
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Shenand <i>h S^-iUey;" "they left 2,000 dead, rotting clay, and
almost iur. iiu'j'-.ible wounded." '"Their discipline and night
saved th> m rr.nii a rout."
The Confederate losses, by their own reports, were 1,090
killed, (^',134 vounded, in the one hundred and fourteen
veginients of infantry, and among their artillery battalion,
engaged. The greatest loss appears in the brigades that
first charged, especially among the officers ; the 5th Texas
lost 239 in killed and wounded, among whom were all of
their field and acting field officers, and after the battle the
regiineiU was imder the command of a Captain. The loss
in Porter's twenty-four regiments in killed, wounded, and
missing, was 2,164, about one-fourth of the number of his
forces engaged.
The dead of the Fifth Regiment had not generally been
stripped, as their uniform was not of any use to the Confed-
erates, but th.ey took their shoes and stockings in most in-
stances, and in many cases their fez caps, and of course
whatever money or valuables any of them chanced to have
on their persons. The badly wounded lay on the tield for
two or three days, among the festering corpses, before they
were removed by their comrades, who were sent to their re-
lief under a Hag of truce. The latter buried 79 of the
Fifth, and there were others who could not be recogniztd on
account of the loss of their uniforms, or who had crawled
into the woods and died there, whou) they could not reach,
as they were restricted by a Confederate guard to a certain
boundary. But the immber killed and wounded that I have
heretofore stated— 297, the names of whom appear in the
Appendix — have been taken from the company rolls, and
no pains have been spared to have them veritied by comrades.
It IS geiier.ill}- sujijiosed that the loss was even greater, as
some names appear on the rolls as dropped lor desertion
trom the dale of the battle, who have never been seen since
by any of their comrades or friends. -
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Second Battle of Bull Run. 301
Sergeant Henry Bulhvinkle, one of the original nicnibers
of the regiment, and who served all through witli it, was as
cool as he was brave, as all those that served with him can
testify. He was one of the last to leave the field on the
left, as the enemy came out of the woods. He had received
one bullet through his fez cap, grazing the side of his head.
As he fell back, he took deliberate aim at a color-bearer,
and saw him fall. As he was running ott", he received a shot
through his pantaloons, grazing his thigh ; another cut
through a leather leggin grazing the bone, and tlie balls
whistled lively about his ears. Something struck his blanket,
which was rolled up and hanging over his shoulders, [xW of
the men were carrying their blankets in this manner, having
left their knapsacks at Harrison's Landing). He could liear
the cursing and abuse of the enemy. He fell on the ground
and they stopped their fire, but he juinped to his feet again
and succeeded by great agility in crossing the brook at the
foot of the hill. He halted in the bushes on the otiier side.
and reloaded his piece, when seeing a group of mounted
officers he took steady aini and fired, and had the satisfac-
tion of seeing one of the officers fall from his saddle. He
then ran toward a battery of four guns on a hill, the men
of which were making frantic gestures for him to get out of
the way, as they were about to fire. He succeeded in
reaching it and going by it, and the battery immediately
oiJened on the enemy, who were now at close range.
Reuben P. Sturgess, a young man, only eighteen years nf
age, and one of the first to enlist in the regiment, picked up
Colonel Warren's ca^), which had fallen to the ground, and
handed it to him. This was about the time of the crisis of
tl:e onslaught of the enemy, and the men liad been ordered
to fill back, but they woidd not leave. Colonel Win en
a^ked him his name, and what company he bcloii-red to.
He replied, "Company C." "Well; you get to the rear ;
this is no place for Company C ; " instead of retreating he
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302 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
fired a shot at the enemy, and stood, and again re-loaded his
piece. The remnant of the regiment were now trying to
save themselves by falling back. The next day, Colonel
Warren inquired for young Sturgess. " Missing," was the
answer. " Then," said the Colonel, '• tliat brave young man
is dead or wounded." It was too true — he had received a
mortal wound.
Joseph H. Tyndall, of Company D, finding himself sur-
rounded by the enemy and unable to escape, threw down
his rifle at the feet of a Confederate, who was charging upon
him with the bayonet, in token of submission. The latter,
however, contrary to the rules of civilized warfare and the
common instincts of humanity, was about to run him through,
when Tyndall by a quick movement eluded the thrust, seized
the weapon, and by a powerful movement wrenched it from
his grasp, amid the jeers and gibes of the Confederate's
companions.
Sergeant Robert Strachan, of Company I, supi)orted
James Cochrane, who was bleeding from four wounds, to
the rear, and endeavored to halt one of the ambulances on
the road, which were all full and moving off at a rapid
pace. But none of the drivers would take any notice of
his urgent appeals. Finally, one of them dashed rai)idly by
him, drawn by four horses. He called to the driver to stop ;
but the only response he received was a curse. Strachan
was a determined man, and feeling that he must adopt a
decided course of action, knowing that there was no time
to spare, as the enemy were coming on, he leveled hii.
Sharp's ritle at the head of the driver, and said, '• Halt ! o.'
I vvill drive a bullet through your skull." This mandate was
obeyed, and he lifted "Jim" by mam strength and th.rew
liiin into the wagon on tO[) of the wounded, and the aini'ii-
lar.cc tlaslicd olt". l!y liiis means Cochrane was saved fiDiu
being left to fall into the hands of the enemy, and probably
owes iiis life to Strachan's decision.
AV ••.•i^-^^^l^O; iv'? .
Lru:
^ Second Battle of Bull Run. 303
Corporal George Huntsman, a young in.in cf great prom-
ise, who was receiving an acatlemic education before liis
enlistment, left his pleasant home at Flushing, Long Island,
and .went alone to Baltimore and enlisted in the 5tii Regi-
ment, October 19, iS6r, to serve for three years, or during
the war. He was promoted Corporal for good behavior
and soldierly conduct, May 11, 1S62, and was in active
service with his company up to the engagement of Second
Bull Run, August 30, 1862. In this battle he received a
mortal wound, and died four days thereafter in the Wolf
Street Hospital, Alexandria, Va. His remains were trans-
ported to his parents' residence at Flushin .,^ and the funeral
took place on September nth.
This young patriot, an only son, whose life was thus sac-
rificed at his post of duty at the early age of nineteen, was
beloved and respected by all his comrades. Sergeant E. L.
Pierce said : " He was one who shared with nie the perils
of campaign life, and who by his pleasant and brotherly
manner, endeared himself to me and made it much easier
to bear."
On a beautiful monument erected in the town park by
the citizens of Flushing, in memory of those who fell fot
their country's sake in the war of the Rebellion, may be
seen engraved with eighty-six others, the name of Corporal
George Huntsman.
He was a son of Professor George Washington Hunts-
man, of the College of the City of New York. His great-
grandfather on his father's side fought in the war of the
Revolution, to estabhsh the Independence of the States
^igainst the unjust exactions of Great Britain ; two of his
uncles were in the war of i8t2 ; and his cousins on both
;id<-> were in our late war. His ukuIut"? giamlfalher wa-;
'■^'.'Diiel Xeilson, one uf the ntjble Irish patriots \s\\o \vas
hnprisoned and exiled during the closing years of tiic la-^t
centur\- by the British Government, the truths they maui-
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304 Fifth Nt'zu York Vohinteer bifantry.
tained not being agreeable to the power that strove to annex
Ireland to its empire.
George Huntsman Post, No. 50, Grand Army of the Re-
public, of the town of Flushing, vvas named to honor the
memory of our deceased comrade.
Let us look at this field one year later through the eyes
of one of the three years' members of the old Fifth, who was
transferred to the 146th New York Volunteers to serve out
the remainder of his time. The letter from which the fol-
lowing extract is made was addressed to the writer under
its date :
Camp near New Baltimore, Va., }
. ..• . October 22, 1863. S
Dear D When we arrived at Centreville we struck off
again and marched (you would hardly guess where) to the old
Bull Run battle-field, about three hundred yards from where our
regiment had the fight last year. As soon as I had my supper I
started over, and in five minutes I stood by the graves of our de-
parted comrades. Graves, did I say ? it would be a disgrace to
call them such ! Graves! if a few handfuls of dirt strewn over
skeletons can be called such ; but 1 don't. I tell you, D., it was
a heart-rending sight, to see their skulls kicked in everv direc-
tion, and the feet and bones of the dead sticking above the
ground. There was one grave this side of the creek which took
my attention. The rain had washed the earth away from where
one of his knees must have stuck out, and covering this joint was
part of his red breeches ; there was quite a crowd around the
grave, and they almost all took a piece of what was left ol th-
cloth. While one of the men was looking around, he overtunml
one of his jacket sleeves ; it had on a Sergeant's gold stripes : al
first I thought it was Billy McDowell's body ; we looked again,
but could not find any diamond, so we all came to the conclusion
that it must be Sergeant Allison, the color-sergeant. We wire
going to make out a detail the next morning to prnperlv bury t! ■-'
remains, but we marched a^;ain at 2 a.m.
John Murray.
The remains of those who were buried on this held, as
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Second Battle of Bull Run. 305
well as those in other fields, were all collected and removed
to cemeteries established by the Government authorities
soon after the close of tlie war.
"On Fame's eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And memory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead."
An admirable description of the battle was published in
The Soldier's Friend, August, 1866. It was written by Patd
K. Faulk, one of the "Left-armed Corps," late of the ritli
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Hartsutf's brigade, which was
badly cut up in the Second Bull Run engagement. He very
justly places the Zouaves in the front — where they fought —
in the following e.xtract :
"During many a lonely hour visions of that bloody day have
trooped up from the dim mist of the dreamy past, and mingling
in the imaginary fray, I have passed again througli the gor,-
drama and fought the battle over anew Three thousand
bayonets gleamed in the sultiy rays of the sun ; a grim determi-
nation compressed the muscles on the dustj-bronzed faces of the
toil-worn brigade ; the starry tlags fluttered proudly and defiantly ;
and amid the wreathing smoke, and shaken by the deafening
thunders of muslcetry and artillery in the tier)' front, the devoted
battalion pressed forward into the valley of death. No martial
music cheers the weary ranks ; only the wild excitement of bat-
tle sustains the half-wavering column, as the rebel batteries vomit
forth their deadly iron hail, and the terrible zip, zip, of the niinie
bail is quenched in blood. Streams of stragglers pour from the
smoke-curtained front, and the wounded pass on to the r-'ar,
filtering and bleeding at every step. A great many ot them
"^^ovft \}\c red I'rciX lies 0/ the Zouaves." ....
TKSTI.MOXV FRuM TIIF, i:\KMV.
Charles F. 15allou, formerly a member of the 44th Xew
York Volunteers, who was wounded, and lay on the field of
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3o6 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
battle, told the writer that while conversing with a Con-
federate soldier, the latter made the remark that there was
one Yankee regiment that would stand a bayonet charge ; he
knew it because he had fought against them at Gaines' Mill ;
and they wouldn't budge. Ballon asked him what regiment
it was ; he replied, " Tliem Zouaves."
An officer of high standing thus" expressed himself in re-
gard to this battle :
"The 5th army corps were treated on that A2c^,\>yiihoiver
"jvas responsible, in a way that should be his everlasting disgrace,
for they were made to assault twice their numbers in a good
position, under the false idea that they were in retreat, and while
they went up to be butchered, the rest of the army at a safe dis-
tance were mere spectators."
After dark, on the day of the battle, what remained of the
regiment fell back to Cencreville ; a wearisome march, es-
pecially so after the trying ordeal through which they had
passed on that day. The road was blockaded with wagons,
ambulances, stragglers, etc., and many of the commands
were mixed up. But the men kept together, notwithstanding
nearly all the companies, or rather squads, were under the
conmiand of Sergeants and Corporals, preserving their forma-
tion perfectly, the same as they did through the seven days'
retreat, and could have formed a small line of battle of about
ICO men at any moment. They showed a marked contrast,
in this respect, to many of the other organizations on the
march that had not suffered near as much loss, thus reaping
the benefit of the severe training they had received from the
first under Colonel Warren, assisted by such severe disciplin-
arians as Colonel Hiram Duryea, Winslow, and others.
Colonel Warren, from his long e\i)crience, was thorouLili
master of the details of military service in all its branches,
and of the science of war. He was severe, but just, to the
men as well as to the officers, and held all alike in their dif-
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Second Battle of Bull Run. 307
ferent spheres to a strict attention to their duties. We
finally arrived at Centreville and bivouacked outside of the
works.
The Fifth numbered, on the morning after the battle at
Centreville, less than 100; Companies F and D, mustering
17 men, were under the command of First Sergeant George
A. ^[itchell, of F; Sergeant William H. Chambers took the
command of H and B ; Sergeant Forbes held Company G ;
Sergeant Brogan, Comj^any I ; and the other comjianies were
under the command of Lieutenant Gedney, and Lieutenants
Whitney and Chase, who had not been in the engagement ;
and remained about the same until they reached Hall's Hi!',
where the few stragglers rejoined us, and we were increased
by the addition of some new recruits.
Sunday, August 31. — We went inside of the works and
sent out a detail, under a Hag of truce, to bury the dead and
look after the wounded. They suffered greatly for the want
of food while performing their sad duties, as the scanty suj)-
plies they were able to procure were given to the wounded.
We left Centreville' September 2d, about i a.m., and
marched to Fairfax Court-House, rested until 3 i-.m., and
then resumed the march, and bivouacked at Ball's Cross-
Roads.
\\'hile on the road near Fairfax during a brief halt, a regi-
Juent came marching by, and an unusually tall and well-pro-
portioned man stepped from the ranks; it was noticed that
he carried the colors. He inquired for Company G an:l
\\'itliam ^^cDowell, and was answered that he was lying
doad on the battle-field. The tears started to his eyes, and
^'»r a moment he was quite overcome, until suddenly bccciu-
"ig conscious that men were lociking at him, ho dished hi>
•'■Mvl across his cvc>, and joined his regiment, whieii wis t!ie
•\i '!(.TS')!T Zouaves. He was the brother <jf our own l.i-
""■ntcd Sergeant.
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308 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
side of the road, some of the men discovered General Mc-
Clellan, with three orderlies and an aide, riding up towaid
us. He was on his way to the front from Washington, hav-
ing been reinstated in the command of the army, now that
Washington was in danger. It was after dark, but the men
recognized him at once, and turned out and gave him three
rousing cheers. He stopped, and asked if they had suffered
much in the late engagement, and seemed sorry at the reply,
as he held the regiment in high esteem, and always put it
forward before distinguished visitors to the army.
During the march from Centreville, the enemy were run-
ning a race on roads parallel to the route of the Union army
for Washington, and did get in the rear, on the line of re-
treat at Chantilly, where the lamented Generals K.earney
and Stevens lost their lives in the battle that ensued to dis-
lodge them. When General Jackson, the Confederate leader,
saw the body of the former, he uncovered his head, as did
those about him, and said : '' You have killed the bravest
officer in the Union army ; this is General Philip Kearney,
who lost his arm at the gates of the City of Mexico." 1 1
was a tribute of respect paid by one brave soldier to another,
although an antagonist. The men could see the reflection
of the sun on the enemy's bayonets at times as they marched,
and skirmishers were out on the flank of the column. A
diminutive Lieutenant of the regular army had charge of
those detailed from the Fifth, and the boys worried the pour
man's life out, hunting them out of farm-houses on the route
where they were trying to find a square meal.
The movements for about ten days may be stated voiy
brietiy as follows :
We marched at about 6 a.m., on Wednesdav, the 3d, some
five niilcs. and (>cciii/icd Hall's Hill. \\\^ were joined i'v x
Luge number of recruits, sent on from Xcw York. Tivj ai -
pearancc of the men did not tend to raise their 5i)irits miuii.
as we were all in mgs and dirt. On the 41)1 and 5th wc re-
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Second Battle of Bull Run. 309
mained at Hall's Hill, and were visited by citizens from
Washington. 6th, marched at 9 p.m., and crossed the chain-
bridge over the Potomac, and bivouacked near Tenallytown,
having marched nine miles; and on the 7th we transferred
our camp to the other side of the road. Sth, started at
7 P.M., moved six miles and joined the division near Rock-
ville, 9th, marched at 7 a.m., passing dirough Rockville,
and bivouacked, nth, marched at 9 A.>r, eight miles and
bivouacked near Seneca Creek. 12th, marched at 10 a..\i.
eleven miles to Hyattsviile, and bivouacked outside of the
town. 13th, marched at 6 a.m., thirteen miles, crossing the
Monocacy, and bivouacked two miles from Frederick City.
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■.y^A
CHAPTER XIII.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
The Confederate Successes — Virginia versus the Cotton States — The
Battle of Antietam — The Enemy Retires — Gener,al McClei.lan's Re-
port— Crossing the Potomac — Battle of Shepardstown— Tenth Xew
York Regiment Transferred— Scarcity of Sippi.ies— A Mixed Uniform-
Penalties OF Old Clothes— a Bread Speculation— A Whisky Smuggle—
A Drill Challenge Accepted — Crossing at Harper's Ferrv— Colt-.el
O'RoL'RKE OF the 140TH New Yokk— Snicker's Gap — Warrenton — A Se-
cessionist Town — Farewell Review by General McClellan— General
Burnside in Command— The 146TH New York— Warrenton Junction-
Spotted Tavern— The Henry House— Resignation of Colonel Hi.'^'iM
DuRYEA — Changes in the Regiment — Before the Battle.
Thus far the prestige of sucxess on the Peninsula ap-
peared to rest with the Confederate army. The commanding
officer, the miUtary chief of the RebelUon, was a Virginian,
and many of his most effective Generals were proud of the
same distinction. They were not only in deep sympathy
with the objects of the^ war against the Union, but they were
thoroughly familiar with the country which was made the great
arena of this stubborn conflict. They were Virginians, and
the State pride which corrupted all the politics of the Soutli,
and which gave to the Union a secondary place, intensified
their determination to carry the war to the extremity almost
of extinction rather than surrender to the armies which con-
tended for our national life. They were thus, in one respect,
n^asters of the situation. They were fighting on their own
soil, for their own heritage, in a latitude and under a chmate
where the Northern troops suffered great losses by sickness and
death ; the latter were decimated in localities and in an atmos-
phere wliich to tlieir antagonists were healthful and invigorat-
ing. The immense disadvantages of the Xorthorn troops, who,
under other circunjstances, would have achieved a succes-
(310)
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l.oi
• .^ Battle of Antictam. 311
sion of victories, gave to tlie Confederates the substantial
fruits of triumph, and of repeated disaster to the loyal arms ;
and whi e these events did not dampen the ardor of the lat-
ter, they inspired the Confederates with greater confidence
and determination. Their purpose was to annihilate the
Army of the Potomac, and this accomplished, either the pos-
session of the national capital, or their own terms of separa-
tion, they assumed to be a certain event.
One special feature of the contest was always apparent.
Whatever amount of zeal and bravery were shown by Viri^in-
ian and North Carolina regiments on the tield, they were
fully equaled by the impetuous, wild, and determined da>h
and tenacity of the troops from the South and South-west.
The regiments from South Carolina and the States whose
shores were washed by the Gulf, showed an ardor and a
stubbornness of will together with a bitterness of hatred
that made them difficult foes to meet in the field. They had
a motive kindred to that of the Virginians, but it was one of
supreme selfishness.
The leaders of " the South," the cotton-growing States,
were resolved that the fate of the Confederacy should be de-
cided on the battle-fields of the Border States.
Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri were to be
tlie camp-grounds and the arenas where the question should
be determined, and while the men of the Border States
fought for their own soil, the Cotton States men fought that
the battle should not be transferred to theirs.
Virginia especially was to be made the great theater ui war,
and by massing all the power of the Confederacy on lu;r soil,
the rest, and especially the more remote States, could '' con-
tinue to grow cotton in peace." The Old Dominion was
tile victim of a -bloody stratagem of stat(>sinanshii), wlien {he.
<'aiMtal of the Confcdcrac)- was transferred from Montgomery
to Richmond.
The resolve to 1,'reak the power of the Union, and to die-
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312 Fifth Nezu York Volunteer Infantry.
tate terms of separation, at the doors of the national capital,
for the sake of preserving the rest of the Confedc^racy from
the ruin and waste of war, gave to the Penins-ular canij^aign
the extraordinary fury and the sanguinary and fearful disasters
of that dark period in our history.
How high the price that was paid for these hopes, and
how disastrously they were ultimately defeated, was written
in the broad and bloody seal of death, and the heaps of slain
who gave up the bounding life-blood of their heroic hearts, and
laid down to die on the field or the hi,hwa\-, to be intrenched
in the numberless graves, dug in a momentary pause by other
thousands who were rushing on to fall into kindred cemeteries
on other fields. If nations and governments have nioral re-
sponsibilities, where does the responsibility rest for these ?
Each day's march found us further from the scenes of Bull
Run, and brought us nearer to the impend ng struggle, in
which, at least, the tide of success of the Confederate arms
was to be tested and turned.
On Sunday, the 14th of September, we took up our line of
march at 8 a.m., proceeding eight miles, passing through
Middletown, and bivouacked. On the march the battle of
South Mountain was raging, and we could see the snioke as
it floated into the blue sky over the field, while the diapason
of the booming guns was heard a few miles in advance on
the road. We passed General McClellan on the march,
who was enjoying a cigar, and observing the troops as tlu-v
filed by. He said to us : " Boys ! we are pressing tiic
enemy back, and will keep doing so."
P'arly on the morning of the 15th we resunied our march
4hrough Turner's Gap, South Mountain, where the Con-
federate dead of D. H. Hill's division lay behind a stone
wall which ran along on the top of the mountain, at rigii'i
angles with and commanding the ro.ul. They also were
lying on the main road on the other side of the pass. Tlu-v
were piled in heaps, lying three or fjiir deep at the intersec-
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Battle of Antietaj)i. 313
tion of the road and turnpike. It was an impressive re-
minder of the words of Longfellow —
" Art is long and time is fleeting.
And our hearts, though stout and brave.
Still like muftled drums are beating
Funeral marches to the grave" —
and we could not help the consciousness, that in all proba-
bility before another setting sun many of us would be lying
on the bosom of mother earth in the silent companionship
of the dead.
After marching about nine miles, the division deployed on
the left of the Sharpsburg turnpike, near Antietam Creek,
being on the left of Richardson's division, which was the first
to arrive in advance.*
The Fifth deployed as skirmishers, and advanced through
woods on the left. The enemy had opened with their artil-
lery, and were throwing shell, some of which fell among us,
but fortunately did not burst. Tidball's 2d United States
and Petits' ist New York artillery returned the fire. The
enemy were posted "in a strong position on the high ground
on the opposite side of the creek, front of and to the right
and left of Sharpsburg, which town was in the rear of tiieir
center ; their tlanks and rear being protected by the Po-
tomac River and Antietam Creek, it being naturally a strong
position.
On Tuesday, the i6th, we changed position, and were un-
der arms all day. The army was all up and massed eaeh
side of the Sharpsburg turnpike. The mass of the enemy's
infantry was concealed behind the oi)posite heights.
General Lee's army of invasion comprised about one hun-
* C;eneral McCIelL^n's Report (p. 3-'4l : " Tlic division of Gener.il Rlc).ar.!->n,
r IliTAin- cl.i^c rn tl\e heels of the retrealinj; foe, IialleJ .uid ilei.Ioye^! ne.ir Ar.'.let.'ni
Kiier. on ihe ri^ht of the Sharpsburg roai). (".eneral Sykc; leaJini; or. the di\i-i n
of regulars on the oKl Sharpsburg road, came up and deployed to the left of General
Richards )n, on the left of the road."
14
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314 Fifth N'nv York Volii?ifecr Infant ry.
dred and seventy-seven regiments of infimtry, besides cavalry
and artillery, including General A. P. Hill's division, which
was temporarily detached for the purpose of making an at-
tack upon Harper's Ferry. After this post was surrendered
to General Hill, he, by a forced march, came up late in the
afternoon of the 17th on Lee's right, in time to repel the
hitherto successful advance of General Burnside's 'corps,
and which had been delayed too long.*
The regulars were posted near bridge No. 2, and in the
center with the reserve artillery. General Burnside's corps
(of four divisions), comprising the left, took position on the
left of Warren's brigade, their right covering stone bridge
No. 3. The day was spent principally in maneuvering for
positions, skirmishing, and artillery engagements.
The following day, Wednesday, September 17th, was ren-
dered memorable in our annals by the engagement at An-
tietam. The action was commenced at daylight by the
skirmishers of the Pennsylvania reserves on the right, and the
whole of General Hooker's corps soon became engaged,
and drove the enemy. Soon afterward the 12th corps en-
gaged, and General ^^ansfield, its commander, was killed.
General Hartsuff, of Hooker's, was badly wounded. General
Williams took command of the 12th corps. The battle
raged furiously for two hours. General Crawford, connnand-
ing the ist division. T2th corps, was wounded and left the
field. General Sedgwick's division of Sumner's corps en-
gaged, and Generals Sedgwick and Dana were wounded.
• Colonel Ford, commanding Maryland Heights, an impregnable position, gar-
risoned by 3,975 men, gave orders to spike and dismount the heavy guns, and to fall
back upon Harper's Ferr>'.
Dy the cowardly evacuation of this stronghold, which commanded our works at
Harper's Ferry, Colonel D. S. Miles, who was in command of the latter post, was
ait.icked on all -ijcj by the Confederates, and wa5 himself mortally wounded. On
I'.o 15th. the po-l with all it- gnus, store-;, and :i;nmunition, and force uf9,'joo men,
was surrendered to tlie enemy.
After an examination by a cuurt of inquiry, Colonel Ford was dismissed from llie
service of the United States.
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General Hooker was also wounded and obliged to leave the
field. The divisions of Generals French and Richardson,
which completed all of Sumner's corps, were engaged. Gen-
eral Meagher was disabled, and General Richardson was
mortally wounded. At i p.m. a part of General Franklin's
corps engaged. General Porter's 5th corps, consisting of
Morell's and Sykes' divisions, Humphrey's division not yet
having arrived, and all of the reserve artillery, were directly
opposite the center of the enemy's line. " It was necessary
to watch this part of the line with the utmost vigilance, lest
the enemy should take an advantage to assault and pierce
the line, which would be fatal."
All the supply trains were in the rear of this corps, and
here were the headquarters of General McClellan and start.
In case of a retreat or last resort, Sykes' division would
have been obliged to do their best. Toward the middle of
the afternoon, two brigades of iMorell's were ordered to rein-
force the right. Six battalions of Sykes' regulars had been
thrown across Antietam bridge on the main road, to attack
and drive back the enemy's sharp-shooters, w.ho were an-
noying Pleasonton's batteries in advance of the bridge.
Warren's brigade was detached to hold a position on Burn-
side's right and rear, so that Porter was left at one time with
only a portion of Sykes' division, and one small brigade of
Morell's, numbering but a little over three thousand men, to
hold the center.
Sykes' division had been in position since the 15th, ex-
posed to the tire of the enemy's artillery and sharp-shooters.
The 2d and loth regulars comiielled the cannoneers of one
of the enemy's batteries to abandon their guns ; but being
few in number and unsupi)orted, were not able to bring
them off. General Burnside passed by the regiment several
ti:iies, and the men expected to be urtlered to chaige the
stoi5e bridge No. 3 and get wiped out.
General Burnside attacked at 3 p.m., and fought until
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3i6 Fifth Nov York Volunteer Infantry.
dark, reaching the outskirts of Sharpsburg, where General
Rodman was mortally wounded.
After General Biirnside's forces advanced across the river,
several companies of the Fifth were stationed in turn as
look-outs near stone bridge No. 3, which was thickly strewn
with the dead of the 5rst New York and the 51st Pennsyl-
vania, who first successfully charged across it. Its passage
•had been defended with great obstinacy by the 2d and 20th
Georgia regiments, under the command of General Toombs,
who were posted on a wooded height that commanded it,
aided by the batteries of General Jones. We obtained a
fine view of the engagement, and watched the progress of
the 9th New York, Hawkins' Zouaves, with an exciting in-
terest, and were sorry to see that gallant body of men sutler
so severely on the field where they played so noble a
part. They captured a battery on the outskirts of Sharps-
burg, but not being properly supported, were forced to aban-
don It, after suffering a fearful loss. Late in the afternoon, the
brigade was employed in collecting stragglers from the im-
mediate front and forming them into battalions.
Darkness finally put' an end to this hard-fought and scien-
tific engagement, in which 140,000 men and 500 pieces of
artillery had been enijiloyed since daylight, and in which
about 25,000 were killed, wounded, and missing. The tired
Union troops slept on their arms conquerors.*
About 2,700 of the enemy's dead were, under the direc-
tion of Atajor Davis, Assistant Inspector-General, counted
• General McClellan's Report (p. 393) : " Night closed the long and desperately
contested battle of the irth- Nearly 2i»,coo men and 300 pieces of artiller>- were
for fourteen hours en^.i,-cd in this memorable battle. We had attacked the enemy
in a position selected by the experienced engineer, then in person directing their
operations. We h.id driven them from their line on one (lank, and securing a foot-
ing within it on the other. The .Vrmy of the Potomac, notwiths andln^ the moral
etijct incident to [.revlviiN reverses, had .achieved a victory over an adversary in-
vested with the prcui-e uf recent success. Our soldiers slept th.it ni^ht c M.q.icr-
ors, on a field won by their valor, .ind covered with the dead and wounded of the
enemy."
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• ■ ■ - • Battle of A ntictaui. 3 1 7
and buried upon the field of Antietam. A portion of their
dead had previously been buried by the enemy, 13 guns,
39 colors, 15,000 stand of small arms, and more than 6,000
prisoners were the trophies of South Mountain, Crampton's
Gap, and Antietam. Not a single gun was lost on the Union
side.
The Confederate force engaged in this battle comprised
136 regiments, besides the division of D. H. Hill and Rodes'
brigade, and the artillery. Their reports show a loss in every
regiment of from one to 253.
We remained in position on Thursday, the 18th, the enemy
requesting an armistice, under a flag of truce, to look after
their wounded and bury their dead, which was granted, and
of which they took advantage and retreated by night across
the Potomac.
On Friday, the 19th, we marched at 9 a.m., passing through
Sharpsburg. Along the route the dead were strewn in every
direction and in all conceivable positions. One was caught
in the crotch of a tree in falling, and held in an upright posi-
tion ; one young lad, of not more than fifteen years of a^e,
was lying among some others, with his thighs terribly mangled.
His long curls fell down over his shoulders, and his face bore
a heavenly smile ; his lii)s slightly parted disclosed a set of
teeth of remarkable beauty, while his features were the hand-
somest, and bore the happiest expression, of any corpse that
I have ever seen. Ho was a young Southerner, probably the
pride of some aristocratic family, who had sent him willingly
to the war.
After marching through the town and nearing the ford on
the Potomac, skirmishers were deployed, and a battery with
us opened on the enemy across the river. The fire was re-
turned by them, and the shell flew thick and fast. One of the
shot killed Colonel AVarron's orderly, but the men found
partial shelter under a hill. Two brigades of the corps crossed
the Potomac about dark and captured four of the enemy's
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3i8 Fifth NrtV York Volunteer Infantry.
guns. "Warren's brigade took position on the higli ground
near the river, and opened on the enemy on the other side,
which obliged them to crawl out of the bushes and run for
the cover of a wood further to their rear. We advanced
and took position on the tow-path of the canal on the banks
of the river, and kept up a scattering fire on the enemy op-
posite, remaining on picket all night and the next forenoon.
In the afternoon of the 20th, a large force crossed the
river on the right, and the 5th Regiment were ordered to
ford the river to cover their left flank. Before crossing, the
regiment, which numbered less than 400 men, two-thirds of
whom were comparatively new men, being drawn up in line
on the tow-path of the canal, alongside the river, Colonel
Warren said, " Men, we are about to cross the river," and
drawing out his revolver, added, that "if any man did not
want to cross, let him step out."
We took off our body -belts, slung our cartridge-boxes over
our shoulders, and waded into the river. It was difticult and
tiresome work to ford a stream. 200 yards wide, up to the
waist, with a rather strong current, the bottom being covered
with slippery stones. Some of the men lost their balance,
and had an involuntary bath, and to "get otT the line of the
ford," meant to go down overhead in the water. After
reaching the opposite bank, the men climbed an almost per-
pendicular bluff, eighty feet high, covered with bushes and
trees, and were obliged to employ both hands and feet to ac
complish the task. Skirmishers were deployed a short dis-
tance, when suddenly the enemy opened in heavy force from
the wood beyond the open ground in front. The skirmishers
were called in, and the men ordered to keep covered below
the bank of the bluff, which they were perfectly willing to do,
for the fire was very heavy, and tlicy occupied a critical i)osi
tion, with the river in their rear. But several battcri-js
opened from the high ground on the opposite side of the river,
over the heads of the men, which covered their retreat across,
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. - :. Battle of Atitietam. ■ 319
which was accomplished in safety. Captain Whitney, in
command of Coniuany I, was ordered to remain with his
company, and keep u;) a fire on the enemy to make them
think that the bank was still occupied, and to prevent any
of their sharp-shooters from creeping to the edge of the bluff
and shooting the men as they forded tlie river on their return.
He misunderstood the order, so he said, and did not carry it
out, but fortunately the batteries prevented the enemy from
advancing. Colonel Warren was much provoked with
him, and threatened to shoot him on the spot. The Colonel
took command in person, and waded the stream, on foot,
with the rest,, and on the return stood in the center, and con-
tinually warned the men not to get off the line of the ford.
This was the battle of Shepardstown, in which the troops
on the right had a severe engagement with Gregg's, Pender's,
and Archer's brigades, and lest some Soo in killed, wounded,
and prisoners. The enemy's loss was 261. After recrossing
the river we took up a position on tlie canal and remained
on picket on the banks of the river, exchanging shots with
the enemy during the 21st and 22d. While reuiaining on
this post one afternoon, Colonel Warren gave the regiment
a drill on the tow-path of the canal, while the enemy's pick-
ets amused themselves by tiring at the men and officers. He
also sent a squad of the drummers across the river, for pun-
ishment for being timid under fire, under command of Lieu-
tenant Guthrie, to bring over a twelve-pound brass piece left
by the enemy in their late retreat. The Lieutenant armed
himself with a ramrod to give the boys a gentle reminder
once in a while if it was necessary. The boys came back
in good order, dragging the cannon after them, and reported
that they saw some of the enemy. Subsequently, Sergeant
Crowley, of Coaipar.y K, with a --quad of Iiis company, was
sent over to a burnt mill, to bring i.vor a caisson, wliile the
regiment in the meantime drew up on the bank to cover
them. They had no sooner landed on the other side than
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320 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
some shots were fired at them, and a brisk skirmish ensued
around the mill, in which the Sergeant received a bad wound
in the leg, but his men succeeded in recrossing, carrying him
with them.
On Tuesday, the 23d, we were relieved by the regulars,
after three days and nights of not very pleasant duty, during
which it rained part of the time. We went into camp, with-
out tents or shelter of any kind, near Sharpsburg, about
three-fourths of a mile from the Potomac. General McClel-
lan had his headquarters about a mile from Sharpsburg, and,
as usual, Sykes' division lay in the immediate vicinity.
After the battle of Antietan-» a recruit, one of those who
had joined the regiment about a week previous, wandered
off to see what he could discover that was new. In his
rambles he came to a large house, and seeing an open win-
dow, he approached it to gratify his curiosity as to what was
inside of it, when, as his head raised above the sill, the gory
stump of a man's arm was thrust in his flice, with the re-
mark, "Young man, take this away and bury it." That
recruit returned to the. regiment a sick man. ' He had ran
across one of the hospitals where the wounded were being
attended to.
On Wednesday, the 24th, at evening parade, the following
list of promotions was read to the regiment : f ^"-vic-,*. f..
Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, \
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., \
September 23, 1S62. )
{Special Ortirfs, A'o. 150.]
The following-named persons are hereby appointed to fill the
vacancies existing in the Filth Regiment, New York Volunteers,
occasiont-d hy losses in battle, resignations, promotions, etc.
These appointments are made for gallant and meritorious con-
duct on the fitld of battle. These officers will be obeyed and
respected accordingly:
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: Camp near SJiarpsburg. 321
Captain Cleveland Winslow to be Major, vice H. D. Hull,
promoted.
First Lieutenant James H. Lounsberry to be Captain, vice G.
Carr, promoted.
First Lieutenant H. G. O. Eichler to be Captain, vice Winslow,
promoted.
First Lieutenant T. W. Cartwright to be Captain, vice Lewis,
killed in battle August 30.
First Lieutenant R. E. Prime to be Captain, vice Hager, killed
in battle August 30.
Second Lieutenant Henry Keyser to be Adjutant, vice Sovereign,
killed in battle August 30.
Second Lieutenant A. S. Chase to be First Lieutenant, vice
Lounsberry, promoted.
Second Lieutenant T. R. Martin to be First Lieutenant, vice
Eichler, promoted.
Second Lieutenant R. M. Gedney to be First Lieutenant, vice
Cartwright, promoted.
Second Lieutenant \Vm. HofTman to be First Lieutenant, vice
Prime, promoted.
Sergeant G. W. Wannemacher to be Second Lieutenant, vice
Dumont. resigned.
Sergeant George Guthrie to be Second Lieutenant, vice Keyser,
promoted.
Sergeant \Vm. H. Chambers to be Second Lieutenant, vice
Chase, promoted.
Sergeant Philip L. Wilson to be Second Lieutenant, vice
Martin, promoted.
Private Gordon Winslow, Jr., to be Second Lieutenant, vice
Gedney, promoted.
By command of
FiTZ John Porter.
Fred. T. Locke, .\rajor-Gc7ieraL
Assistant Adjutant-General.
On Thursday, September -5th, the loth New York Regi-
ment was transferred to .Max Weber's brigade. During
the time they had been in coniiiany with die Fifth we had
always harmonized and worked well together. We had
14*
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322 Fifth New York Vohuiteer Infantry.
passed through some pleasant as well as some very hard
experiences, and the men heartily wished their late comrade^
success.*
Colonel Warren left on a flying visit to New York via.
Washington. Lieutenant-Colonel H. Duryea had just
returned from his furlough, having been dangerously ill.
We were glad to see him in command again, notwithstanding
the strict discipline he always maintained, as we knew it was
for the common good ; but especially so, as we were relieved
from a number of impracticable orders that were issued by
the Major. These were : calls every half hour through the day,
which made the men feel that they were treated worse than
a lot of convicts, and without cause. For instance, in order
to wash ourselves, we were obliged to procure an order to
pass to the spring, signed by the officer in command of the
company, and countersigned by the Adjutant, or Major.
The consequence was, that it 0[)erated as a prohibition to
wash at all. Water-calls were sounded several times a day.
When those who wished to fill their canteens or the iron
pails, holding several gallons, for cooking purposes, they
were obliged to fiiU in line, and march single file, under com-
mand of an officer, keeping step down to the sj^ring and
back again ; to obtain wood, we were obliged to go through
the same form, and he was actually driving men to desert
every day, to escape this petty and unwarranted tyranny.
Discipline should be enforced ; but these acts were crushing
out all the self-respect and manhood of an intelligent an<l
educated body of men, who felt that they were treated like
galley-slaves.
Since leaving Harrison's Landing, August r4th, when the
» The Tenth sub'-ectuently foiij;ht br.ivcly at Frederick^nircr, and when tlicv
\vcre mu-itercd out after tw,) yt ir-!," >cr^ice, six cnitip.inics u<-rc rocruiied to scr\e it
threr year.-;, or diiriii- the wrir. and, under Colonel floyipcr, ao.iuin.-d .in exceUent svnr
record, and served till the collapse of the Rebellion. Colonel Hopper served all
through tlie war, and was the only otTicer of the old organization who was mustered
out with the three years' battalion at the end of the war.
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* Camp near SJuirpsburg. 323
knapsacks were sent away on a vessel, the men had been
without a change of clothing. All they possessed was on
their backs. They were destitute of soap for about a month,
and sometimes had nothing to eat. Only a tew had shelter
tents, and consequently they passed the nights miserably, as
the temperature after the sun went down was chilly, accom-
panied with heavy dews ; and in addition to all these dis-
comforts, they had not received any pay for five months.
The men all being in rags, presented a very grotesque ap-
pearance. Their own clothing being worn out, they were
dressed up in the cast-off clothing of other regiments ; some
were dressed in dark-blue and others in light-blue pants ; some
in jackets, some had long-tailed coats and blouses, and others
boasted of noticing but a few rags to cover their under-clothes.
We mustered, all told, including recruits, 350, of which only
93 were original two years' men. There were several hun-
dreds on the rolls, but they were lying in hospitals, detailed,
etc. They ])elonged to that army, all in good condition, ac-
cording to General Halleck (who was comfortably seated in
Washington, planning campaigns on paper), who were ready
and eager to march immediately on a winter's campaign and
take Richmond, from the vicinity of which they had been re-
called, probably by his advice, some two months previous,
when they were in better condition and spirit to fight than
they were at this time.
On Friday, the 26lh, we were reviewed by the President.
Abraham Lincoln. He looked care-worn. He was in
company with General iMcClellan, who was smoking a cigar.
The men had overcoats on, which had been distributed a few
days previous, to hide the rags. The President expressed
his approbation to the commanding officers at the rajjidity
with which the different movements were executed. The
bayonet drill p.irticularly engrossed his attention.
Our camp at Sharpsburg remained quiet for some time,
and the men wore in fair spirits. We drilled for five hours a
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324 Fifth Neiu York Volunteer Infantry.
day, for which we had to thank the recruits. About the 5th
of October we received a piece of soaj), but its size was an
aggravation — it was half an inch thick, cut from an ordinary
bar, two bars having been allowed to a company. The offi-
cers and men anxiously expected the Paymaster, and the
sutlers scented him afar oft', and were plenty, but still there
was no money to buy with, and no credit. Every few hours
some one varied the decorum of our situation by raising a
false alarm, and shouted, "Here comes the Paymaster!"
Forthwith there was a rush out of holes and burrows, only to
find it a good-humored joke. Those who used tobacco —
which was the case with nearly ail the regiment — were sufter-
ing for the want of it, and no change of clothing having yet
come to our relief, our condition was getting to be juore
than ever a serious matter.
The "status" of the men under this state of things, trom
the long-continued use of their garments without change, is
more appropriate for the recollection of the sufferer, than for
description by the historian. It is enough to say that part
of the daily employment of the men, in the retirement of the
Avoods, stripped of their clothing and hunting for vermin, was
more picturesque than poetic, and is left to the imagination
of the reader.
On Saturday, Oct. 4th, an order came to discharge all
who were physically disqualified for effective service ; a few
of the original men of our regiment were of this class, and
some of the latest recruits. An order had also been jjro-
mulgated from the \Var Department, directing that all who
had not been accounted for during the past sixty days, be
dropped from the rolls as deserters. This placed the word
" deserter " against the name of many brave men who lost their
lives in battle. There may have been a " military neces-
sity" for sucli an order, but it worked a great injustice lo
many who died alone and unknown in by-places where tb.ey
lingered out weary hours, perhaps days, of pain before their
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^\ Camp near Sharpsbtirg. 325
eyes were closed in death, beyond the relief that never came
— and others who died unrecognized in the hospitals or the
prisons of the enemy. It is past now. God grant tliat no such
"necessity" may ever again overshadow the republic. An
order to shoot deserters and cashier absentee othcers would
have strengthened the army materially, and saved money as
well as many valuable lives.
Near our camp was a farm-house, whose occupant was
supposed to be a good Union man. The enemy had cleared
out all his horses, cattle, wagons, etc., and the Union troops
burnt his rail fences for fuel ; so that between the two armies,
he was a heavy sufferer. Near this house was a spring which
supplied the regiment, and one day a dilapidated-looking turn-
out, driven by a countryman, made its appearance. Some of the
boys were there tilling their canteens from the spring, when they
asked him what he had in the wagon ; for, being a covered
one, they could not see into it. He stopped and said that
he and the old woman had concluded to go into a bread spec-
ulation, and he had his wagon full to sell to the " sojurs."
Bread being a great luxury compared with the hard-tack,
two or three of the boys got around him and asked the price.
" Let's see the size of the loaves ? is it fresh ? " said one of
them, as he bit off a large piece from a loaf. Just then the
old man's attention was drawn to the rear of his cart, by see-
ing about a dozen hands, each clutching a loaf of bread. He
skipped around, when the boys in front made a levy, ami
so it was kept up, until in sheer desperation he sj^rang into
his wagon and drove oflf down the road at his best speed.
One of the boys called out: " Here, mister ! aint you going
to stop for your money ? " But he only went the faster, and
one called out : " Well, if you aint got time to wait, just
send in your bill to Company J, it's all the same."
The decline of the year was bringing the aulunuKil chaiigc
in the season. The weather was becoming colder, and we
were visited Sunday, Oct. 12th, by a rain-storm, which add-
■i^■At■>^,^^^'■,> •■H^•^V< ^MtO
326 Fifth Nc-.o York Volmitccr Infantry.
ed nolhiiig to the comforts of the camp. The regiment was
under arms, and the men ordered not to leave their company
strectr-,. as Stuart's cavalry were in the rear of the army.
Oil 'J'hursday, the i6[h, we marched at i p.m. to Black-
hu-.n'^ Ford, on the rotomac, for picket duty. Detachments
from the corps made a reconnoissance on the other side of
the river. It rained hard during the night, and the men
passed a disagreeable tour of guard duty. The following
day we were relieved from picket at 6 p.m., after being on
duty for thirty hours, and we returned to camp.
A detail from the regiment went on picket again on Sun-
da\-, the 19th. The Lieutenant-Colonel was absent again
sick, and Major Winslow was in connnand. The men were
happy, having received a supply of clothing, and confidently
^vent through a general inspection. Captain Burnett, senior
Captain, and Lieutenant Agnus, had resigned, the latter to
accei)t a Captaincy in the 165th ^&\v York, 2d battalion of
Duryce's Zouaves. Adjutant Marvin was on a visit to New
York to recruit himself and the regiment.
On Friday, the 24th, we were visited by a severe storm of
rain, v>i,ich lasted for two days, but the men were all in fine
spirits notwithstanding, as they had received four months'
pay, .md could purchase some luxuries (so-called) from the
sutlers, who had been patiently waiting to relieve them of
their spare cash.
Tiiirteen men deserted on the capital they had obtained,
having money enough to pay their way. Monday, the 27th,
was cKar and cold, after the storm, blowing hard, and nearly
ail tiie men were full of spirits. During the night, the officers
were s'.irpnised to hear an unusual noise in the usually quiet
camp, and the officer of the day, as well as the guard, were
astoundcl It was very evident that the men had procured
whi4:y somewhere, :ind in large quantity. Tlie sutlers weic
not allowed to sell it, and the men had not been out of
camp ; there had not been any suspicious persons about, and
,v.'\vi\ 'v.^SuwWi v,-.i'(, <>;
i ( .1,; • '.ii
Camp near Skarpslmrg. 327
•where did they get the whisky ? Such a complete demoral-
ization had never happened before, not even in Baltimore,
where the facilities of a large city afforded every opportunity
for a debauch. Fighting, singing, and general uproar i)re-
vailed, even " taps " being almost entirely unheeded. The
next morning empty quart bottles were lying about in pro-
fusion. The officers never knew the secret of it ; but a partv,
being no other than the well-known " Nicaragua Riley," had
been around a little while before with a wagon-load of bread,
and a part of the loaves had been cut open and examined,
but nothing had been found inside of them. Yet this was the
man who had supplied the liquor used the night before. Two
barrels containing quart bottles of whisky were sold for two
dollars a bottle in that very camp. It had cost him thirty-
five cents a gallon, and he had come around to get liis
money "in a lump," as much as to sell his bread; it was
handed to him by an Orderly Sergeant.
The clear and bracing morning of Tuesday, the 28th, found
us under marching orders. We had been drilling hard every
day under Major Winslow, who followed in -the steps of his
predecessors. But the exercise kept the men warm, and
they liked it on that account.
While staying in this camp one of the regiments in our
corps, and, moreover, one of the best fighting regiments in tiie
service, between whom and our own great respect was recip-
rocated, came over to drill on a tield next to that which the
Fifth used for the same purpose. They were doing their best.
Our Major looked upon the proceeding as a challenge — the
men certainly did. Accordingly the drill-call was souiuled.
and after forming, we were marched out, and were soon going
through the movements like clock-work. It was not five
niinutes before the commanding officer of the otlurr regiment
was so much interested in the movements of the I'lUh that he
ordered his men to a rest, and thuy remained spectators, ai;d
drilled no more. At the guard-mount of the Fifth there was
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328 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
always a concourse of officers from different regiments to
witness it.
The benevolent party who sold the bread to the men came
around again to sell pies, which, however, were in a greatly
demoralized condition, having sutifered fearfully by the trans-
portation ; the materials were there, but somewhat mixed.
It was dealt out at twenty-five cents for a handful of the
luush, which consisted of about a dozen different kinds of
pastry, and there was great jiushing and scrambling to pur-
chase it. He was closely watched, but that did not prevent
the necessary arrangements trom being n)ade for another
smuggle of whisky, under the cover of darkness.
It was clear and pleasant the next day, the 29th. The
officers and men were light-headed. We had company drill
in the morning, and battalion drill in the afternoon, to straight-
en up. A great deal of drunkenness was noticed in camp the
previous night, the underground railroad having evidently
been running its train again. But the engineer made no
money by this venture. When he came around for it, having
nothing to sell, he was told by the orderly, who had acted on
the previous occasion, that the stuff had been seized, and
that he was suspected and ordered to be arrested. On
hearing this, he left in a very disrespectful and hasty man-
ner, without waiting to hear any further explanations. He
had tasted military justice before, on at least one occasion,
and wanted no more of it. The orderly quietly pocketed
the money, and went into his tent to take a drink.
We left camp on Tiuirsday, the 30th, at 4 p.m., at the close
of a warm and cloudy day, marched until 2 a.m. of the 31st,
and bivouacked in Pleasant Valley, near Brownsville, after
a .slow and tedious march of nine miles over the mountains.
The night was cold and disagreeable, but the morning was
clear and warm. We started again, moving at 6 a.m. about
three-quarters of a mile, when we haltetl four hours on the
road. Orders to advance being given, we again fell in, and
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Snicker s Gap. 329
after marching about eight miles, passing through Brownsville,
we bivouacked near Weverton, Md. We had a bayonet drill
on dress parade. We were mustered in for two months' pay,
and Captain Prime's resignation was announced, to enable
him to accept a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in another organiza-
tion.
Saturday, November ist, found us in marching order at
7 A.M. ; wc crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge at
Harper's P'erry, where we stopped, and were supplied with
knapsacks, which we had not seen since leaving Harrison's
Landing, two and a half months before ; we picked up the
genial "Butch" and some others, who had been sent from
the former camp to labor on the public works, to \)ay for a
" frolic." We resumed our march and crossed the Shenan-
doah, and after tramping eight miles through Loudoun Val-
ley, bivouacked on the Leesburg turnpike, near Neversville.
We were joined by the 140th New York, Colonel O'Rourke,
a. regular officer and a graduate of West Point. He was a
fine officer, and was subsequently killed at tlie battle of
Gettysburg, in the terrible hand to hand conflict with Hood's
Texans on the summit of Little Bald Top. They were a fine
body of men generally, but new to the service ; they were
enlisted from the northern part of the State, and were at tliis
time about 850 strong. Sunday, November 2d, marched at
7 A.M., passing through Hillsborougii and Snickersvile, ami
relieved Sumner's corps at Snicker's Gap, arriving there
about II P.M., after a tedious stretch of sixteen miles. We
bivouacked in line of battle behind stacked arms, on top
of the mountain. It was a very cold, windy nigl.t. Sykcs'
division was ordered to hold the pass over the Illuc Ridge
through the Gap. The roads over which we hail marciied
were rough and :,tony, water was scarce, anci the List two
miles being on the ascent all tiie way, was very tirc>iinie
work after a full day's marching. At one time before reacli-
ing the loot of the mountain we were deployed in line of
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330 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
baUle, expecting a skirmish with the enemy who were in the
viciiiity. Three men tlropped out on the last two miles to
make their coffee, after which they kej;t on. An officer on
horseback hailed them by a sudden challenge, and asked
them where they v/ere going and what regiment they belonged
to. It was so dark he could not see their uniform. When
tne}' answered him, he told them they would soon be in the
hands of the enemy on that road, and gave them jiroper di-
rections. He had been placing pickets. They lost their way
iii the darkness, and lay down by a stone wall to rest. While
dozing into sleep, one of the pickets close by made a chal-
lenge, and receiving no answer, fired his piece. Thev heard
a cry, '• I am shut ! " and " Corporal of the Guard ! " A
straggling soldier who failed to answer the challenge had
been fatally shot. Our boys found they had made a narrow
escape. The 3d was a cold, blustering day, and we were
still in line of battle, with strong pickets posted, expecting an
attack. The men killed a lot of sheep found running at
large about the mountain tops, and had plenty of mutton for
the first time in eighteen months. Boxes of crackers were
ccrried three-fourths of a mile by details of men on their
backs from the wagons, as they could not ascend any further.
One of the companies went down the mountain toward the
Shenandoah River, and liad a brush with the eneniy's pickets
wlio were on the other side of it.
'i'biC following morning broke clear and we had a pleasant
day. The enemy was in sight in the valley, and heavy firing
was heard in the east in the direction of Warrenton. A
rcconnoissance was made down the mountain, under the
connnand of Colonel Sargent, of General Porter's statT, to
Castk-mau's Ford, Slienandoah River. He had with him a
p>ii;av]ron of th'- isi M.i.-saclutsetts cavalry (Caprain I'rattV
t'.\o battalions ui" iho i4ih, and batlahous of the 6lh and
7tl; U. S. Infantry. When they had i>roceeded about two
miles they were fired on by a masked battery of ten guns
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Snicker s Gap, ' 331
posted on the other side of the river. After some prelim-
inary skirmishing, Captain Pratt was shot through the heart,
a Lieutenant of the 14th Infantry was wounded, and about
forty of the men were killed or wounded ; but they ad-
vanced to the river. The Fifth were ordered under arms at
the first firing, but their services were not required.
The regiment was on picket duty on the 5th, and we could
see the enemy, and were obliged to be extremely vigilant.
Very heavy firing was heard in the direction of Ashby's Gaji,
south of us. In the expectation of a night attack, double
pickets were posted. The night fell on us cold and cloudy.
Notwithstanding the apparent preparations for an attack,
everything remained quiet during the night, and at 7 a.m.
on Thursday, the 6th, we commenced a march of about
eighteen miles, passing through Middleburgh, and bivouacked
about one mile distant in the woods. While passing through
the town, which was thoroughly secessionist, an old lady
stood at her door leaning on a cane, and called out very
earnestly, in a cracked voice, and shaking her head, that " it
was no use to go that way, you will all come back again."
No males were seen in the town except cripples, paroled
and wounded prisoners, in Confederate uniform, awaiting
exchange. All the other male inhabitants were in the Con-
federate army.
We marched the next morning at seven o'clock. It com-
menced snowing at nine, and continued through the day.
We marched about eight miles, and, after the usual insiicc-
tion of arms, encamj^ed near White Plains. Company -V
was sent on picket to the rear, to guard against a surprise
by Mosby anil his men. The night was bitterly cold, from
which the men suffered severely, but they kindled largo
fires, antl, uitii the addition of ha)' from -omc ;-'.K-ks nr.ir
by. made themselves as comfuitablc as clrculll^tanccs would
permit.
A squad of the new regiment, who had not yet become
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332 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
accustomed to the grindstone, made a foray on a sutler's
wagon which happened to be near General Warren's quarters
on the road. He sprang among them and whacked them well
with his sword, much to their astonishment. They became
well toned down, after a little training, like the rest of us.
On Saturday, the 8th, the reveille woke us at 4.30 a.m.
We marched at eight o'clock, advancing nine miles over bad
roads through White Plains, and bivouacked near New Balti-
more. The next day, Sunday, the 9th, we marched at 8 A.>r.,
about two miles through Thoroughfare Gap, and bivouacked
within one mile of Warrenton, and in sight of the spires of
that strong secessionist town. The weather was tine, but
clear and cold. We were drawn up in line on the beautiful
morning of the loth, but our hearts were sad. We had a
farewell review from General McClellan. The men received
him with nine hearty cheers, as he always had their entire
confidence, and all were sad at parting with him.
At evening parade the farewell address of our beloved
Commander-in-Cliief was read off, which vvas as follows :
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, \
Camp near Rectortown. November 7, 1862. S
Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac :
— An order of the President devolves upon Major-General
Burnside the command of this army. In parting from you I can
not express the love and gratitude I bear you. As an army, you
have grown up in my care. In you I have never found doubt or
coldness. The battles you have fought under my command will
proudly live in our nation's history. The glory you have achieved,
our mutual perils and fatigues, the graves of our comrades fallen
in battle and by disease, the broken forms of those whom wounds
and sickness have disabled — the strongest associations which can
fxist among men — unite us still by an indissoluble tie. We shall
ever be conir.icics in supporting the Constitution of our country
and the nationality of its people.
G. B. McClellax,
Major-General U. S. Arwy.
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■ * On the March to Fredericksburg. 333
The regiment did not expect to make a halt so soon, but
were not sorry to have a litte rest. A supply of straw had
been appropriated by the men, which they were fortunate
enough to discover, thereby adding much to their comfort.
The wind was blowing a gale from the north, and the sky
was overcast with clouds, giving promise of another snow-
storm.
The men endured the weather very well, but the horses
suffered severely. The nth was a clear, pleasant day;
another review was held, and General Fitz John Porter took
leave of his command. He looked pale, and evidently was
anxious and ill at ease. The men gave him nine hearty
cheers, and the common remark among them was, "Another
good General gone."
On Wednesday, November 12th, General Ambrose E.
Burnside took command of the army. On the 13th, the
146th Regiment, New York Volunteers, under the command
of Colonel Garrard, a regular officer, joined the brigade. It
was a fine body of men, enlisted from the Western and
Central portion of the State, and about 850 strong. This
regiment made for itself, by its active service with the Army
of the Potomac, to the close of the war, a splendid war
record. Their long list of killed and wounded tells tlie story
of the hard fighting they did at Gettysburg and during
Grant's great campaign, which closed with the ca[)ture of
Richmond.
On Saturday, the 15th, the Fifth was visited about dark
by General A. Duryee and aides. As soon as he was rec-
ognized by tlie men, they turned out and gave him a fitting
reception, to which he responded by a short and appropriate
speech.
On Sunday, the i6th. Colonel Iliram Duryea left us on
account of prolonged ill liealth.
The 17th we left camp in a cold rain-storm, and after a
march of twelve miles, passing through Warrenton, went into
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334 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
bivouac about lo p.m. at Warrenton Junction. The roads
were in a very bad condition, which occasioned much delay,
but when the wagons and artillery got on clear ground, we
were obliged to make up the distance on a half run, which
was more fatiguing than a steady, uniform step. At dusk
there was no sign of going into camp, and at the halts the
men sat down in the mud of the road to rest. Finally we
were ordered into a field to camp. The prospect was dreary
enough. It was cold and raining hard ; wood was at a dis-
tance, which we were obliged to feel out in the dark. The
men rigged up shelters as best they could, fastening them to
the rifles for want of better supports, and slept on the cold,
wet ground.
About four o'clock a.m. the men were aroused from their
restless slumbers by the blast of the bugle ; the sky was
cloudy and the sun not visible. We fell in line and marched
about eight o'clock across fields, swamps, guUeys, up hill
and down, through bushes, woods, and streams, crossing the
same stream of water no less than four times, the fording of
which did not make one's feet and legs feel any more com-
fortable, and this march certainly had no attraction. It was
raining all the time, and we tramped on in this manner until
dark, when the patience of the men was about exhausted,
and there was plenty of grumbling, cursing, and groans.
Finally we were turned into a field to rest, after sixteen
miles of marching ; the ground was rough and uneven, and
so thickly ornamented with stones and lumjis as to make
one feel as if he was lying on a picket fence. This place
was Spotted Tavern. One of the men remarked that it
ought to be named " Devil's Rest."
On Wednesday, the 19th, marched at daylight through the
rain five miles, and bivouacked near Hartwood Church.
The two succeeding days we remained in camp. It rained
continually, and the men's clothing was soaking wet day
and night; some of them laid with the water running under
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On the March to Fredericksburg. 335
them, and had a complete, if not satisfactory, experience of
that delightful sensation. We started on the march, but
encountered an endless train of wagons blockaded in the
muddy roads, and were ordered to camp again. The tribu-
lations of the men thus far had not served to increase their
joy at the prospect of a " winter campaign."
On Saturday, the 2 2d, we left camp about 3 a.m., went
nearly four miles, and bivouacked near Stafford Court-
House. On Sunday, the 23d, marched at 2 p.m. about three
miles and encaniped near Henry House, in the vicinity of
General Hooker's quarters. The night was very cold, and
the men were obliged to get up frequently to warm their
feet ; the water froze in their canteens.
Thursday, November 27th, Thanksgiving day, the men
dined on salt pork and hard-tack. For recreation they hatl
a drill in the afternoon to aid digestion. 28th, the division
was reviewed by General Sykes, and had a brigade drill un-
der General Warren. 29th, the corps was reviewed by Gen-
eral Hooker, commander of the center grand division of the
army. New uniforms were issued, being the first time since
l-'ebruary, 1S62. On Sunday, the 30th, we i)assed for inspec-
tion in heavy marching order before General Hooker's quar-
ters, the regiment displaying their new uniforms.
On ?vIonday, December ist. Colonel Hiram Duryea's res-
ignation was read otT on dress parade, the regiment thereby
losing a brave and accomplished otficer, whose absence was
keenly felt during the remainder of their term of service.
He was a very strict disciplinarian, and no holiday soldier,
and it was greatly owing to this fact that the excellent state
of discipline and perfection in drill, to which we had been
brought by Colonel Warren, was maintained.
December 3d, a detail from the regiment went on picket
\- ill) two days' rations. Saturday, December 6lh, w is a clear,
(-1! dav, widi snow on the ground five inches deep. 'I'lie
regiment was prepared for a review by General Bulterfield,
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336 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
acting in command of the corps. But the order was coun-
termanded.
On Saturday, December 6th, a detail was ordered from the
regiment for picket duty, in heavy marching order and two
days' rations. After considerable delay in making up the
details from the different regiments, they marched over
nuserable roads and two or three streams about three miles
from camp, and about 3 p.m. were in the position assigned
them in the rear of the army. The prospect at first was
gloomy. The fields and trees \\ere covered with snow, and
not a green thing was to je seen ; but they were agreeably
surprised when they reached their position. A Corporal
and si.v men were assigned to each post, where they found
generous fires in front of rude shelters made of rails and
boughs of trees, built by the 4th ^Michigan boys, whom they
relieved, and all they had to do was to take their place and
keep the fires going. The reserve was posted further to the
rear in a hollow of the pine woods, and made themselves
comfortable. A man was posted from each squad of six
men further to the front in the woods, for two hours at a
time. Of course, it was a severe task to stand quietly on
duty in the snow, peering around on the watch. But on the
other hand, it was a pleasure for the solitary sentinel to oc-
casionally cast a glance to the rear at the gleaming of the
picket fires in the woods, and to enjoy in anticipation the
comfort that was in store for his chilled body when he
should be relieved from his vigil. The weather was very
cold, and water froze in the canteens a few feet from the
fires. The blankets and overcoats were frozen stiff from
previous dampness. Sunday, the 7th, and the succeeding
day continued clear and cold, and the snow was still on the
ground. The picket was relieved on the evening of the 8th.
Major Wiublow was read off on evening parade as Colonel
of the Fifth, and Ensign Winslow, his bi other, as First Lieu-
tenant ; John S. Raymond was promoted to a Captaincy,
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On the March to Fredericksburg. 337
and assigned to Company G ; A. S, Chase to Captain of
Company D ; Sergeant Kitson to Ensign of Company C ;
Sergeant T. £. Fish to Ensign, and Commissary E. M. Earle,
appointed Quartermaster, vice A. L. Thomas, promoted to
Brigade Quartermaster.
These were the preliminaries and the preparation for the
impending struggle, which we were in ardent hope would
see the duration of war cease, and that the Union with its
benedictions of peace would once more be restored. But
our hopes as to the issuoof the coming conflict were to be
dashed to the ground, and it wis destined to form a dark
event in the history of the Union cause.
15
ivv:>
CHAPTER XIV.
BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. '
In Sight .of Fredericksburg — The Pontoon — The Burning City — The Posi-
tion—Across THE River— Marye's Hill — A Dcscription by the Philadel-
phia Times— Thb Attack — The Enemy's Batteries — The Slaughter Path
— French's Division— Hooker's Charge— Howard at the Front— Hum-
phrey's Division— Sykes' Division— The Dead .\nd- Wounded — Warren's
Brigade — The Brigade of Death — The Compte de Paris — The Fifth in a
Garden — Our Regulars Severely Placed — The Gloom Pall— Forlorn
' Hope — Strategy — Lstrenchments at Night — Covering the Retreat —
The L.\st Man Crossed— The Pontoon Lifted— Incidents— Henry House
— <}enerai. Svkes' General Order.
At half-past 2 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, the
nth day of Deceiuber, 1S62, the reguiient was aroused from
its shuiibers, by the sound of the bugle ringing out the
reveille on the clear, cold air. The men immediately turned
out and formed in line for roll call. .'Vfter answering to their
names, they commenced their slight preparations for the
march. They formed in line and at about six o'clock took
the road, already blocked up, as far as the eye could scan,
with moving troops, artillery, and ambulances. The sound
of a heavy gun in the distance announced that the hat for
battle had gone forth, which, ere it closed, was to send weep-
ing and mourning into many a happy Northern home, and
throw a mantle of gloom over every patriot heart throughout
the land. Soon other guns sent forth their deep-toned notes,
and the roar of artillery became incessant. After many
halts, and a march of about three miles, the division was
turned into a wood to await further orders. Thoy were
linally niarched from the wood to a position behind sonic
earthworks on high ground, near the banks of the Rapi'a-
hannock, from which they could distinctly see the ill-fated
(33S)
.VIX AniHAUJ
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TAtJ
Battle of Fredericksburg. 339
city of Fredericksburg, lying about two miles to their left,
on the other side of the river, and along on their side of the
river, and stretching far off in the distance, huge balls of
smoke arose from the guns which were playing on the
opposite bank.
The men of the 50th New York Regiment, Engineer
Corps, were engaged all day in trying to lay the pontoon
bridge across the river, but were prevented by the enemy's
riflemen, who were posted in the houses along the street's
adjacent to the river. This compelled the General com-
manding to order the guns to be turned upon the city and
shell the place. Soon thirty-tive batteries, numbering one
hundred and seventy-nine guns, were hurling their shell into
the cUy ; they continued the bombardment for an hour, each
piece discharging about fifty shots ; the reverberations of the
guns were like long rolls of thunder, and soon the hij^'ii
banks of the river were enveloped in smoke. The city was
set on fire by the shell in several places, and continued to
burn all day and through the succeeding night. It was a
splendid spectacle in the darkness, as the flames burst fortli
from the burning houses. On Friday, the 12th, detachments
of the 7th Michigan, followed by the 19th and 20th Massa-
chusetts, about four hundred men in all, dashed across the
river in pontoon boats and routed the enemy's ritlemen,
lying behind the brick walls of the ruined houses along the
river front, but they suffered some loss in their heroic enter-
prise.
The engineers were now able to lay their bridges without
uiolestation. The enemy's works on tiie heights to the rc.ir
of the city could be plainly seen, as they were built on
steep hills ninety and one hundred feet in height; concern-
ing which, wrote the London llnics corresiiondent after t!ie
I'lttle : '-This crest of hills constitutes one of the strongc-t
l)ositions in the world — impregnable to any attack in the
front." The Confederates scarcely deigned to rei)ly to the
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340 FiftJi Nc-iv York Vohintccr Infantry.
fire of the batteries, and it looked oniinous ; it seemed as if
they were saving their ammunition and biding their time,
being sure of their prey when the troops crossed over into
the city.
On Saturday, the 13th, by two o'clock in the afternoon,
the troops were all across the river, with the exception of
Sykes' division, which was held as a reserve, being com-
posed of two brigades of regulars and Warren's brigade,
consisting at that time of the Fifth, 140th, and 146th New
York, the Fifth being regarded the same in point of steadi-
ness and discipline as the regulars. The two other regiments
had not yet been under fire, having been recently recruited.
Since noon the rattle of nuisketry intermingled with the
roar of artillery had been incessant, and told the story of the
fierce conflict raging.
We will now halt for a moment and see what is going on
in front of Marye's Hill, through the eyes of one who must
have been present, or he could not have described the scene
so faithfully or so well.
The following was.^ published in the New York SnnJay
Sun of August 5, 1 87 7, credited to the Philadelphia Times,
and its perusal will bring home to the thoughts of all those
who were present on that bloody field, the truthfulness of
the scenes described :
" Man-e's Hill was the focus of the strife. It rises in the rear
of Fredericksburg, a stone's throw beyond the canal which runs
along the western border of the city. The ascent is not vep,- ab-
rupt. A brick house stands on the hillside, whence you may
overlook Fredericksburg and all the circumjacent country. The
Orange plank-road ascends the hill on the right-hand side of the
house, the telegraph road on the left. Above Mar>'e's Hill is an
elc\'atcd plateau whicli commands it. The hill is part of a long,
bold ridgo on \\hk\\ the declivity leans, str.'lching from Falnwuih
to Massoponax Creek, six miles. Its summit was shaggy and rough
with the earthworks uf the Confederates, and was crowned by
their attiller)-. The stone wall on Marye's Height was their
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V ■ Battle of Frcdcrickslmrg. 341
'coign of vantage,' held by the brigades of Cobb and Kershaw,
of McLaw's division. On the semicircular crest above, and
sti-etchiiigfar on either hand, was Longstreet's corps, forming the
left of the Confederate line. His advance position was the stone
wall and rifle trenches along the telegraph road above the housf.
The guns of the enemy commanded and swept the streets which
led out to the heights. Sometimes you might see a regiment
marching down those streets in single tile, keeping close to the
houses, one tile on the right-hand side, another on the left.
" Between a canal and the foot of the ridge was a level plat of
flat, even ground, a few hundred yards in width. This restricted
space afforded what opportunity there was to form in order of
battle. A division massed on this narrow plain was a target
for Lee's artillery, which cut tearful swaths in the dense and
compact ranks.
" Below and to the right were fences which impeded the ad-
vance of the charging lines. Whatever division was assigned the
task of carrying Marye's Hill, debouched from the town, crossed
the canal, traversed the narrow level and formed under cover of
a sharp rise of ground at the foot of the heights.
" At the word, suddenly ascending this bank, they pressed for-
ward up the hill for the stone wall and the crest beyond, into tiu
jaws of death.
" From noon to dark Bumside continued to hurl one division
after another against that volcano-like eminence, belching forth
fire and smoke and iron hail. French's division was the tirst to
rush to the assault. When it emerged from cover and burst out
on the open, in full view of the enemy, it was greeted with a
frightful fiery reception from all his batteries on the circling
summit.
" The ridge concentrated upon it the convergent fire of all its
enginery of war. Vou might see at a mile the lanes made by the
cannon balls in the ranks. You might see a bursting shell throw
up into the air a cloud of earth and dust, mingled with the limbs
of mr-n. The battiTi( s in front of the d^'voted division lhiind« rcil
against it. To the right, to the left, cannon were answering to
each other in a tremendous deafening battle chorus, the burden
of which was :
"' Welcome to these Ki.-xdmen about to die.'
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342 FijftJi Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
" The advancing column was a focus, the point of concentration
of an arc — almost a semicircle — of destruction. It was a center
of attraction of all deadly missiles. At that moment that single
division was going up alone in battle against the Southern Con-
federacy, and was being pounded to pieces. It continued to go
up, nevertheless, toward the stone wall, toward the crest above.
With lips more finnly pressed together, the men closed up their
ranks and pushed forward. The storm of battle increased its
fur)' upon them ; the crash of musketry mingled with the roar of
ordnance from the peaks. The stone wall and the rifle-pits
added their terrible treble to the deep base of the bellowing
ridge. The rapid discharge of small arms poured a continuous
rain of bullets in their faces ; they fell down by tens, by scores,
by hundreds.
" When they had gained a large part of the distance, the storm
developed into a hurricane of ruin. The division was blown back
as if by a breath of hell's door suddenly opened, shattered, dis-
ordered, pell-mell, down the declivities, amid the shouts and
yells of the enemy, which made the horrid din demoniac. Until
then the division seemed to be contending with the WTath of brute
and material forces bent on its annihilation.
"This shout recalled the human agency in all the turbulence
and fury of the scene. The division of French fell back ; that is
to say, one-half of it. It suffered a loss of near half its numbers.
Hancock immediately charged with five thousand men, veteran
regiments, led by tried commanders. They saw w^hat had hap-
pened ; they knew what would befall them. They advanced up
the hill ; the bravest were found dead within twenty-five paces
of the stonewall ; it was slaughter, havoc, carnage. In fifteen
minutes they were thrown back with a loss of two thousand —
unprecedented seventy of loss. Hancock and French, repulsed
from the stone wall, would not quit the hill altogether. Their
divisions, lying down on the earth, literally clung to the ground
they had won. Thtse valiant men, who could not go forw;'rd,
would not go bnck. All the while the hatterit s on the heights
raged rmd stiirrm-d at t'i<an.
" How.'jrd's divisi<iii came to their aid. Two di\ isions of the
9th coq)s to their k-ft attacked repeatedly in their support.
" It was then that Uurnside rode from the Phillips House, on
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- ■ Battle of Fredt-ricksburg. 343
the other side of the Rappahannock, and standing on the bluff at
the nver, staring at those formidable heights, exclaimed : ' That
crest must be carried to-night,' Hooker remonstrated, begged,
obeyed. In the army to hear is to obey. He prepared to charge
with Humphrey's division ; he brought up every available battery
in the city. 'I proceeded,' he said, 'against their barriers as I
would against a fortification, and endeavored to breach a hole
sufficiently large for a forlorn hope to enter/ He continued the
cannonading on the selected spot until sunset. He made no im-
pression upon their works, ' no more than you could make upon
the side of a mountain of rock. '
*' Humphrey's division formed under shelter of the rise, in col-
umn, for assault. They were directed to make the attack with
empty muskets ; there was no time then to load and fire. The
officers were put in front to lead. At the command they moved
forward with great impetuosity ; they charged at a rim, hurrah-
ing. The foremost of them advanced to within fifteen or twenty
yards of the stone wall. Hooker afterward said : ' No campaign
in the w^orld ever saw a more gallant advance than Humphrey's
men made there. But they were to do a work that no men could
do.' In a moment they were hurled back with enormous loss.
It was. now just dark ; the attack was suspended. Three times
from noon to dark the cannon on the crest, the musketr\' at the
stone wall, had prostrated division after division on Mange's
Hill. And now the sun had set ; twilight had stolen out of the
west and spread her veil of dusk ; the town, the fiat, the hill, the
ridge, lay under the ' circling canopy of night's extended shade.'
Darkness and- gloom had settled down upon the Phillips House,
over on the Stafford Heights, where Bumside would after a while
hold his council of war."
About three o'clock Sykes' division was ordered to move
toward the bridge leading direct to the city ; it being one of
five built of pontoons by the engineers, the other four lying
fiirtl-.er to the left, three of which led to the oiK'n country.
As they ainuoaclied in its vicinity, they met the enemy's
shell, who was aiming his guns so as to reach the slope of
the hill running down to the foot of the bridge and the plains
■-\:;%- :^,-^-:\\
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344 Fifth Nezv York Vohniteer Infantry.
beyond. They saw numerous sights that reminded them of
what was going on in the front ; pale-looking men limping
to the rear, and long lines of ambulances carrying their bur-
dens of suffering humanity, and here and there a surgeon
and assistants, with implements in hand performing their
duties, with the wounded and the dying lying about them ;
terrified-looking stragglers skulking behind trees, where they
thought themselves safe from flying shell.
Before crossing the river they met General Burnside, who
appeared to look anxious and not well satisfied as to how the
battle was progressing. Who could realize the fearful re-
sponsibility then resting on him alone? His last troops
were going into action ; the desperate assaults against an
impregnable position had been disastrous failures, and this
was the decisive moment. The division crossed the bridge
and hurried through a business street, where whole blocks of
stores had been destroyed by fire ; desolation and destruc-
tion were visible on all sides. They turned into Caroline
Street, which was lined by the residences of the wealthy, and
as they passed up this street on a run, they saw many corpses
lying about in the street and on the sidewalks, and met
wounded men coming from the battle, reeling like drunken
men. Once in a while one of them would fall from weak-
ness occasioned by loss of blood. Two soldiers came out
of a drug-store with ashy pale countenances, having been
poisoned in their search for whisky.
The din of battle was now terrifying, as nearly all of Gen-
eral Hooker's command, the 3d and 5th corps, were en-
gaged, and for two miles along the font it was one sheet
of thune, but the result was uncertain. On the outside of
the city was a plain about one-third of a mile in width, op
the other side of which were the enemy, covered by a stone
wall, which was banked with earth, ritle-pits, and batteries
on the heights, with another line of earthworks on high
ground to the rear of thetn ; all these nmst be overcome at
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Battle of Fredericksburg. 345
that point, to insure a victory. The division continued up
the street on a double-quitk, the regulars being in advance ;
they came to the end of it, which debouched on the out-
skirts of the city, on the border of the open plain before
mentioned, and thi "regulars" went into the battle now
raging fiercely, relieving Humphrey's division. The Con-
federates knew who were facing them at the first volley.
Warren's brigade formed a second line in their rear. It was
now dark, and the heavy firing ceased ; occasional volleys
from companies or battalions lit up the darkness for a mo-
ment, but it soon dropped off to a heavy picket firing.
The assaulting troops, as we have seen, had succeeded in
getting near the stone wall, but they were met with such a
withering fire from the Confederates, who were repeatedly
reinforced, and from the nature of their defenses could
mass their men four files deep and fire, that our forces were
so decin\ated tliey could advance no further, and were
obliged to fall back.
The position of the Fifth happened to be in a garden, the
soil being wet and muddy, from the heat of the sun dur-
ing the day, which had melted tb.e frost in the ground. 15iit
there they were compelled to wait, being the next in turn
for the trying ordeal. The men pulled down a i)icket fence
and portioned what there was of it among themselves to lie
on, and keep part of their bodies from the damp, cold earth,
each man's share consisting of a space about two and one-
half feet long by one and a half broad, and ciulcd t'nein-
selves up to keep warm, 'I'he bullets whiz/ed o\er their
heads from the firing just in front of them, and some o{ them
were hit ; occasionally the shrieking of shell was hc.ud, a
httle over their heads. Few there were that closed then- eyes
tliat long December night, which seenieil as if it wonKi never
end. As thc-y l.iy, they thought ol tiie n)oiro\v— hosv many
of them would live to come out of the conllict— of home —
ot eternity.
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34^ Fifth Nezu York Volunteer Infantry.
But worse than all wore the cries of the wounded, lying
helpless between the lines and on that bloody slope, without
any one to help them. They could hear theui cry, "Water !
water ! water ! O God ! help ! " Some of them called out
their names and regiment, and sometimes a chorus of shrieks
and groans went up on the chill midnight air, telling of
human agony beyond the power of endurance. But to
quote again from the same writer :
" The dead would not remain unnoticed. The dying cried out
in the darkness, and demanded succor of the world. Was there
nothing in the universe to save ? Tens of thousands within ear-
shot, and no footstep of friend or foe drew near during all the
hours. Sometimes they drew near and passed by, which was an
aggravation of the agony. The subdued sound of wheels rolling
slowly along, and ever and anon stopping; the murmur of voices
and a cry of pain told of the ambulance on its mission. It went
off in another direction. The cries were borne through the
haze. Now a single lament ; again voices intermingled and as if
in chorus ; from ever\' direction, in front, behind, to right, to left,
some near, some distant and faint. Some, doubtless, were faint
and were not distant — the departing breath of one about to ex-
pire. They expressed ever}' degree and shade of suffering, of
pain, of agony ; a sigh, a groan, a piteous appeal, a shriek, a
succession of shrieks, a call of despair, a prayer to God, a demand
for water, for the ambulance, a death-rattle, a horrid scream, a
voice as of the body when the soul tore itself away and alian-
doned it to the enemy, to the night, and to dissolution. The
voices were various. This the tongue of a German ; that wail
in the Celtic brogue of a poor Irishman. The accent of New-
England was distinguishable in the cry of that boy. From a
different quarter came utterances in the dialect of a far-eft
Western State. The appeals of the Irish were the most pathetic.
They put them into ever)- form — denunciation, remonstrance, a
pitiful prayt-r, a perempton.- demand. The German w.is more
]iati(nt, less denionstr.itive, withdraw i:^g iiito himself. One m.m
raised his body on his left arm, and extending his right aim up-
ward, cried out to the heavens and fell back. Most of them lay
moaning, with the fitful movement of unrest and pain.
»rir
:«:, .-n VA
Battle of Fredericksburg. 347
" It was on the ground over which the successive charges had
been made that there appeared to be a thin line of soldiers sleep-
ing on the ground. They seemed to make a sort of row or rank ;
they were perfectly motionless ; their sleep was profound. Not
one of them awoke and got up. They were not relieved either.
Had the fatigue of the day completely overpowered all of them,
officers and privates alike } They were nearest the enemy,
within call of him. They were the advance line of the Union
army. Was it thus that they kept their watch, on which the
safety of the whole army depended, pent up between the ridge
and the river? The enemy might come within ten steps of
them without being seen. The fog was a veil. No one knew
what lay, or moved, or crept, a little distance off. Still they did
not waken. If you looked closely at the face of any of them, in
the mist and dimness, it was pallid, the eyes closed, the mouth
open, the hair was disheveled ; besides, the attitude was often
painful. There were blood-marks also. These men were all
dead."
Thus the night wore through. Toward morning a thick
mist hung over the ground, which made the situation more
gloomy, if possible, than ever. The men fully expcctotl to
face the Confederate hosts in battle array as soon as day-
light should appear. Each man felt as if he was passing his
last niiydit on earth ; but each brave heart had inwardl;.'
resolved to obey orders unflinchingly, and preserve the
reputation of their regunent in whatever jiosition it rni'^ht
be placed ; and if it was the fortune of war that they wore to
die, they would meet their fate like men.
"In the meantime the troops that had been in the front we.e
withdrawn into the streets of the town, and rested on their arms.
Some sat on the curbstones, meditating, looking gloomily at the
ground ; others lay on the pavement, tr}ing to forget the events
of the day in sleep. There was little said ; deep d.jeclion bur-
dened the spirits oiali. The incidniis .if the !)attle were r.i.t r<-
hearsed except now and then. .Vl\\ays when anyone spuke.it
was of a slain comrade — of his virtues or of tlie manner ot his
death ; or of one missing, with many conjectures respecting him.
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348 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
Some of them, it was said, had premonitions, and went into the
battle not expecting to survive the day. Thus they lay or sat.
The conversation was with bowed head, and in a low manner,
ending in a sigh.
" It was December, and cold. There was no camp-tire. But
no one mentioned the cold ; it was not noticed. Steadily the
wounded were carried by to the hospitals near the river. The
hospitals were a harrowing sight ; full, crowded, nevertheless
patients were brought in constantly. Down-stairs, up-stairs,
every room full. Surgeons, with their coats off and sleeves rolled
up above their elbows, S3wed off limbs or administered anaes-
thetics. They took off a leg or an arm in a twinkling, after brief
consultation. It seemed to be, in case of doubt — off with his
limb. But the sights and scenes in a field-hospital are not to b2
described."
The Conipte de Paris says, in his " History of the Civil War
in America" (pp. 596-7) :
"This night of December I3th-I4th was probably the most
painful ever experienced by the Army of the Potomac during its
whole existence ; its losses amounted to 12,500 killed and wound-
ed, and over 2,000 prisoners, sacrinced uselessly to carr}^ out an
idea ; 6,300 lay killed or wounded on the slope of Marye's Hill,
but there was not a soldier in the ranks who did not believe that
their blood had been shed entirely in vain.
" The Confederates, secure in their Gibraltar, had only lost at
this point 952 in killed and wounded, and in all parts of the field
less than one-half of the Union losses."
At daylight the men were ordered to fall in ; they had no
sooner done so than the enemy opened on them from their
rifle-pits. The bullets flew around them thick, and began to
tell ; one long line of flashes told where the Confederates
were posted, for it was yet quite tkirk. The regiment was
hurried off, and went up the same street they had come down
the night before, ami closed \\\^ en masse in a garden partially
covered bv a dwelling-house and fences, which somewhat
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, ' • • ' Battle of Fredericksburg. 349
screened them from observation ; but they wore still under
easy rifle range. Some of the Fifth were wounded, and a
piece of a shell broke the leg of a member of the 146th New-
York, after crushing the wheel of a caisson. Three men of
the 140th New York were also wounded. The regiment had
not been long in this spot before some of the wild spirits,
whom nothing seemed to tame or overawe, strayed otf througli
the fence toward the enemy, although the bullets were
whistling about them. They soon returned with \-arious
articles of luxurious diet and clothing. It was a ludicrous
profanation of the terrible drama to witness the grotesque
appearance of some of the men. But this by-i)lay soon came
to an abrupt termination by the interference of the officers.
It was sad to reflect how desolate these happy and com-
fortable homes were made through the terrible consequences
of a war brought about by the treasonable acts of a few am-
bitious leaders, the majority of whom did not care to hazard
their own lives on the battle-field, but were willing that their
deluded followers should stand as a bulwark between them
and physical danger_ and hardships. It was surely not
strange th'at it was so difficult to conquer such people, when
they were willing to sacrifice everything, the houses and
homes in which they were born and brought ui), and per-
chance their parents before them, rather than surrender them
willingly and ask protection of a forgiving invader, who had
been forced to lay aside the arts of peace, to take u[) arms
to preserve the unity of the States, under one confederation
and one flag.
In the afternoon the regiment was marched down the street
a short distance toward the river, and turned into a yard in
the rear of a large brick mansion, one of several others, with
piazzas, gas-fixtures, and water-pipes, the supjily to the lat-
ter having been cut off by the Confederates. Tlic kitchen, a
small brick house, was connected with the main building by
a covered way. Behind the kitchen were rows of neat huts for
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350 Fifth Nczu York Volunteer Infa7itry.
the colored servants. Everything gave evidence of the wealth
and rank of the owners. A bell hung out at the rear of the
house to waken the "people" in the morning. The officers
occupied one of these mansions as their headquarters, from
which was heard occasionally some favorite air played on
the piano. The men made a fire in the large kitchen stove,
and made some unleavened cakes, prepared from flour and
water, a barrel of the former having been unearthed. This
proved to be a God-send, for the bacon distributed to them
the succeeding night, either by accident or design was utter-
ly unfit for consumption. The regiment stayed in this posi-
tion two days and a night, all of the time under fire of the
guns of the enem}% and under great suspense, not knowing
at what moment they would receive orders to advance to the
front, to battle, and they knew well that such an order meant
practical, if not total annihilation.
The regulars were obliged to hold the position assigned to
them on the night of the 13th, which was discovered in tlie
morning to be a slight hollow. It was a doleful jilace.
They were obliged to hug the ground, lying on their backs
or stomachs ; they could not move ; when one turned, he
was sure to be hit in the shoulder, and the wounded were
obliged to lie and sutter. Many who attempted, by permis-
sion, to run to the rear, were immediately pierced by minie
balls and fell lifeless. In this desperate position they laid all
day until it was dark, in the same place they occupied all
of the previous weary night, amid the scenes already de-
scribed. They were comiiletely at the mercy of the Con-
federates, who were apparently secure in their eartiiworks.
They were out of water, anil suftered terribly. At night,
when they were able to creep away under the veil of dark-
ness, they left 97 of their number stark and stitT. This is
the position that Warren's brigade escaped being placed in,
by a mere chance, as the order of march was right in front ;
A\'arren's brigade held the left of the division.
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Battle of Fredericksburg. 351
On the third day, Monday, the 15111, the condition of
aftairs looked ominous of evil, as the enemy were advancing
their rifle-pits nearer the city every night, and the troops were
being hemmed within its limits; the bullets were continually
flying up the streets of the city ; there was no commanding
position for the artillery, and in "the front" death stared them
in the face, and the wide Rappahannock flowed in their rear
between them and a place of refuge. If the enemy, regard-
less of the many women and children who remained in the
city hiding in the cellars of the houses, should shell the i^lace
from the fortified heights commanding it, on which were
posted two hundred pieces of artillery, a panic would prob-
ably ensue among the troops massed in the city, which in-
cluded the greater part of Burnside's forces, and the army
would be lost, and possibly the cause for which they were
fighting.
It is now a matter of history that Stonewall Jackson pro-
posed to General Lee to bonibard the city at night, and then
in the midst of the confusion that would naturally ensue, to
steal down and attack with he bayonet.
General Franklin gained a mile on the left the fuat day,
but was then checked, and could not advance any further.
It was rumored that General Burnside pro[)osed to storm the
works en masse with the 9th army corps in advance, but
was overruled by the other officers. It miglit possibly have
resulted in a temi)orary success at a terrible sacrifice of men.
but what would follow ? A great many charges had beei:
made the first day, but to no puri)ose e\re[)t to sacrifice men.
The dead strewed the heUl ; a whole brigade of them in num-
ber could be seen lying on the slopes of the hills ; it was
sure destruction to face the Confederate batteries, aiul man\-
of the wounded were left to die a lin-eiing death \<-\\y- en
die lines, the enemy shooting any wlio ventured to br;i-.g
them oft". No truce was asked or granted.
At this time every man's heart had fiiled ; otiicers and
,1 :>d;
ir,'\j r. !:i y [J 3*}yi ^/l; f|</ jiirr. is },
352 Fifth Nezu York Volunteer Infantry.
men felt alike ; they tried to laugh and joke and cheer each
other as usual, but it was plain to be seen that they all felt
the serious position in which they were placed, and the men
looked at one another with compressed li[)s, but spoke not ;
f the language of the soul was impressive ; in their counte-
[ nances was written "forlorn hope."
I It was ai)parent to the most simple that General Buin-
i side's army had been drawn into a death-trap ; they all knew
and felt it, and wondered why they were idly kept there
without an effort being made to escape or to change the
I mode of attack. The suspense was worse than death itself;
: it was lingering torture ; and all felt as a man can be im-
I agined to feel the night before his execution. The army had
:* been driven to the sacrifice to satisfy the demands of the
j Northern press to "do something." It had been robbed of
its experienced commanders by political advisers and cliques
i in Washington, and here was the natural result — disastrous
I failure. The General should not be blamed, as the com-
j mand of the army was forced upon him, and he did the best
j he could with it under the circumstances. That which had
!been looked upon by the people of the North as so much
gasconade in the Richmond papers, was being fulfilled to tiie
letter. This was the sentiment of the soldiers at the time,
I and it has not been changed by any subsequent develop-
[. nients.
I On the night of the 15th the regiment fell in very myste-
I" riously, and was marched toward the front, down a street
i leading by the outskirts of the city. After some delay they
i were finally marched into a large grave-yard, with orders to
1 kee^) vciy (luiet ; all the orders were given in an utuK'rtone.
\ Here the men laid down for two hours among rhe graves ot
f the departed ; pieces of pork and hartl-tack were lying alunii
■ on the grave-stones, and all those wiio were hungry iiad .1
chance to satisfy their appetites. But no one was very hun-
gry at that time ; in fact, quail on toast would have been
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Battle of Fredericksburg. 353
no indnceaient whatever, everything looked so mysterious.
One of the men came to the conckision that they were on a
hunt for the bones of ^Vashington. It was an aristocratic-
looking grave-yard.
They were then marched into another grave-yard nearer
the front. The men looked at one another and then at the
Colonel, tapped their foreheads and nodded at each other
knowingly. Finally they were marched directly to the front
— all the orders being given in a whisper— and halted near
the borders of the canal. A part of the Fifth and the 140th
Regiments, aided by the regulars, dug ritle-pits and built bar-
ricades across the streets of the city, so that the enemy's ar-
tillery could not follow in their final retreat in the morning.
They were very near the enemy, worked with a will, and
succeeded in throwing up a line of intrenchments along
their whole front, which it appears completely deceived the
enemy in the morning as to the jjlans of General Burnside
and the movements of the army during the night. General
Warren, who had command at the front, worked indefatiga-
bly all night, both mentally and physically, as he always did,
and it seemed as if he was at all points at the same time ;
everything, even the slightest details, came under his eye
and supervision. Company A, under the command of Cap-
tain Whitney, was sent across the canal as an outer i)ickct,
and crept out to an old tannery very close to the enemy,
who were also digging. They could hear them talking, and
some of their pickets were on the other side of the tlnnciy ;
one of them was heard to say he believed tl.e "Yanks" were
near. The wind was blowing quite a gale from the south
and west, and therefore the enemy could be heard, but or.r
men were not ; and as the night was dark and cloud)-, boili
sides were shielded from observation.
Company I, under the command of Captain Montgomery,
was also sent out to the front, further to the left, near the
enemy;- (hey dug "fox holes" to cover themselves. Tlie
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354 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
positions of these two companies were very dangerous ; they
talked in whispers when it was necessary to speak, and their
eyes and ears were strained to the closest attention, so that
not a footfall should escape detection. They were so close
to the enemy that they could hear their conversation. Their
orders were not to be taken ])risoners or sur})rised on any
account. As soon as the work on the trenches was finished
they were occupied by eight companies of the Fifth. An
earthwork to cover a battery of artillery was thrown up in
the rear of them. Toward morning the men were ordered,
in an undertone, by companies, to sling knapsacks ; an oc-
casional twang was heard, accompanied by a tiash, which
was followed by the sound of a rifle-ball hissing near, which
told the men that the Confederates were wide awake. The
battery in the rear moved otf with nuiffled wheels, and it now
flashed upon the minds of the knowing ones for the first time
that the army was retreating across the river, and that the
regiment were to cover the retreat and would be the last to
leave.
At this time it commenced to rain in torrents, which filled
the rifle-pits ; and the men stood in mud and icy water up
to their knees.; the water ran down their backs and chilled
them through and made their teeth chatter. The gray light
of the morning was straggling upon them, and before long
they would be discovered, and the fire of the enemy's heavy
guns and riflemen would be concentrated upon them. Offi-
cers and men would have given all they possessed to bo out
of that position, but there was no escape until further orders,
and they knew it. They would have fought to the last man.
In times of danger the brief and stern orders were the more
impressive.
Their salvation depcMided on keeping up a bold .md
steady front. It was much more trying than an active
engagement with the enemy. They knew that all the army
had fallen back to the other side of the river, and that their
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Battle of Fredcricks'hurg. 355
small regiment stocd alone out on the plain, facing, at close
quarters, the whole Confederate host, with the batteries on
the heights frowning down upon them, and that if they were
attacked they could expect no succor excepting from the
i5t brigade of regulars under Colonel Buchanan, who were
drawn up near the pontoon bridge, when all would have
been obliged to sell their lives as dearly as possible. It was
fully expected, from the very nature of the undertaking, that
a number were to be sacrificed ; and who of the number was
it to be ?
About an hour and a half before daylight, the companies
on picket crept back and joined the regiment. They were
moments of terrible suspense. They could now see the Con-
federate works looming up on the heights in the distance,
and a company at a time were ordered to crawl away to the
cover of a large store-Iiouse, about two hundred yards
nearer the city. At this point, almost all the regiment were
soon assembled ; the enemy's bullets were whizzing about,
one of which struck the brick wall, grazing the head of Col-
onel Winslow. Two companies, A and E, were left behind
in the pits to keep u]) a fire as if they were fully occujiied.
It was now light, and the enemy were firing at the men in
the pits, who returned the fire.
The regiment was drawn u)) in line behind the wall of a
grave-yard, and across the end of a street that led into the
city. They were joined by the few men left behind in the
]Mts, at a few niinutes past seven a.m. The two other regi-
ments of the brigade had been sent across the river two
hours before, and the old 5th New York Volunteers was the
last to leave the front. A few battalions of regulars luul
been drawn up on the edge of the city, further to the right,
lo m.'ii^e a sliow of force to the enemy ; but tiiey had brcn
oruoretl to rctiic and rej.-iii the ist brlgaiic \w.v: Uw x\\\:\\
'I he officers and men were becoming anxious fui Ceneial
Warren, who was sitting on his horse, perfectly cool and cul-
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356 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
lected, on the right of the regiment to give the signal to
move off. The Confederate officers could be plainly seen
riding from one fort to another, as if making observations as
to the situation of affairs. Lines of troops were beginning
to form, and their skirmishers were advancing. The suspense
was now very great ; but still Warren sat on his horse and
gave no sign. At length iVdjutant Marvin approached, and
in a moment the welcome order was heard — " By the right
flank ; forward ! march ! "
Never was order obeyed with more alacrity. Though the
danger was not yet over, the spell was broken ; the regiment
was moving, and the men would soon know their fate, and
were ready to meet it. They expected that the enemy
would be upon them like wolves after their prey, and they
would be obliged to fight their way through the city and
across the river, and that most of them would probably be
sacrificed.
They were marching briskly along, being saluted by the
gibes of some women, from a house, when they met Major
Cutting, of General Sykes' staff, who had been' sent to see
why the regiment did not make its appearance at the
bridge. As soon as they crossed over a little hill in the
street, which hid them from the sight of the enemy, the order
was given, "Double-quick." They passed by the ist
brigade, drawn up in a street, who immediately followed on
in the rear, and the head of the cohnnn soon reached tlie
only pontoon bridge remaining, which was covered with
earth and straw to prevent the tramping of the retreating
troops, during the previous night, being heard by the enemy,
and crossed over it as quickly as possible. General Sykes
sat on his horbc at tJie approach to the bridge, looking as
calm as if on p.irado. 'V\\c. cn_L;inccr co: ps -.v./re .'■(.iiion.-d
al intervals u!i t!io poiuooiis. ready to c.xst them loose, wiiicii
was done as the last man stepped on the other sitle ot liie
river. This was about half-past seven o'clock on the morn-
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Battle of Fredericksburg. 357
ing of Tuesday, the i6th. The enemy had now opened with
tlieir artillery, and the sliell began to fly ; but the Confeder-
ates had been outwitted. The men shook hands with a
feeling of relief and exhilaration at their safe escape.
Under the circumstances, the retreat, in all its details, was
one of the most adroit and successt'ul military events that
had occurred during the war, and the credit is due to General
Warren. Officers and men were very well satistied that they
had been delivered from the terrible ordeal that threatened
the remainder of the army.
The regiment went into bivouac near Falmouth, on the
same ground that they had occupied seven days before; and
here was this much-abused army again at rest, hav ng gained
nothing and lost about eleven thousand men in killed,
wounded, and missing. While, on the other hand, the Con-
federates, in a late report, stated their loss to be four hun-
dred and fifty-eight in killed, and three thousand seven hun-
dred and forty-three wounded; but among the killed were
recorded the names of Cenerals Howell Cobb and Maxcy
Gregg, the latter our opponent at Gaines' Mill.
The last act of the drama remained to be performed — to
bury the dead. A detachment was sent over the river for
this purpose under a fiag of truce. On the battle-field was
an immense building, used to store ice : in this structure
were placed nine hundred bodies found in the vicinity of
the stone wall and sunken road. Over them were packed
tons of ice, and they were let't to dissolution in one immense
tomb. They had died together, and were not separated in
their last sleep. The dead found in the other parts of the
field were buried where they fell. Only two incidents ot
the vast number of interesting facts of this remarkable siege
are here mentioned.
Cli.iilcs II. Wilson, a member o\ Cunii>;'my G. w.is \-cry
badly wiinr.ded ; a ball went through his nioutii, da^iung out
all his double teeth, and disfiguring him for hfe ; he was
vil-^f. r>:^"-l U:
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358 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
conveyed to a hospital, and given np as a hopeless case by
the surgeon. He heard him give directions to one of the
attendants to lay him aside for dissection, but strange to say
he recovered. He was only nineteen years of age ; a
younger brother enlisted with him in the regiment, and yet
another was in the service and badly wounded in the knee
at Antietam.
The two. wounded brothers, when they were able to be
moved, were taken to the home of a widowed mother and
kindly cared for. These young patriots had been her main
support, and left good situations to serve their country.
A soldier of the regular infantry, whose third term of service
(five years each) was about to expire, had permission, as is
customary, to remain in the rear with the wagon-train ; but
when he saw his brigade moving toward the scene of the
battle he dashed off and joined them, making the remark to
his comrades that he would have another "shy" at them,
meaning the enemy. It was his last battle ; this true soldier
■was honorably mustered out of the service by death on the
battle-field.
On Wednesday, the 17th, the regiment marched three
miles, and encamped near Henry House, on our old camp-
ground. Tiie 1 8th was a clear, cold day, but the weather
moderated, and on the 19th was warm and pleasant. In
the morning we had a brigade ins[)ection ; in the afternoon
a drill. At evening parade the general order of our com-
mander was read off. The precise facts as to the covering
of the retreat at Fredericksburg have never been published
within the knowledge of the writer. The credit was given
by one correspondent to 15utterfield's brigade, and several
regiments that left the city an hour or niore before the
movement of the regulars and tlic Fifth have claimed the
honor. The official ortler of General Sykes should remove
all doubt on this point. It was as follows :
":-.;' :7.
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•■" * Battle of Fredericksburg. 359
HeADQUARTEFS 2D DIVISION, 5TH ARMY CORPS, ]
Camp near Henry House, Va., v
Deconber 18, 1S62. )
General Orper, No. 49.
The General commanding desires to express his thanks to the
officers and enlisted men of the division for the cheerfulness,
endurance, and valor they have exhibited in the recent operations
"^ around the city of Fredericksburg. Though not called on to
share in the direct assault upon the enemy's intrenchments, the
position assigned them was one of equal peril, and was held un-
der circumstances that tax the best qualities of a soldier — pa-
tience, discipline, and courage. The 1st brigade and the ^ih
New York Vo.'untet'rs (3d brigade) had the honor to co\er the
withdrawal of the troops from Fredericksburg. This manfxuvre
was accomplished without loss or disaster of any kind, and with
skill, celerity, and boldness. The General trusts and believes
that the soldiers he has the honor to command will be character-
ized always by the same devotion to duty, and the same earnest
desire to preserve the reputation they have so justly acquired
while belonging to the Army of the Potomac.
By command of
Dec. 18, 1862. Brigadier-General Sykes.
Official : George Ryan,
A. S. Marvin, Jr., A. A. G.
A. A. General.
The following niagnaniinous avowal and noble tribute to
the army of the living and the dead is exi)ressed in General
Burnsidc's report :
"To the brave officers and soldiers who accomplished the feat
of thus recrossing the river in the face of the enemy, I owe
everything.
" For the failure in the attack I am responsible, as the extreme
gallantry, courage, and endurance shown bv them wa.i m vi r ex-
ceeded, and would have carried the jioints had it been i)>^.-^:l/!<'.
"To tile families and tVirnds of the dead 1 can only ofu r niy
III artfcit sympathies, but for the wounded I can offer my earnest
prayers for their comfortable and final recovery."
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360 Fifth Nczu York Volunteer Infantry.
Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day, divine serv-
ice was held in (he open air. Six days' rations were dis-
tributed, and the men were treated to a dinner of boiled
beans and pork ; an allowance of whisky was distributed.
A brigade provost was established, to have their quarters
near General Warren's tent. Lieutenant Aleldrum, of the
Fifth, was assigned to the command.
On Monday, the 29th, the brigade was formed in line of
battle at to a.m., and laid under arms for an hour. ^Ve
heard heavy firing at the front, but the command were not
wanted. It was ascertained that Stuart's cavalry had made
a dash on our pickets.
am' n
■ {VVvVA C:^?
.<U:.,-..U iuo f;n flrci /.
CHAPTER XV.
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE— OUR LAST STRUG-
GLE.
The New Yeak— The Situation— Death of Captain Cart\vricht— Mortality
— Desertions — The Disloyal Press'of the North — The Soldier's Sknti-
ment— An Army of Water-Carriers— The Mud March — Resignation op
General Blrnside — General Hooker in Command — Picketed in h e—
A Death in Hospital — A Si icide— General Warren PKriMOTFD — A Dk-
serted Mansion — Provost Guard — Death of Nicholas Hoyt— Better
Supplies — A Square Meal— Cavalry Skirmish— St. Patrick's Day in the
Ninth Massachusetts — Cavalry Fight — A Spy— A Smoky Chimney — A
Crippled Shoemaker on Jeff Davis — Annihilating the Men of the
South — A Review — Hybkrnating Under Ground — Easthr — Review dv
President Lincoln— The Two Years' Men — Growling— Review by Gens.
Togliardi and Meade — An Exiloded Shell — The Time Fixed — Kelly's
Ford — Ely's Ford— Approaching Fredericksburg — Battle of Chancel-
LORSvn.LE— EiGHTii PENNSYLVANIA Cavalry— The Knemy Repulsed— Jac;:-
son's Attack on Howard— Sickles— Slocum — French— Chancellor Housb
Burnt— Woods on Fire— The Two Years' Mcn Relieved— Parting with
Old Comrades — Aquia Creek — Hospitality of the 2ist New Vokk —
Washington — BALTnioRE—PHiLADELrHiA— Jersey City — New York— Glr
Reception— New York Ti;r:es— The Fourth Regiment— Mustered Olt—
In THE Battle of Life.
The year 1862 passed into the shadows, " with the years
beyond the tlood," with a decimated army waiting for reor-
ganization, and its thousands of invaUded and wounded men
lying ill hospitals, some with shattered constitutions, some
mangled or dismembered, some to recover and rejoin their
comrades, and many to lie down in a soil rendered " sacred "
by the blood of tens of thousands of freemen, poured out
in a contest for power by the advocates of the demoniac
system of American Slavery. The masses of tlie Sonthein
l^eople, the industrial and tiie non-slavchcKling wliitcs, who
Were trained in an atmosphere of political doctiiiics whica
fur a generation had been antagonistic to the Lhiion, and
16 (361)
f- «4T.'.' 1- CT, ■„
^"IIU ^<>&J^irr*'l 3»fT I' I
362 Fifth Nezo York Volunteer Infantry.
whose means of information were limited to the local press
or the local partisan, were in heart and sympathy attached
to the Union. But their feelings had become bitterly
aroused against the North by the falsehoods of their leaders,
who, with a sublime hypocrisy, professed to be the only true
exponents of democratic ideas, governed and owned in fee
simple " the Democratic Party," and led the great body of
the working classes both North and South in their political
opinions.
The commercial and political value of slavery, as a factor in
the public and private interests of these men, the " aristoc-
racy " of the slave-whip, and the oligarchs of social and
political circles, made these classes supreme, and the majority
had no alternative but to submit. Majorities were tolerable
to these imperialists so long as they were convertible to their
ends. But when majorities differed with them, they scorned
" Democracy," revolted against the Union, whose rule they
had so long boasted, and sought to crush Union and genuine
Democracy in blood.
One of their severest blov/s had just been struck at the
power of free institutions to maintain themselves by the de-
votion of the volunteers on behalf of freedom, and we were
just crossing the bloody ford of another year of war ; our
I pontoon was lifted behind us, and although scarred and
I mutilated, before us was the future, and we knew that in the
I blaze of the nineteenth century, our country would not give
llie lie to the hoi)cs of the world in its aspirations after liberty.
It was a contest for the coming centuries and for generations
unborn. Let the armor be girded on anew.
•! The sentiment which, amid all the disasters, underlaid the
I loyal heart, was well expressed by one of our patriotic writers
j. a short time before in the closing stanza of a poem cn-
1 titled "The Rcnii[>lic" : '=
• William Ol.^nd Bcurne, Editor of The Soldier's Friend.
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Cavip near Henry House. 363
"O toiling millions on tlie Old World's shore !
Look up, rejoicing, for she is not dead !
The soul is living as it lived before,
When sainted heroes spurned the tyrant's tread ;
The strife is earnest and the day wears on,
And ages tremble with the mighty blow-
Beyond the conflict is a glorious dawn,
A rapturous birth of Freedom out of woe !
The clouds may gather, and the storm be long.
And lightnings leap across the darkened sky,
But Freedom lives to triumph over wrong !
It still will live, for Truth can never die ! "
Thus opened the year 1S63 with the Army of the Potomac. .
There was nothing but the calendar to mark the first day of the
new year. It was calm, clear, and warm, but the day was dull,
uninteresthig, and without events. No cooked dinner was
provided, and the recruits had a drill as an appetizer for sup-
per. A day or two before a few of the men had received boxes
from their friends at home with some special remembrances of
the day, but the loyal thousands who had come out of one
of the greatest ordeals of death and slaughter known to his-
tory, in defense of their country, submissively took their ra-
tions and their rest, and having tendered their friends at home
the gift of their lives, wished them all "a Happy New Year,"
in the hope that the return would find the wish realized in
the enjoyment of peace.
Intelligence had just been received of the death of Captain
Cartwright, who died in Washington from his wounds received
at Gaines' Afill. He had been previously severely wounded
at IJig P)ethel, when serving as a private, but recovered and
returned to duty, until he received the double wound from
which he died. He was a \'oung man o{ great promise, and
i member of ih-e .MolluHr.-i I'liiscopal Church. At the brcik-
■■■- i>ut of the war. lie v.a.-, in the emi-loy of Messrs. l.anman
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364 Fifth Nezv York Volunteer Infantry.
esteemed. He enlisted as a private, but rose by good
conduct and attention to his duties through the ditYercnt
grades to a Captaincy. When he was an Orderly Sergeant,
and mustered his company, which at the time numbered over
ninety members, he called the roll from memory, taking no
notes whatever at the time, but was never known to omit a
name or fail to report an absentee. Had he lived he would
no doubt have attained an honorable distinction. His father
was Adjutant in the Irish Brigade, and several of his imme-
diate kin were officers in different regiments ; one was a
Colonel of a Massachusetts regiment ; another was a member
of the Fifth, and was honorably discharged on account of
wounds. Captain Thomas W. Cartwright, Jr., of Company
G, died for his country's sake in his twenty-second year.
There was more or less mortality in some of the regiments ;
the 146th New York had a daily average of one hundred on
the sick-list. They laid at the side of the Fifth, yet we had
not lost one man by sickness in this camp, and but few were
sent to the hospital. Captain McConnell, acting Major of
the Fifth, resigned his commission on account of ill health,
and retired to civil life.
The class of Northern journals known at the time by the
political soubriciuet of "Copperhead," and their sympaduz-
ers, were doing much to demoralize the army and encourage
desertion. It was an important, but despicable, element in
the political history of the time, and the loj-al men at the
front were compelled to feel the power of the malign inlhi-
ence thus exerted. The intolerance of the Southern leaders
allowed no symi>tom of disloyalty to their cause to be mani-
fested, and no word to be spoken in opposition, while in the
North the most intense antagonism to the loyal cause and to
the I I'lion Itself was continually outs-poken, and went oiu :o
the CMuntiy m milliuns of sheets of euiier d lily or weekly
issue. In one excei)tional case the i)ubli>her of the mo-t
disloyal sheet north of the Oiiio or Potomac achieved sucli
^\:\^'\'\-\-.->'.:'V,.>\\ o^'^/ >>:v/. ^^^y\ j.Oj; \
.'i-^;[ 111 "lu .U:i(0 ■'.;. n.j r..A^?.ittilAc:
\ "■
v; ■ " i^/?/<^ March. 365
fame and popularity that he transferred his chief publishini,'
bureau to the city of New York. These agents of disloyalty
were stinging the men who were fighting to protect their
property and preserve the Union. They were desjMsed by
the soldiers in the army, and nmre than despised by the Con-
federates, who looked upon them with utter contempt. A
soldier could respect a brave, open enemy ; but men who, in
the hour of peril, proved themselves so recreant as these, were
worthy only of the scorn of all loyal men, and were unworthy
of the protection they dishonored and defied.
On Sunday, the 4th, the regiment was inspected by the.
Division Ins[)ector. The 8th, the 5th army corps "Avas re-'
viewed by General Burnside.
The late defeat had somewhat demoralized the new troops
(the old ones were used to them), and there were many de-
sertions. About the 15th of January a circular was issued
' from headquarters to the commandants of regiments, caution-
ing them to keep a strict watch on their commands, as*the
number of desertions had become alarming. General Hooker
said that 10,000 had deserted since the battle of Fredericks-
burg, At the last review of the 5th corps there were prob-
ably not more than 12,000 in line, and about as many more
in hospitals and in convalescent and paroled camps, or
absent without leave.
On Tuesday, the 20th, in obedience to orders, we struck
tents at 11 A.^r., under threatening weather, with a chilly
wind blowing from the east. At 3 p.m. we marched about
two miles, and bivouacked in the woods. The road was so
blocked with wagons, artillery, and troops, that it was impos-
sible to proceed fiirther. It commenced raining about 5 r.M.,
and continued all night, to our great discomfort, for we were
r.'u (jiily cold, but wet and driiij/ing. In this coiulition llu^
i'-V('i!lc roused us at 4 a.m. on ^Vcdnesd.ly, the 2isr, while tlie
r.un was still falling. Our blankets and clothing being soaked,
the load on the backs of the men was very butdcnsonie.
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366 Fifth Neiv York Vohintccr Itifantry.
The exact amount of avoirdupois we never ascertained, by
comparing the weight of a dry and a well-soaked outfit ; but if
the whole army shared the burdens as lue felt them, we had
the whole Confederacy on our backs in more than the mili-
tary metaphor. At daylight we again took the road — if such
it could be called, for it was a sea of mud, and impassable
for wagons or artillery. After marching about five miles we
encamped, at 2.30 p.m., on the right of the road, in a cedar
wood, near the Rappahannock. The distance traveled was
short, but the march was a trying one, and about one-half of
the men were straggling behind. Only about two full com-
panies of the 146th New York came to camp in time. During
the night four of the three years' men deserted from the Fifth.
In the One Hundred and Forty-sixth about thirty were
missing. We had rain all the next day (2 2d), and the roads
were in a worse condition than before. Large fires of logs
were built, but the wind, which was strong, blew the smoke
in all directions, nearly suffocating every one, and as only
half a man could be dried at a time, the other side was wet
through again during the operation. liut the men bore their
discomforts cheerfully, and were enlivened by ballads of the
sea, sung by Jack \Vhigam, who had served an apprentice-
shiji in the navy, and was at the bombardment of Vera Cruz ;
"Butch" and others also contributed their share to the en-
tertainment. Our storm continued through the night, and
all of the 23d, the army being imbedded in mud, which, by
some means, seemed to cover every object, animate or in-
animate, in the army. The artillery and wagons could not
move a foot ; boxes of hard-tack were, of necessity, carried
for a mile or more, on aching shoulders, from the wagons to
camp, each box wcigliing about fifty pounds. Onlv six
crackers were allowed to each man, to last t\vcnt\--foar liour?.
The pontoons wore all upset and lying buried in the mud
along the roads, while the drivers were absent, trying to make
themselves comfortable. Every man that coukl be spareil
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was sent out to corduroy the roads back to the old camp
and help drag the cannon out of the sloughs ; they were
buried to their muzzles, and ten horses or mules were hitched
to each gi'.n and caisson to draw them. The Confederates
across the river knew the state of affairs, and their pickets
good-naturedly called to the Union pickets, and asked them
if they wanted any help. Having had such an ample sup-
ply of water, our officers, on the morning of Saturday, the
24th, kindly issued us a ration of whisky, for which we were
duly grateful, and at S a.m. the command started back for
their old camping-ground, arriving there about noon, after a
march of seven miles. This move was known as the " mud
march." " Man proposes and God disposes." General
Burnside could not control the elements.
On Sunday, January 25th, General Burnside resigned the
command of the Army of the Potomac.
Wednesday, the sSth, General Hooker took command of
the army ; General Meade, of the center grand division,
composed of the 3d and 5th coq^s, and General Sykes in
command of the 5th corps. The men received two months'
pay. The next day we awoke to find the country wearing
a dreary aspect, with about a foot of snow on the ground.
On Tuesday, the 3d of February, our regiment, with tb.e
brigade, went on picket duty, carrying three days' rations.
On Friday, the 6th, they returned at midnight, their clotliing
covered with ice. They had a rough tour of duty dvuing
the four days they were absent from camp. It rained, froze,
snowed, and the wind blew a gale nearly the wliole time.
One of the men was sent back to camp sick, and reported
to tlie surgeon. He had been told that he was "a i)eat,"
and playing sick. He went into the hospital tent and laid
dou-n. In the morning, it was the old story — ht; wa^ iK'.i.d.
Tlie next day a sliot was heard just outside of the regi-
mental cami>. The provost guard repaired to the spot and
found a soldier lying v/ith the side of his head blown o!l'.
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363 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
They dug a hole a foot deep and buried hiru forthwith, and
took his rifle and belt to their quarters. About an ho\ir
afterward a Sergeant of the regulars came to them and saitl
that one of their i)rovost guard was missing, and asked for
a description of the man they had buried, which was given ;
he proved to be the missing man. It was a case of deliber-
ate suicide. He had hxed a strap so as to discharge his
rifle with his foot, after placing it at the side of his head.
They opened the grave, lifted the body, and buried their
late comrade in the division burying-ground on the hill.
On Tuesday, the loth, the regiment was thoroughly in-
spected by Lieutenant-Colonel Webb, Assistant Inspector-
General, and pronounced to be in the highest condition.
Thursday, the 12th, we learned that General Warren had
been appointed Chief of Topographical Engineers, on Gen-
eral Hooker's staff. Colonel Garrard, of the 146th New York,
a regular officer, was placed in command of the brigade.
"While the provost guard were making a tour on the 14th,
they stopjied at what had once been an elegant mansion,
but at this time was dismantJed of almost everything. A
Corj)oral and two men were stationed at the house per-
manently to preserve it from further destruction, their orders
being to prohibit any one from taking away even a brick.
Their duties were also to arrest any soldier they found out of
camp without leave. Accordingly they were in the habit oi
hiding and watching for stragglers, and as the land was
cleared of trees for many acres in extent around their covert,
they seized many a luckless victim. When the Sergeant and
his squad came up to the house, he found the Corporal and
his two men in an altercation with a Captain from one of
the regiments, who had several men and a wagon, which
tl)ey were loading ui:h bricks. Sergeant lack 'I'a^lor, v ho
was in command of the detail of the laovost, and was one
of the best duty-men in the regiment, oidered the Captain
to stop his work and unload his wagon. The Caiitam
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Camp near Henry House. 369
refused with an oath, and the Sergeant was about to arrest
him, by force, if necessary, when an officer rode up on horse-
back, alone and unobserved until quite near. He halted,
and it being discovered at a glance that he was Major-
General Meade, Taylor had his squad in line in a moment,
right dressed, etc., with as much ceremony as if he was in
command of a battalion, and presented arms. " What is the
trouble here, Sergeant?" inquired the General. The Sergeant
informed him, and also explained the orders under which he
was acting, when General Meade turned to the Captam with
a severe frown and reprimanded him. He asked his name
and regiment, and told him that an officer that presumed, by
reason of his superior rank, to browbeat those who were not
his equal into disobeying their own orders, was not fit to be
an officer, informing him that he could return to his regiment
and report. The officer left, evidently feeling very tnuch
mortified. He then connnended Taylor and his squad for
doing their duty, and rode on.
At another time Sigel's nth corps encamped about the
house overnight when on a raid. The demolition would
have been immediate had not the Corporal of the provost
(Powell) gone to General Sigel and told him what his orders
were ; wiien he promptly sent an order for a guard to be sta-
tioned around the house. In the uiorning they had disai)-
l)eared as suddenly as they came ; but when Sergeant Taylor
arrived there in die afternoon on his rounds, he found a coui)le
of German soldiers sitting comfortably by a fire they had
made in one of the fire-places in the lower story of the house,
engrosseil in a game of cards, with a corp;e lying near tied
up in a blanket. They were detailed to carry their deceased
comrade back to their old cam}), as the raid would last
only a few days, and they were glad to have the opportunity
to (K) so, and thus avoid a long tramp and juMii.q.s a \\:}.\l.
Tlic Sergeant, on being informed of the tacts b}- the Corporal,
notified the intruders that he would be compelled to arrest
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I them, corpse and all, if they did not move. They thereupon
i collected their traps, gruniblingly shouldered their burden,
I and left. These incidents illustrate the duties of the provost,
I who were, in fact, the police of the army.
L " On Aronday, the i6th, a heavy detail from the regiment
I were employed in throwing up earthworks to protect the rail-
i road bridge across Potomac Creek. The 17th it snowed all
• day, reaching a depth of four inches, and the next day it
I rained. The working detail returned at night, wet, tired, and
\ miserable. Nicholas Hoyt, a Sergeant of Company C, was
I buried on the 19th. He was a sailor before he entered the
i army, and was one of the old Fort Schuyler men, a man of
I the true stamp. He remained faithful to the last. For
I months he had been wasting away from a troublesome com-
plaint, which only a change of diet and rest could cure ; but
he would not yield, doing duty day after day, until he became
so weak that he could not stand, and was carried from his
own to the hospital tent, where he died a few days afterward.
His funeral was attended by Colonel Winslow, Lieutenant-
Colonel George Duryea, and the greater part of the officers
and men.
The men found the climate at this time as changeable as
the people of that section of the country. The condition of
i the army was improved, for with temporary rest and more
i liberal supplies they had enough to eat. The cry of the
i soldier cooks was heard occasionally, " Fall in for your ex-
j tras," on which summons the men rushed out, each one try-
j ing to be first on the line, with tin cup in hand, scrambling
1 and pushing to the infinite diversion of the crowd, some
! of whom were draining what remained in their cups to make
I room for the fresh supi)ly. The old hands at one time played
I tricks on the new one?, when thoy were not up to ilie •• ways
I that wore so childlike and bland." WIilmi tlicre was a stew
I for dinner, at the given signal every one rushed out as usual
I with cup in hand. The " old ones," although api)arently in
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-■".v. Camp near Henry House. 371
a great hurry, took good care to be on the end of the line ; the
cook being a two years' man, and consequently sympathizing
with the rest of us, would be careful not to dive very deep
with his ladle into the kettle when serving the recruits, and
the " old ones " coming last, had the substantial part of the
stew. The law of gravitation was not suspended in camp-
kettles even in Virginia, and the solid parts, consisting of
chunks of meat and potatoes, obediently sank to the bottom,
and "last come, last served" found us well contented with
our share.
A soldier is never supposed to have enough, but an excep-
tion was found one day in the ca'se of a man who, after dis-
posing of a couple of quarts of stew and six hard-tack, to
make himself, as he said, "a solid man," actually admitted that
he had enjoyed "a good square meal."
Sunday, February 2 2d (Washington's birthday), it stormed
without cessation, and by nightfall the snow in some places
was two or three feet deep. A number of convalescents
from hospitals reported for duty. Salutes were fired in honor
of the day.
On \Vednesday, the 25th, the cavalry pickets had a skir-
mish with three brigades of the enemy's cavalry, resulting
in some loss on .both sides. Reinforcements and artillery
were sent out. The fight occurred about two miles to the
front of the infantry pickets, and the cavalry came flying in
through their lines, some of them without their arms and
bareheaded ; the men expected that they would have a
brush with the enemy. The reserves were in arms, but the
enemy did not approach us. About tifty of our men were
taken prisoners. The brigade returned from picket on the
evening of the 27th, where they had been doing duty for four
days. It stormed nearly all the time, and they passed through
many disagreeable hours. The brigade was again on picket
duty during the r4th, 15th, and i6th of March, and were re-
lieved on the morning of Tuesday, the 1 7th, St. Patrick's Day.
I 3/2 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
%. The day was celebrated in the 9th Massachusetts (the Irish
\ ()\\\). They had a greased pole, twenty-four feet high, on
1 top of which was a furlough and a canteen of whisky. They
I also tried to catch the greased ))ig. There was a horse-race
i for 'i'lite a large wager, but the horses came into collision,
I killing both of theni, and the drivers were picked up insen-
; sible. An amateur pri/.e-fight was also witnessed. Heavy
i f'iiDg was heard all the afternoon, and it was supposed that
t tli'j L:r.-alry had encountered the eneniy. On the 18th the
I cav ihy returned and marched by the camp. They had at-
t tackcu Fitz Hugh I.ee near Culpepper, and after quite a
I. spirited fight had routed him and taken fifty-five prisoners,
t witl'i their horses in addition, killing and wounding many
\ otlioi.-.. The loss on the Union side was about twenty.
One of our men asked a fine-looking prisoner, who had on
a good overcoat, how he would swop, when he was answered
that his "was not the right color."
Tile provost guard, on their rounds, arrested a suspicious
cliLiracter, in citizen's dress, prowling about a deserted house.
He -A-as questioned, and acknowledged that he came from
the Soa':!i, and was once in the rebel arn7y ; he was taken to
camp and ]>ut under guard, and afterward turned over to
tin- Provost-General, as it was suspected that he was a spy-
One day the guard halted at a log cabin occupied by
some poor whites (three women), the husband and brothers
being in the Confederate army. They saw the women
sl.inJing outside ol the cabin with arms resting on their
hip.-, ga/.ing at their chimney, from which and the doorway
• came liiick volumes of smoke. The Sergeant thouglU at
first tlie house was on fire, but soon ascertained from the
mother that tlie chimney only smoked ; "it was the
thinuicy she ever seed," and she "wished that the man that
b;ii!t; ;L was lying dead, stiff, stark and naked on the battle-
fieKl."
T])o mother was not very strongly secessionist, and wa^
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Camp near Henry House. 373
only anxious that the war was over, so that her "old man"
could come home. The young women, however, were the
strongest kind of rebels ; one of them was very pretty antl
smart, and the provost often stopped to stir up her rebel
spirit.
Another house the provost occasionally visiteci, was occu-
pied by a poor crii)ple and his family. He was a shoemaker
by trade, and appeared to be quite an intelligent man, and
opposed to Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy. He said
that he had escaped conscription so far, on account of his
lameness, but he did not doubt when our army moved away
from the neighborhood that the Confederates would make
him go into their army anyhow, as they were in want of re-
cruits badly. He also said that Jetf Davis would rather have
a man die in the army, whether he was of any service or
not, than let him remain at home. He said that the poor
whites were worse otT than negroes, and were not allowed
to own any good land, as that was all monopolized by the
rich slave-owners, and they were obliged to cultivate sonic
barren patch, from which they could barely raise enough to
exist ; therefore it was of no advantage for them to fight fur
the rich man's negroes, but they were compelled to do so.
This was an epitome of the whole of the controversy, and
of the facts of the war in its most practical form by one of
the sutterers. Southern orators, ex-rebel chieftains, aiul
statesmen of the "State Rights" school may protest now
that the war on the part of the South was a struggle for
"constitutional liberty and the social rights transmitted by
our Revolutionary fathers," but the underlying fact will re-
main on the pages of history that they attempted to destroy
the Union in the interests of slavery, and it peri>hed in the
attempt. When the bitterness of the disaster to ti'.e South
sb.all have passed away, and the author^ of the wir -h,;ll
have all laid down in the grave, it is to be iiuped that t'.icn,
if not before, we shall have a moral reunion all the grander
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374 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
and greater, that our land is unciirsed by the tread of the
slave.
On Friday, Afarch 27th, which was a very pleasant day,
one of the few which had favored the army for weeks, the
division was reviewed by General Sykes — an occurrence which
put the men in good spirits, reviews under fair skies having
been for some time quite rare. One of the correspondents
for the press reported it as follows :
"March 28, 1863. — On our way to the race-ground we en-
countered the division of Major-General Sykes, out for a review
and inspection. Sykes' division looked well, and will evidently
give a good account of itself in the coming struggle. The 5th
New York Volunteers elicited the admiration of all, and, widi
due deference to the regulars, it must be admitted that this regi-
l ment has a military standing not exceeded in the army. Its
I present commander is evidently following the excellent example
I and instruction of its former Colonel (now Brigadier-General),
f Warren."
General Hooker, at this date, was in command of a fine
\ army, in good condition and discipline ; the cami)s were
i never cleaner, or the food better; the introduction of soft
bread was a beneficial and humane act. Nevertheless,
j about one luindred men in the division had died since wc
f had encaniped on this ground. It was evidence that death
I' by the bullet was not all that the soldier had to contend
\ with.
• The month of April opened with a driving gale, cold and
! fretful. A great mania sprung up among the men for the
'[ manufacture of laurel-root pi[)es, and some of them succeed-
[ ed in carving and finishing numerous specimens in an elegant
I and artistic manni'r. Tlicv were wrought out entirely \>\ the
f pcnkniK- ; an offer of >-"::5 was refused for one of them.
The weather v.-as almost trving enough to drive an aimy
mad, situated as the men were in shelter-tents, wb.icii were
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1; i<k V ;)io'/ V -j/l
'. Camp near Henry House. 375
of such limited proportions th;U when taking refuge in them
they must either he clown or sit up with their blankets over
them all day long in stormy weather, it they wanted to keep
from freezing. They were not over four feet high. Some
of the men dug pits from four to six feet deep, and covered
them over with their shelters ; they also built fire-places in
them with a chimney leading out to the ground above. Much
ingenuity was displayed in making them comfortable, althougli
their materials and tools were very limited.
Whatever they made was from wood, earth, and mud, their
tools consisting of one axe to a company, their jackknives,
and a borrowed spade. Nevertheless, many a happy hour wis
spent in these burrows, increased by the certainty that there
were neither rent or taxes to pay to the collector.
Sunday, April 5th, the snow was six inches deep in
drifts, and the wind blew a hurricane. During the montli of
March there had been only one really pleasant day, and the
men looked forward to April, hoping for a change. The
roads were all sloughs, and it was impracticable ibr the army
to move until they dried and hardened. Thus far the change
had not come, and having lost their patience, they arrived
at the conclusion that the sunny South was a myth. The
day being f'.aster Sunday, and the boys not having any egg>,
were obliged to put up with bean soup, and were very thank-
ful to get it, although the cook failed to give us a very good
exhibition of his skill in its preparation. The cooking, of
course, was done in the open air; and sometimes when the
wind blew strong, the kettles would be hanging three or four
feet from the heat and Hame, although supposed to be hang-
ing directly over where the fire ought to be. Some of the
nien occasionally stood in a row. to keep the wind from the
fire as much as possible, being rewarded with, to thoni,
the rich aroma that arose to tlicir gratitiotl UL'stnls fidn tiie
boiling bean soup.
On Tuesday, April 7th, President Lincoln, in company
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3/6 Fifth New York Vohinteer Infantry.
with General Hooker and staff, General Meade and staff,
General Humiihreys and staff, and a large number of distin-
guished officers in train, reviewed the different corps of the
army. The Zouaves were called out alone, and put through
some movements, in ordinary and quick time, before the
President and company, after which they closed with the
manual of arms and bayonet exercise. The distinguished
company seemed to be highly gratified by the very rapid
movements, changes of position, and the uniformity and ex-
actness with which all the orders were executed. Through
Colonel Winslow, the highest com])liments were paid the
regiment upon their proficiency and soldierly appearance.
One of the provost guard who was on the detail to keep
guard near the cavalcade, heard the President make the re-
mark that it was a "gallus" regiment, and General Griffin,
who was near by, responded, " Yes ! and they can f-^ht as
well as they can drill."
Colonel Winslow gave the regiment a drill in the after-
noon. Their time in the service was drawing so near to its
close, that some of them were inclined to be careless ; but
short as it was, each day seemed a long one to the old
members.
On Tuesday, the 14th, the brigade returned to camp at'ter
spending three days on picket duty. Eight days' rations and
sixty rounds of ammunition were issued to each man ; ninety
rounds per man were to be carried in the wagons when
the army moved, which might occur at any moment. The
next day a general muster was held to ascertain the full
strength of the regiment. The division was reviewed by the
Swiss General, Togliardi, in company with General Meade,
on Saturday, the 18th. The l''iuh, after returning to their
cami)ing-gruund, liy re'piest gave a drill for tl-.c enrertain-
ment of tli- visiting (}eneial. The iiospital tent and bread
ovens were removed on the same day, whicli was an indica-
tion to us of an earlv movement.
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The Tpth fell on Sunday, which was a warm, pleasant day,
and, withal, there was nuich excitement in camp. The Ser-
geants and men reported their time out. The Colonel went
over to headquarters to see what was to be done with the
regiment. General Hooker went to Washington to consult
about the two years' men in the army. On his return Col-
onel Winslow formed the regiment in a square and made a
speech, hoping that for the good name they had earned for
themselves, that tliey would continue to do their duty wil-
lingly until they heard from the War Department. The men
had all determined to do no duty after the 23d of April.
An accident happened in the forenoon to some of the
members of a battery, which was encamped op[)Osite the
Fifth, on the other side of the road. It was being inspected
by the officers, when a shell in one of the caissons exploded
from some carelessness and badly injured and burned three
men ; their hair and whiskers were all singed off, and their
faces were burned black by the powder. The exjilosion tlirew
a large piece of the caisson over into the camp of the I'ifth,
and if all the shell had burst, the loss of life would have
been fearful. Some of the Fifth who were playing ball, ran
over to see what had occurred, and two of them for some
reason became engaged in a fight on the spot just after the
injured men had been carried away; others were j)itching
their quoits, and did not have curiosity enough to stop even
to inquire into the cause of the excitement. It wa^ a cu-
rious illustration of the intiuence of war in making men
thoughtless of life or death.
At the morning's inspection the Colonel as^kcd the Oixlcrly
of Company I how many days' rations he had on hand.
He replied, "Five days'." To the question what the men
would do if tlicy marched, he replied, that '' thi'v dul not
expect to march only to Aquia Crci-k, on tb.cir way to Xow
York." Under the expectation of nun ing at any hour, the
order was to have eight days' rations in haversack or knap-
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37$ Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
sack all the time. The officers' tents were removed, the
small slielter tents substituted in their place, and their bag-
gage was curtailed. We had been under marching orders
for a week. The question which had disturbed the regiment
for some days was determined on the 21st. An order from
headquarters was read out to the regiment, notifying them
that their term of enlistment would exinre two years' fro 11
the date on which they were sworn into the United States
service. The three years' men contended tliat they were
enlisted under false pretenses, as they were promised their
discharge with the regiment. Orders Nos. 44 and 85 were
read oft" about re-enlisting.
On Thursday, the 23d, the t\vo years' men were in a great
state of excitement. The Colonel arrived from headquar-
ters and assembled the regiment in a square, and read out
special orders, that the Government would hold them until
the 9th day of May. He made some remarks and hoped
that they would do their duty without coercion until that day.
They all knew the consequences of insubordination, and
that their time would soon be up. The excitement subsided,
as the men were too intelligent, and understood their duty
too well to make any further resistance, and there was no
more trouble. The provost arrested two men for declaring
that they would do no more duty. They ran the risk of a
trial for mutiny.
The long-expected orders to move came at last, and on
Monda\', the 27th. the regiment struck tents and marched,
about ID .\.M., to Ellis Ford, a distance of about eight miles,
the roads being dry and dusty, and we went into bivouac.
The men were a little ftilf on account of having laid in camp
for so long a time. 'J'hcre was much dissatisfaction in the
regimeiit among the liwce years' hkh, who expected to be
mustered out with the rec,iment, and some of them dro|iped
out on the road and eluded the guard. Some of these men
had cause to feel dissatisfied and acr^rieved, as it had been
•5? '?lf.,;f;- H-i'V
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'■ Battle of CJiaiiccUorsvilh'. 379
represented to them when they enlisted that they would cer-
tainly be discharged with the regiment. One hundred men
were detailed to guard the wagons and trains. The non-
commissioned officers, which included the greater part of the
two years' men, were kept with the main body. The next
afternoon we left at 4 o'clock, and advanced nine miles in
the rain over muddy roads, broken by water-runs, and halted
at 10 P.M. to bivouac. Tsventy rities were left in this camp
in the morning belonging to as many three-year men, who
had taken the opportunity of darkness to forsake us rather
than be consolidated with the 146th New York, to serve out
the remainder of their term. On Wednesday, the 29th, Ave
fell in at 8 a.m., crossed the pontoons at Kelly's Ford, and
passed through the flourishing town of Kellysville, consisting
of bi.x dwellings and a grist-mill, which was constantly used
by tlie enemy. We pressed on and forded Mountain Run,
a wide stream, which soaked our clothing to our waists.
After all had crossed we resumed the march, and finally
reached Ely's Ford on the Rapidan. The river was wide
and very rapid ; the water above the waist, arid the bottom
rocky. It was with great difficulty that the men could keep
their feet. Most of the men went in in full uniform; '-but
some comical scenes were presented by the men taking otT
their pants, or starting on the voyage as they came into the
world, with the exception of their having baggage with them."
Cartridge-boxes were hung about the neck or put on top of
the knapsacks to keep the " powder dry." "\N'e resumed our
journey, and after going two miles beyond the river, went
into bivouac, ha\ing advanced about twenty miles. 'I'nis
march was a very trying one, and the roads were strewn
with knajisacks and superfluous clothing accuuuilated dur-
ing tiie winter months, which were thrown av.ay by the uk'h,
not being any longer required. CanntMi.nling wa.^ b.cud
during the day in the direction of Fretliicksburg. Our
march, on the morning of the 30th, brought us within hall a
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380 Fiftli Nciv York VoIii7itccr Infantry.
mile of the United States Ford. The weather was cloudy,
with at times a drizzling rain. We rested half an hour and
advanced toward the rear of the enemy's position at Freder-
icksburg, and the division took up a position under arms tor
the night, it being in the advance. We had marched fifty-
six miles in four days.
The following extract from the New York Daily Times of
^fay 4, 1863, gives a general account of the movements of
Sykes' division on Friday, .May rst : •
"The division marched, about 9 a.m., to the left on the turn-
pike, toward Fredericksburg, to make an attack and compel the
enemy to develop his strength at that point. They moved
promptly into position, with Weed's former regular batter}- (but
now Watson's). The enemy fired the first gun at 12 o'clock.
The 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry skirmished in the very front for
some time, and sustained a galling fire from the enemy's infantry,
I but behaved with great intrepidity. They charged and~re-clfarged
1 upon the infantr)-, only to be in turn driven back. General Sykes
I then threw forward two companies of infantry, without knapsacks,
I on the double-quick, who supported the cavalry and checked flie
further pursuit of the enemy. The action now became quite
general between the two forces, each seeming to be of about
equal strength. [The enemy's force thus engaged was ? lahone's
brigade, supported by McLaw's]. The enemy contested th-*
ground vigorously, giving way only when pressed very hard. Our
i troops fought for fully an hour with great spirit, and drove the
! enemy from two successive and strong positions upon ridges of
: land which run parallel with the Rappahannock. The distance
\ thus gained wns nearly one mile nearer Fredericksburg, and
j some fifty prisoners, mostly belonging to Virginia regiments,
! were captured.
j " About half-past i o'clock, just as Colonel Chapman, com-
manding the 2d brigade of regulars, had expressed a desire to
' take another ridge,' an order was received by General Sykes
from General Ho<.!;.t to suspend the attack and retire: nr.irly to
his former posiiidu."''- "At 2 p.m. General Hooker remarked,
; • Cenenil Warren, ;it this time Chief of Topo^nphio.-il EnKineer*, " whn bire
I the orJ?r, had vainly urf;ed that it should not be sent." Generals C-niuh an-l Han-
^ ' ... •.:., ■ i— . J '■•,7
•J,wa;.|
'■- . Battle of ChanccUorsville. 3S1
•I think I can make them come out and fight me on my own
ground.' In t\to hours the assertion was proven. The enemy
mistook our voluntar\- retirement for a check, and followed us
rapidly as we fell back.
"The division had taken their old position, and pickets were
thrown out, when the enemy again appeared in force on the
ridge, at the foot of which we lay. Our men had stacked arms
and were at rest. The whole division, save the Dur>-ce Zouaves,
were lying, at nearly right-angles wir.h the road. The Zouaves
were parallel with the road. Quick as thought General Sykes
brought his men into line, the Zouaves on the left half wheeling
into line of battle like a machine.
" The enemy paused a moment on the top of the ridge, and, as
if to nerve them for the onset, gave one of their proverbial de-
mo-.iac yells, and came down on the double-quick, shooting, caj)-
turing, and literally running over the pickets, w'ho scrambled
behind all sorts of obstructions." [Some of the Fifth, who were
on picket, came in the next day ; one of them, a Sergeant, brought
in f've rebel prisoners.] *' But in an instant more a terrible crash
resounded from the Zouave end of the line, and down the colunm
rolled a deafening roar of musketry. It did not last, apparently,
two minutes, but its work was effective. The firing at once
brought General Hooker .into the saddle. This onslaught by tiie
enemy was for the purpose of re-taking the cross-roads ; a very
important point. The first thing done after this was the massing
of artillery near the roads, and in fifteen minutes twenty-two
gims were sending shell into the woods, and the roar of artillery
became ten times more deafening than that of the musketry had
been. The work w-as soon done. The contest lasted three-
quarters of an hour at this point, and the enemy ignominiou.-ly
retired."
The loss in the division was light, amounting to about one
hundred in killed and wounded. Ca[)tain Marsh, of the 17th
Infantry, was killed. Captain Overton, of General Svkes'
staff, was wounded: laeutenant \\ clU, 14111 Ini'.ir.try,
wounded. In the Fifth only about half a du/;en were
cock, advancing on prirallel roaJs to Sykc;, on either flank, also protested a,;ain»t
it. " ll.incock thou-ht lti.\l they shoulJ ad\aiiLe in^te-ad of retrcalii-g."
^Wv-v. A' .\'Vv:>w,N' '.V,') '\ri ij^ASWiV^
382 Fifth Neiij York Volunteer Infantry.
wounded. They being on the left, were able to pour an
effective lire into the Hank of the enemy, and were shielded
somewhat themselves behind an embankment. During the
night the men were engaged in digging ritie-pits. The
enemy's fires burned unusually bright, and extended along
the heights for several miles. A battle was regarded as in-
evitable.
Fifty men, five from each company, were sent out under
the command of Lieutenant Gedney, to act as pickets ; they
went about half a mile, and took a position in the cut of a
road, keeping well covered, and a few of them were sent for-
ward and deployed in the woods as an outpost, so as to keep
a sharp lookout. It was a bright moonlight night, and there
was not much danger of a surprise, but it was a dangerous
post, as the enemy would make their first advance in that
direction from Fredericksburg. About midnight their ears
detected a slight rustling of the leaves scattered over the
ground in the woods front of them, and soon it became more
distinct, and the tramp of men was heard. The Lieutenant
cautioned his men to keep quiet, and not to fire until he gave
the order. They soon saw a long line of the enemy ap-
proaching in the woods, being, as well as they could judge,
some five or six companies, and the i^w men on outpost
duty fell back to the reserve. The enemy must have dis-
covered them, for they heard an officer say, "Steady, men ;
they are nothing but pickets, and we will walk right over
them." At this moment Gedney gave the order, ''Fire;'
and the flash of fifty ritlcs told that the order was obeyed.
They immediately received a volley in return, most of which
went over their heads, as they were lying behind the em-
bankment at the side of the road, but it wounded two of
them. A bullet also struck the scabbard of the Lieutenant's
^-.vord. buiulin- it. Th^-y i;rui:ed;.Uely loaded again and hied,
but the enemy retreated in confusion, supposing that they had
come into contact with a large force, their object evidently
,XH\V) » '^'A^W 'irz/i
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. Battle of Chancellorsville. 383
being only to feel the lines to ascertain the position of the
Union troops. ■ From the groaning in the woods during the
remainder of the night, they judged that their fire had done
good execution. A regular officer with some troops came up
on a double-quick in a few moments, and after ascertaining the
cause of the firing, told the Lieutenant that Ixe had done
well. Toward morning they were again approached, but
drove the enemy back. After daylight an officer of the reg-
ulars rode up and ordered them to march on a double-quick,
and rejoin the command, which they tbund had moved.
When the morning of the 2d broke, it found both sides
well intrenched. The division remained in line of battle dur-
ing the day, and the enemy spent their time in feeling the
lines of the army further to the right. They opened a bat-
tery on the ammunition wagons ; one of ours promptly re-
sponded, and blew up two of their caissons, which obliged
them to withdraw.
About 5 P.M. Jackson, Mith 40,000 men, made a terrific
onslaught on the nth cor[is, under General Howard, on the
right, surprising them completely. General Berry, in com-
mand of a division of General Sickles' 3d corps, Avas sent to
the rescue on double-quick after dark, and checked the
enemy, aided by General Birney's division of the same
corps ; and Best's batteries (36 guns), under the command
of Lieutenant Franklin B. Crosby, which were ordered tiiere
by General Warren. Lieutenant Cro.sby was killeil. The
Confederates withdrew to the line of breastworks just vaca-
ted by the nth corps. The regulars were sent after the fu-
gitives who were Hying in a panic toward United States
Ford. They lost twelve pieces of artillery besides many
prisoners, and General Howard was wounded while trying to
rally them, Bushbeck's, with Schimmclfennig's brigade, and
tlie Sjd Illinois, and 157th Xcw V>)rk with Pil-cr's b.Utcry,
however, fought until they were ovcriiowered by juiinbers.
1 he disaster to this corps foiled a maneuver attempted by
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384 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
Sickles, who pressed the enemy's center, and would ha/e
gained a splendid victory by cutting the Confederate a,riiiy
in two.
In the niglit an attack was made on the right to restore
the Union lines. The moon shone bright, and the firing
was very heavy ; the roar and reverberation of Captain
Best's artillery, posted on a ridge, was past ail conception.
The enemy were driven half a mile, and a portion of the
artillery lost was recaiJtured by Ceneral Hobart Ward.
About 6 P.M. the 5th corps (Sykes' division included) was
ordered to the right, and remained in line of battle all night,
and was also engaged in digging intrencliments to strengthen
their position. The i ith corps was reorganized and placed on
the extreme left behind the strong intrenchments built by the
5th corps, where it was probable there would be little or no
fighting. Thus closed the second day of this memorable
contest.
On Sunday, the 3d, the division was placed at the apex of
the lines, to the right of the Chancellor House, near the cen-
ter, Avhere all the reserve artillery was massed, with only room
enough between the guns to work them. The lines of the army
were in the form of two sides of a triangle, the right longer than
the left. l"he 1st corps, under General Reynolds, held the e.\-
treme right of the line ; the 5th cor[)s, Meade's, was on their
left. At sjz A.M. the enemy attacked General 15erry's division
of the 3d corps, with the design of recovering the plank-road.
The rest of the corps, and a part of the Twelfth (Slocum's),
were soon engaged in his supi)ort. French's divibion, of the 2d
corps, was sent in on the right at 7 a.m., and crushed that
portion of the enemy's line. The crashes of nmsketry were
terrific, and the roar of the battle was incessant. Sickles'
3d ciups foiiL'ht p.irts of five divisions of the enemy at dittVr-
cnt limes, and tock 2.000 piisoners; but being liard presseii,
Hancock's <l!vi>ion, of the 2d c<3r[)s, was sent to his reliet'.
Cieneral Humphrey's division, of the 5th corjis, were also en-
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Eatile of Cliancellorsville. 3S5
gaged on the left flank of the enemy, and fought vah.intly.
Most of the fighting was in a thick wood, and the carnage
was frightful; the dead and wounded of the enemy lay in
heaps, and they fought as if they were utterly regardless of
their lives. Many desperate charges were made by the
Union troops ; Mott's brigade captured seven stand of
colors and many prisoners. The engagement lasted,
without the slightest intermission, from 5'< a.m. until
S.45 A.M., when a temporary cessation occurred on our
side by the troops getting out of ammunition. They
were ordered to fall back after holding tjie position in the
woods for an hour at the point of the bayonet, to the vicinity
of the Chancellor House. Here the. contest was maintained
for an hour or more, with great havoc to the enemy and con-
siderable loss to the Union forces. This house was the head-
quarters of General Hooker, and was now the focus of the
fight. It was set on fire by the enemy's shell, and was soon
in ruins. The new line, which had been suDervised bv (len-
eral Warren, was now established, and the forces withdrawn
to it on that front, at half-past eleven the musketry fire
ceased. The engagement had lasted six hours, and had
been one of the most terrific of the war.
While the battle was raging, General Hooker ordered that
the bands should play, to inspirit the men. One of them
was blowing away at the "Star Spangled Banner," when a
shell made a close flight over their center. This uninvited
companion "took the wind" out of some of tlie player?,
and they got somewhat mixed. T/nder the circumstances,
the way in which our national air was murdered would have
driven a professor of music to suicide.
The enemy were now no longer in the rear, but had been
shoved dtuvn directly in our froiit. and between the f<Ki-es
f'f Gcr.cral Sedgwick that had cai^turcd I'letierickr^burg
Heights, ten miles awav to the left, anil (Jeneral Hooker's
main army. General Sykes*' division had been under fire,
17
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386 Fifth Nc'dJ York Volunteer Infantry.
and there was a considerable loss among the regulars, espe-
cially among the artillerists ; Captain Temple, Second In-
fantry, was killed ; Captain ^ forehead, Seventeenth, and Cap-
tain Amies, were wounded. The Fourth United States, bat-
tery K, lost heavily, forty-eight being killed or wounded, be-
sides many of their horses. The forces of the enemy en-
gaged were the divisions of Ai:iderson, Hood, A. P. Hill, D.
H. Hill's old division, and Rhodes.
In the afternoon the enemy made several desperate at-
tempts to force the lines near the Chancellor House, and
charged, at one time on the massed batteries, being formed
in the shape of a wedge, but they were cut down before they
could get far, as they were obliged to charge over the only
clearing there was on the whole field of battle, which was
about a mile in length by half a mile in breadth. Nothing
could live in front of the batteries. The position of the
Fifth was near these guns. General Hooker rode up at one
time and called out, "Is that the Fifth New York?"
"Yes!" was the reply. "All right!" he exclaimed, and
rode off. The shell from these guns set the brush in the
woods on fire, where were lying hundreds of the wounded
of the enemy, as wellas some of our own. The terrible
sufterings of the wounded and dying, under the double hor-
ror of being burned to death, made this contest more tragic
in this respect than any of its predecessors,
i The regiment held the same position that had been as-
|- signed to it the day before, when the order came from
? General Sykcs to turn over the three-year men to the 146th
\ New York, Colonel Garrard, who was also acting in com-
"^ mand of the brigade, formerly Warren's, and for the two
i years' men to retire. In fact, they were released from their
duties, and their trials in the army were about to cca?e.
They could scarcely reali/e it, and were utterly hesvildcioil
j with the intelligence. The reaction from" their teelings o\.
I intense an.\iety and suspense as to wliether they were to be
•C.V.^-^^-\ V,,V:
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Battle of Chancellor sville. 387
killed, perhaps an hour before the order for their relief
should come, and they should never see their loved ones
at home again, can not be described. If they had had
another year to serve, it would have been a matter of in-
difference ps to where they were; but under the circum-
stances they could be compared to mariners who had passed
through a long and tempestuous voyage, and at last were in
sight of their homes, when another storm had reached them
and they knew not but that they might be engulfed before
they should reach a friendly port.
The regiment, as an organization, terminated its service
amid the reverberations of artillery, the crash of arms, the
smoke of the battle-field, the funereal pall of the smoke in
^e burning woods, consuming hundreds of brave men im-
molated in unrecognizable masses.
*' And now four days the sun had seen our woes, ■ ■ -
Four nights the moon beheld the incessant fire."
The rest of the story of this engagement belongs to the
records of others, to whom we gratefully pay our tribute of
praise and honor.
The regiment was drawn up in line, and the following
order was read off:
Headquarters, 2d Division, 5TH Corps. ) t
ILLE, Va.,
:7/aj'4, 1S63.
Cajip near Chancellorsville, Va., r
S63. )
General Order. No. 99.
The term of service of a portion of the 5th Regiment being
about to expire, the Major-General commanding- desires the
officers and men to know that he parts from them with very
f<reat regret, a regret which he is confident is sharefl v^ith the
v.holc division. I'hc regiment has been distinguislud in -ill tiie
<';;craii(ins of his command, csncciailv at (i^iines' Mill ainl the
b.itile of Manassas Tlains. Its ranks, tliinncd and scarred by
baiile, are tlie best and proudest witness of the fact. Tiie
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388 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
General hopes to see again the brave men who have served un-
der him. Many of their comrades still have to hold in trust the
respect of the old regiment, and the General has no fears but
that it will be sacredly guarded and preserved. The officers and
men who are to leave this army will proceed to New York on
the 5th. Colonel Winslow will turn in to the proper department,
at Aquia Creek, all ordnance stores, and all supplies or properly
not needed for the men who remain.
II. The three-year men of the 5th Regiment New York \'ol-
unteers are transferred to the 146th New York Volunteers; the
proper officers will see the necessary papers are furnished to that
effect.
By command of
General Sykes,
.;. '■■ . ,, . ~ G. Ryan,
■ Captain^ A. A. General.
The question whether the three-year members of the Fiftli
who were transferred to the 146th New York Volunteers did
their duty and upheld the good name of the old 5th Regi-
ment, the following letter received from Brevet Brigadier-
General Grindlay, Colonel of the 146th New' York Volun-
teers, will sufficiently answer :
BooNEViLLE, N. Y., Fdb. 14, 187S.
Alfred Davexport, Esq. :
Dear Sir : — In answer to your inquiry, I would say that at
the battle of Chancellorsville, some 237 enlisted men of the old
5th New York Volunteers were transferred to the 146th Nev;
York Volunteers to serve out the unexpired term of their
enlistment.
I considered the " Dun,-ee Zouaves " the best drilled and disci-
plined regiment in the corps, if not in the army. They reaclnfd
that great slate of proficiency by having, as you well know, among
their corps of instructors, such soldiers as Major-General G. K.
V.'anon. afttrw.ird our beloved coqis commander, than whom no
abler or h-.:i;t r man served in the Union army. Thr lU' n transter-
red to us were worthy representatives of their regiment, and while
cherishing a strong love for their old command, tlicy became, crc
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.r ParUng with Old Comrades. 389
they left, as strongly attached to their new regiment. We shortly
afterward adopted the " Zouave Uniform " in our brigade, and
their pride in the "Zouave Brigade" equaled' that for their first
love. Several were promoted for gallantry in battle and soldierly
conduct. Among the number I remember Peter Froeligh to be
First Lieutenant, afterward killed at the Wilderness ; Hugh Chal-
mers to be Second Lieutenant, afterward killed at Cold Harbor,
both gallant soldiers. The witty and adventurous Lawrence Fitz-
patrick to Captain. He served through the war, was captured and
escaped several times, always spoke proudly of the Old Fifth, and
ever did his duty. Henry G. Taylor and John McGeehan to be
First Lieutenants, and several others whom I do not now recall.
They were all good soldiers, and by their bearing and conduct set
an example to their new comrades worthy of all emulation. The
members of the 5th New York Volunteers have every reason to
be proud of their gallant regiment.
I am, my dear sir,
Very respectfully yours,
Jas. G. Grixdlay,
Brevet Brig. -Gen. and Colonel 146/// //. Y. Vol. Infantry.
Now came a sad as well as a joyous scene. The three
years' men felt that they were parting with their old com-
rades Avith whom they had lived and fougiit, to be thrown
into companionship with comparative strangers, and had the
ground been about to open and swallow them, they could
scarcely have felt more deeply. The two years' men, on the
other hand, were about to turn their faces homeward, many
of them for the first time since they had enlisted, two years
before, and their feelings were e.xuberant and -beyond ex-
pression. They were elated to the highest degree, but nev-
ertheless the parting was a sad one even to them. The tic
becomes very strong between those who have sufl'ered liard-
ships and dangers in common, and as the men wrung each
\ other by the hand, many a tear was brushed away ; hastily
written notes were taken in charge, and hurried messages
were delivered to carry to mothers, fathers, brothers, and
■^^'^•^^.^
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>.-. Lli) uijM
.^ ■.'),,.l
A\ •.-■-,> V\
■■■• V
390 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
sisters at home, and to the loving fair one waiting the return
of her soldier pride. F>ut the scene was soon over, and com-
rades grasped each other's hands for the last time ; alas ! in
many instances forever.
Among the men who remained, there were many who sub-
sequently fell in the battle of Gettysburg, or in Grant's
great campaign against Richmond. The departing company
marched toward United States Ford, and after crossing the
pontoon bridge, the remainder of the two years' men who
were guarding the wagons were taken up, and all marched
briskly for Stoneinan's Switch. The full regiment numbered
about two hundred men. This large increase in numbers
was caused by a number of convalescents and detailed men,
who had rejoined the command during the previous few
months. After marching nearly all night, the atmosphere
being intolerably close, the men were halted and went into
bivouac ; the firing on Fredericksburg Heights was plainly
distinguishable, and the men were harassed with doubts as to
whetlier they v.-ould not be again ordered to the front. A
little before daylight the regiment was suddenly aroused and
fell into line, a report bting brought that a body of the enemy's
cavalry were in the vicinity. We again marched, and halted
near a clear stream of water, when the men immediately strip-
ped and gave themselves a good scouring, and put on clean
under-clothing, which they had been saving for their home
trip, with as much care as does the bride her wedding
trousseau. After their bath, the men felt much refreshed.
On Tuesday, the 5th, we entered the freight cars at
Stoneman's Switch, and soon arrived at Aquia Creek. The
2ist New York Volunteers, lying there guarding the army
stores, entertained the men with great hospitality, and gave
them coffee, fresh bread, and bacon, which were heartily rel-
ished. The regiment was lying on the oide of a steep hill
in the afternoon, cliatting and smoking their pipes, when a
very violent thunder-storm, which had been threatening for
V\ -V: i\ .■ ^\i< 1 i'V^f
;:••( ?■">." bui. h--:i\
u : ■iiMJ ■}:'; , -J.
■v^4
WasJdngtoJi— Baltimore— PkiladelpJiia. 391
some time, burst upon them, accompanied with hail, some
of which was of the size of a walnut. The men stood it tor
some time, some of them jokingly calling it Bull Run Xo.
3, when they were ordered to take refuge in some barracks
near the landing, but their clothing had been completely
soaked through. In the barracks they were much crowded for
want of room, but did well enough under the circumstances.
The rain continued all night, accompanied with a cold north-
east wind.
The morning of Wednesday, the 6th, broke cold and
rainy. We embarked on board the transport John A.
Warner, and sailed for ^V'ashington, where we arrived in the
afternoon, and were marched up Pennsylvania Avenue, past
the Capitol, through a heavy rain, and halted at the Soldiers'
Retreat, near the depot. Supper was served, and the men
found ways and means to fill their canteens with son)ething
stronger than coffee, notwithstanding the guard that was
placed on tlie doorways. Finally, we were ordered into
some iron baggage cars, without seats of any kind, penned
up in them like any other live stock, but all was joy and
hilarity from one end of the train to the other. The men
sung and shouted, but among their songs it was noticed that
they did not sing anything about "hanging Jeff Davis on a
sour apple tree." That was omitted. They had been trying
to catch him for two years, and had seen a number of sour
apple trees suitable for the purpose, but never had caught
sight of "Jeff." The regiment arrived in Baltimore a!.>o;it
midnight, and while marching through the city to the I'hiLi-
delphia depot, awoke the good citizens with tlieir songs. .\
large number of the convalescent wounded bL-Kjnging to liie
regiment were taken from the hospital. ; and hnaliy ail
were pat into b.i-gage cars, with planks [ox scats, and tl;c
train started R.r riuladcli.hia. It ^eenK•d to ii'.e ni..n ih.U
never did a train move so slow. Jack Whigam, who could
run a locomotive, went forward to take charge himself, but
\0l ,i^\'•■v^nVA^■'\^
392 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
of course the engineers had their time-tables, and would not
deviate from them. W'q arrived in Plnladelphia about ii
A.M. on the the 7th. and had a plain, but to us luxurious
lunch at the hospitable retreat conducted by the patriotic
ladies of that cit}', and known as the Coo])er Retreat. After
spending an hour very agreeably among the visitors who
came to see us, and becoming more impressed with the at-
mosphere of home, we crossed the ferry to Camden and
took the cars for Jersey City, where we arrived in the after-
noon, and were dismissed to report in the morning.
Friday, the 8th, we assembled at Jersey City and crossed
the river, landing at Cortland Street, and made a grand
parade through the city. The regiment was the first to
come home with their arms, in accordance with the new
order of the War Department.
It was noticed that some men who had done little or no
fighting or service in the regiment were very anxious to
show themselves in the front rank; but perhaps they had
lost their cunning, and were not aware that their bright uni-
forms and store-made shoes betrayed them. They were like
the "Jackass in the l.ion's skin." I'his comparison, of
course, is not intended to apply to any member of the regi-
ment who had been compelled to be absent from duty on
account of sickness or wounds.
The men Avho had lived through the Jiard zvork of the
camp and field, who had pressed to the front in the hour of
danger, cared little where they were placed in the proces-
sion ; they were worn and scarred ; they carried with them
the consciousness that v/ould remain with them as they jour-
neyed through life — that lliey had earned the honorable <X\t-
charge to which they liad looked forward as their star of
hope, through many an hour of ]iarcl:^hlp or of the severest
duty ami c'anqor. Among the number t'onuing the re;;imont
that marched up lUoadway, only about eighty had served
the whole term for which they had enlisted, and had not
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Our Reception. 393
been absent at any time by furlough, or from wounds or
sickness.
The following report of the reception, published by the
New York Daily Times, gives a faithful narrative of this
event, not less interesting to the men who had done the hard
work of the camp and field so long, than to those who so
kindly tendered the expression of their regard and approba-
tion :
"THE RETURN OF THE GAUANT FIFTH.
" Reception of the Regiment — Triumphal March up Broadivay
— Ba7iquet at the City Assembly Rooms.
"The gallant Fifth Regiment met yesterday with such a
reception as they had a ri^ht to look for. The regiment has
been an especial favorite here ever since its organization. Its
achievements have been regarded with especial interest and
pride by the people of this city and State, and, as might have
been expected, its return was signalized by a demonstration, the
like of which has been accorded to no other regiment
" The streets through which the Fifth had to pass were thronged
by enthusiastic crowds all through the afternoon, and a fleeting
ray of the spontaneous excitement, which anything connected
with the war was wont to produce, once more shone fordi in
more than pristine brilliancy.
" About half-past three o'clock the Fifth left Jersey City on
board the feny-boat Xeiu Jersey, landing on the New York side
within tive minutes. JNlorching thence into Broadway, they were
received by the Tenth Yolunteers (Bendix's Zouaves), wlio had
generously turned out for the occasion, and by the Thirty-
seventh and the Seventy-tlrst Regiments of State National Guartl.
As the war-worn and battle-stained heroes tiled along the line
they were vociferously cheered. Never was a more hearty meed
of admiration and respect paid to brave, devoted soldiers since
first the world learned to worship military glory. Presently the
line of procession was formed. In the front came the Tentli, Ictl
by their intrepid Colonel (Acting Brigadier-General Bendix);
fullowing came the Thirty-seventh and the Seventy-first, and
then the " red-legged devils," marching in close Zouave order,
r'^r-uow fii'w'
..'■ f,.
noi;
■.^iV\N'V-/A. "
394 Fifth Nezo York Volunteer Infa^itry.
and giving those who saw them a better idea of the effect of
two years' service than could ever be learned from the perusal of
the most glowing newspaper correspondence that ever was writ-
ten. The men were brown and rugged ; their colors were
weather-stained and bullet-torn ; their uniforms were tattered
and stained with Virginia mud and the smoke of hard-fought
con'ilicts. They looked magnificent. Officers and men were the
speaking t\-pes of rough, hard service. They bore no holiday
asi)ect, but seemed what they were — the veterans of this terrible
war, who had toiled and suffered in the cause of their beloved
countr)'. They had won the reward prepared for them.
" For once a Republic was not ungrateful. To descend to
details. The order of the line was thus arranged :
" The loth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel W.
Marshall, 250 men.
" The 37th New York S. M., Colonel Roome, 300 men.
" The 71st New York S. M., Colonel Traftord, 275 men.
" Hook and Ladder Company, No. 9, and Hose Company,
No. 61.
*• Interspersed were the Seventh Regiment Band, Helmsmuller's
Bind, Dodworth's Band, and several others of musical popu-
larity. Bringing up the rear were the ex-members of the Fifth
v.ho had been discharged, wounded and diseased, but who were
now recovered, and, in carriages, the wounded who were too
much hurt to walk. It was a prodigiously effective procession,
and drew forth acclamations of applause as genuine as ever
greeted those who deserve well of their compatriots for sacrifices
made in a common cause and for the common weal.
" The procession marched in review through the Park before
the Mayor and Common Council, and then up-town to Union
.'-^(juare and round by Fifth Avenue, down-town again to the City
Assembly Rooms. There, at eight o'clock, the men and officers
of the Fifth, the officers of the escort, and many invited guests
s.U down to a plentiful, if not a very elaborate, banquet.
" Toasts were given and speeches made, and cheers were
! '• ruiful and vociferous. General Duryce, Hiram Waihriclge.
■ . i Culi.ncl Winslow were the principal speakers. The occasion
V ..■^ one long to be remembered by all who participated in the
C' kbnition,"
/ v,r,Y. -X^-XVvV
.T'fii ;^c ,Lvf,;" > i-i< ^k>.) ..}/ .c s'{ v/t.' :c.\\ suT "
• ■ In the Battle of Life. 395
But there is a time to rejoice, and a time to mourn ; and
it is the lot of many to mourn while others have their re-
joicings. Among the thousands who greeted the Fifth on
their march up Broadway, what a multitude must there have
been scattered through the gay and thoughtless throng, who
scanned with silent grief the faces in the ranks, as if they
expected to see a husband, son, or brother — a dear friend
or relative, who they already knew could not be there ; and
as they gazed with tearful eyes, endeavored to picture the
lost one as he appeared when he so proudly waved a last
farewell, two years before, when he marched away to battle
to save his country. All honor to our dead ! Let their
names be engraved on the tablet of our memories, and may
those to whom they were near by the ties of relation^h![),
find consolation in the thought that their sufterings and
death were a part of that inestimable price which was paid
to secure the national life for the present and for the future.
On Monday, the nth, the members of the regiment pa-
raded in uniform and with arms, to receive the 4th Regiment,
New York Volunteers, Scott Life Guard, and were glad to
welcome their comrades home again. They were reviewed
by General Winfield Scott, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
Thursday, May 14, 1S63, the men were mustered out
by companies and paid off, all who were entitled receiving
an honorable discharge, which they had endured so much to
obtain. Many of the officers and men again re-enlisted in
the Fifth Veterans, under their last Colonel, Winslow, ant
in other organizations, and rose to various grades as oliiccrs
Many of them were either killed or wounded in their sub
sequent service. Others went into the regular army a;
officers or privates, where those who survive still remain
The rest returned to their various callings in civil life, sonic
to the profe.i.-ion of the law; some are in the mini-,try, c\\.
are engaged in mercantile and industrial pursuits, cr ii
positions of honor and trust, while some others are atloat
w!5 uM
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39^ Fifth Nezo York Volunteer Infantry.
under the flag on the trackless sea. Several members of the
regiment have represented their constituents in the State
Legislature. One is United States Consul to La Rochelle,
France, another the second in command of the Franklin
Search Expedition. Some have made fortunes, others have
risen to distinction in their professions, and there are many
others who still suffer from their wounds, or move about
under the disadvantage that a loss of limb occasions. Some
are shattered by diseases engendered in the swamps of the
Chickahominy. Some are " floating on a waveless tide."
But among them all, be they rich or poor, be they huuible
or mighty, there are none but are proud to say that they
served in the 5th New York Zouaves.
I ^\Tiatever may be the fortune of each in the vicissitudes
of their life-battle, may the final struggle with " the last
enemy '" bring to them the crown of the conqueror in the
blissful fields of immortality.
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3-/ 7' 35^
APPENDIX
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Casualties — Company A.
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Fifth Neio York Volunteer Infantry.
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STATISTICS.
In round numbers, the total number of officers and men in the
regiment who were sworn into the United States service, was :
For two years, about 900
" three " " 600
1,500
Of the above there were —
Killed in action, died of wounds or disease 202
Missing in action 7
Discharged on account of wounds, disease en-
gendered in the service, commissioned in other
regiments, dishonorably discharged, deserted or
unaccounted for and dropped from the rolls,
under Gen. Order, No. 92 754
Loss in two years' ser\-ice 963
' Three years' men transferred to 146th New York,
■ May 4th, 1S63, to serve the balance of their un-
expired term '237
\ Two years' men mustered out May 14, 1S63, 273
I " officers 27
I 300
* 1,500
■.; Of the two years' men who came home with the regiment,
I about 100 bore the scars of wounds, and had been in hospital on
J account thereof, for periods of from four to ten months. There
\ were only about So men out of the 900 who were in ever)- engage-
ment, and had not been absent from the regiment on .account of
sickness (irw luiids during the two years' service. All of these,
with ver\- few (■xcti)lions, had received from one to seven balls
through their clothing, or ii.ul received shaves, not, however, seri-
ous enough to be classed as wounds.
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Statistics.
419
A number of the two years' men re-enlisted, or sened a-,
officers in the 5th Veterans, or in other organizations, many
of whom were killed, died, or were disabled from wounds or
sickness.
There were three regiments organized by the officers of the old
Fifth, besides the parent organization, viz. : The 5th Veterans ;
the 165th New York; and the 2d New York, Harris' Light Cav-
alry, Of the 237 men transferred to the 146th New York, a large
proportion of them were killed or wounded in their after service,
in various campaigns of the Army of the Potomac — Gettysburg,
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, or front of Petersburg,
On the 6th day of July, 1 861, twenty-six men enlisted in the
Fifth for three years. When the regiment left the front, those who
remained of these men, were transferred, with others, to the T46th
Regiment, to serve out the remainder of their time. On tht- 6th
day of July, 1864, only one of the 26 remained in the senice to
be mustered out. His n.ame was James W. Webb, formerly of
Company F, 5th Isew York. His companion who remained of
the twenty-six. Christian Neuber, was wounded the day before,
in front of Petersburg.
The average age of the men enlisted in the Fifth was not quite
twenty-three years ; of the officers, about twenty-seven.
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2
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
COLONEL ABRAM DURYI^E,
Colonel Abram DuryeE, late commander of the Seventh
Regiment, National Guard, was born in the city of New York in
1815. He descended from a French Huguenot family, who came
to America on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis
XIV. of France, in 16S5.
He engaged in mercantile business in New York, in which
pursuit he met with honorable success and realized a fortune.
He commenced his military' career, at the early age of eighteen
years, as a private in the One Hundred and Forty-second Miiitia,
and subsequently served in the ranks of one of the companies of the
National Guard — then Twenty-seventh Regiment — September,
1838; and after passing through all the different grades of the
non-commissioned officers with distinction, he obtauied a Second
Lieutenant's commission on the 21st of February, 1840, and was
promoted on the 4th of October, 1841, to the First Lieutenancy,
and on January 16, 1S44, he was elected to the post of Captain.
On the 22d of September, 1845, he was elected a field ofticer,
with the rank of NLajor. On November 24th of the same year he
was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and on January
29, 1849, he succeeded to the command of the regiment, w.th the
rank of Colonel.
Like many eminent men, he has achieved distinction by his
skill, perseverance, untiring energy, and strict attention to his
duties, until he ascended from the lowest to a higii rank as a
militar>- commander, an 1 the acknoukdged chief of the hrst
volunteer regiment in tlie countiy.
The present enviable reputation of the National Guard is
owing, in a great degree, to his ability and exertion as an officer.
(423)
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■424 FiftJi Nczi) York Volwitcr LifarJry.
He determined to place the regiment in tlie front rank from the
moment he was placed in command. While stern and exacting
as a disciplinarian, he was affable, modest, and kind-hearted in
his social intercourse. At the head of his regiment, he was always
the soldier, but never forgetting the relative position and standing
of the men under his command. The possession of these traits
of character secured the attachment of the members of his regi-
ment. The proof of his decision of character, and to what extent
he possessed ■ the affection of the men, was illustrated in that
unfortunate and ever-to-be-remembered bloody riot at the Astor
Place Opera House, on the occasion of Mr. Macready's appear-
ance. When the turmoil was at its height, missiles were thrown
at his command, and his men fell wounded in all directions
around him. A shout was raised by the law-and-order party for
them to fire, as it would be impossible for the military to retain
their position longer unless something of a determined and defen-
sive character was done. But the authorities held back, in the
hope of being able to restore peace and quiet without bloodshed.
The Colonel, knowing that he had no authority to act in the
premises without orders from his superiors in command (Generals
Sandford and Hall), was observed walking up and down in front
of his regiment, encouraging his men ; and while domg so, he
was struck twice in quick succession, by stones thrown from the
crowd. His men, observing the imminent danger he was in,
shouted to him to fall in the rear of his regiment ; but, insteatl
of this, he renewed his efforts of encouraging his command to be
patient, until he was compelled to fall in the rear by the order
given by the sheriff to fire. This forbearance on the part of
himself and his men was very praiseworthy, and will never be
forgotten by timse who witnessed the exciting scene on that
remarkable night. He had been on duty in all the riots for the
twenty years last preceding the great civil war, and was particu-
larly instrumental in subduing the police and " Dead Rabbit "
riots of July, 1S57. He also commanded his regiment on two
expeditions to Boston, and drilled on the Common of that city
with great su.-.css, in presence of a large number of clisiiiigui>lu'd
persons, and tiiousands of its inhabitants. He was also the coi:-
manding officer at Camp Trumbull, New Haven ; Camp Worth,
;\^u^^«,i * :^ { ViV.A ^^\\>A
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-■■■^
■ .■.".' '■ Personal Sketches. 425^-
Kingston, besides quartering his regiment one week at Newport,
R. I., to which is to be added the escort expedition to Richmond,
Washington, Mount Vernon, and Baltimore.
The Seventh Regiment bears the nam;, and desen,-edly too,
of being a pattern to its associates in arms ; and they have exem-
phficd the truth, that the best citisens are the best soldiers, and
that it is no mark of courage, or indication of prowess, to cast
aside the courtesies or amenities of life.
To Colonel Duryee we may not invidiously ascribe the main-
tenance of that high discipline and gallant bearing which so dis-
tinguishes the Seventh Regiment above its compeers ; and this
may be said without detracting, in the slightest degree, from the
merits of any officer and soldier of his command. The superior
in all cases gives the general tone to his subordinates.
He is the author of Rules and Regulations for the governmt-nt
of the regiment in the field or in quarters ; also, several treatises
on street-fighting. The latter was adopted by the New York
State Legislature in the fall of 1S57, after a committee of army
and militia officers witnessed the admirable performance of the
Seventh Regiment on the Fifth Avenue, in the summer of that
year.
Colonel Dur\-ee adopted Colonel Hardee's beautiful light infantry
tactics in the year 1855, and his was the first military body
that went through any of the exercises contained in that work ;
but the laws for the government of the army and militia of the
United States then in force, prevented his adopting it until it
was recognized and approved by the War Department.
In the autumn of 1S57 he adopted the system in full, and, after
a thorough course of drill throughout the winter, he invited the
author to witness its performance bv the 7th Regiment at a
battalion drill at the City Arsenal. Friday evening, March 19,
1 8 58. The room was crowded with a large number of ladies
and g.-ntlemen, among whom were seen the beautiful uniforms
of our army and navy officers, and the familiar tares of somt- of
our most distinguished citizens. .Aiter tin- marclMPg w is over,
the Coloiu-I onk-red his regiment to pre])arf for re\ iiw. Cuior.el
Hardee, accompanied by other officers and staff of the regiment,
made a thorough inspection, after which Colonel Hardee took up
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\ 426 F//t/i New York Volunteer Infantry.
5 his position at the side of Colonel Durj-ee, and the latter went
through the manual.
The precision with which the regiment made the different
movements of loading and firing, and the steadiness of the men,
drew forth tremendous applause from the spectators present.
Colonel Hardee was much surprised, and expressed astonishment
at the result. He said th.at never had he witnessed a performance
by any military body, in or out of the army, which surpassed it.
At the conclusion, the regiment was greeted with a storm ot
plaudits.
After being connected with the Seventh for a period of twenty-
one years, Colonel Duryee resigned his command, in the latter
part of the year 1859; being succeeded by the late lamented
Colonel xMarshall Lefferts.
On the breaking out of the civil war. Colonel Duryee immedi-
ately responded to the call for troops by Governor Morgan, and
tendered his services to the country. His offer was gladly ac-
cepted, and he was granted authority to raise a regiment oi
infantry, and received a commission as Colonel of Volunteers.
As the result of his efforts, the 5th Regiment New York Vol-
unteers, otherwise known as Durj-ee's Zouaves, was organized.
This regiment he brought up to a thorough state of discipline,
and in drill it was e.xctllcd by none. It was destined to continue
the hard drills after the command devolved on Colonel Vv'arren
and other officers, and, as it became older in the sen'ice, arrived
at a still greater state of proticiencv, especially in field tactics
and bayonet exercise ; so that when it became a part of the Army
of the Potomac, it was generally acknowledged to be the most
perfect volunteer regiment in general drill in the 5th corps, and
probaljly in the whole army ; but in bayonet exercise it was
without a rival.
On May 27, 1S61, Colonel Duryee was placed by General
Butler in command of Camp Hamilton, as acting Brigadier-
General— his brigade consisting of the ist, 2d, 3d, 5th, and loth
Regiments Xi w York \'oluntters. General Pierce, of Massa-
chusetts, luiviiig arrived at Fortress Monroe, Colonel Duryee v>-as
superseded by lliat otf.cer, June 4th, v.hen he again assumed
command of his regiment.
.^ ■. /.r-AV'Vn }v;-^ •..•:/. ;s\\y\ iK^ \
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Per Sony. I SketcJies. 427
On the loth of June he took part with his regiment in the at-
tack on Big Bethel, where he exposed himself, without flinching,
to the enemy's fire.
General Pierce having been relieved, Colonel Dur\-ee again
assumed command of the brigade, with the addition of Colonel
Baker's California regiment and the 20th New York. On the
31st of August, Colonel Dur)Oe was com.missioned a Brigadier-
General of Volunteers by the President, and ordered to report to
General Dix ; and he was assigned to the command of the 17th
and 2ist Massachusetts, 7th and loth Maine, 21st Indiana, S/th
and I nth Pennsylvania, 2d, 3d, and 5th Maryland, and the 5th
New York — the latter being assigned to the right of the brigade.
When General McClellan made his advance on Richmond via
the Peninsula, General Dur) ce, with part of the troops under his
command in Baltimore, was ordered to Washington, where he
arrived and reported to General McDowell, and his command
was assigned to General Ricketts' division of the ist corps.
General Duryce served under General Pope in his campaign
of 1863, and was engaged in the battles of Cedar Mountain.
Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Groveton, Second
Bull Run, arid Chantilly.
The following are extracts from the official report of General
Pope's Virginia campaign.
General Pope says : " General Dury.'^e commanded his brigade,
in the various operations of this campaign, with ability and zeal."
General McDowell, in his report, says: "General Ricketts,
who, at Cedar Mountain and at Rappahannock Station, was
under my immediate command, and rendered valuable service
with the division, speaks in high terms of the gallantry of Gen-
erals Duryee and Tower, both at Thorougiifare Gap and the bat-
tle of the 30th, in which the former was slightly and the latter
severely wounded." — Exec. Doc. No. 81, ^d Sess. y]fh Co>ii:^rcss.
In General Ricketts' report of the second battle of Bull Run,
we find the following :
"At sunrise on the 30th, ordered hv vou to send two hrig:i(les
to report to General Kearney, and conducted the ist brigade,
Gcncr.d Duryce; 4th brigade. Colonel Thorburn ; wiiich reliev-
ed a portion of General Kearney's division. General Duryee's
■ ^ >m>T Hi;:'.. .
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428 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
brig-ade advanced into the woods, driving the enemy along- the old
railroad excavation until directly under their guns. While occupy-
ing this ground General Dur^'ce was subjected to a heavy fire of
artillery and infantry, in which he received a slight wound and a
severe contusion by a shell, but remained at his post animating
his men, who behaved admirably. On recapitulating the services
of brigade commanders, I would make particular mention of
Brigadier-General Duryie for his noble conduct at Thoroughfare
Gap, and his indomitable courage displayed at Bull Run while
holding a tr\'ing position." — (Gen. Ricketts' Report, p. 70).
"General McClellan again assuming command of the army,
General Dury-ee served under him in the campaign in Maryland.
He reinforced General Meade and fought under that officer at
South Mountain, driving the enemy to the sanguinary field on
Antietam, where he fought in the famous corn-field, where he
was wounded and his horse shot under him ; a psortion of the
time he commanded the division, owing to the wounding of Gen-
eral Hooker, who was compelled to retire from the field."—
(SWINTON).
General Meade's report of the battle of South Mountain speaks
highly of the promptness of General Duryee in ascending the
mountain in support of the Penn Reserves, which resulted in the
def(;at of the enemy.
General Ricketts says in his report of the battle of Antietam :
'• I commend the general good conduct of the division, and
would mention i)articularly Brigadier-General Duryee, Colon -Is
Coulter and Lyk-, and Captains Matthews and Thompson of the
artillery; indeed, both officers and men displayed courage under a
severe fire."
General Dury'-e resigned his commission in the early part of
1863, and again retired to private life. He was breveted Major-
Gcneral of Volunteers hy the President, March 13, 1865. Gov-
ernor Fenton, in forwarding tlie commission, says: "Conferred
by the President, in recognition of your faithful and distinguisiicd
services in tiie late war." And added : " In behalf of the State,
allow me to thank you for the gallantry and devotion whirli
induced this conspicuous mention by the General Government."
From the New York Times, i865:
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Personal Sketches. 429
"At a meeting- of the field officers of the seven reg-iments com-
posing the \\.\\ brigade, 1st di\iiion, N'. G. S. N. V., held pursuant
to orders from General Headquan^ rs, State of New York, at the
armory of the 22d Regiment, X. ■",. S. N. Y., General Abram
Dur\-ee was unanimously elected Brigadier-General of the brigade,
vice General John Ewen, resigned.
" The General's many years experience as Colonel of the 7th
Regiment, National Guard, afterward Colonel of the famous 5th
Regiment, New York Volunteers (Dur\-ee's Zouaves), which has
given a Warren, Kilpatrick, and Winslow to the army, and final-
ly as Brigadier-General of Volunteers, eminently qualify him for
the command."
In 1073 General Duryee was appointed Police Commissioner
by the Hon. W. F. Havemever, and during his term of service
devoted himself to the discipline and etticiency of the department.
On the 13th of January, 1S74, the formidable assemblage of Com-
munists at Tompkins Square took place. General Dur^ce, with
a small body of police, attacked the vast crowd with impetuosity,
capturing their blood-red Hags, destroying their inflammatory
banners, and drove them in utter confusion from the park.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL GOUVERNEUR KEMBLE
WARREN.
GouvKRXF.UR K. W.VRREN was bom in Co'd Spring, State
of New York, January S, 1S30. He graduated second in a class
of forty-five at the early age of twenty, from the L'nited States
-Military Academy at West Point. Breveted Second Lieutenant
in the Engineer Corps, he was employed in the survey of the
.Mississippi Dt-Itn, under the present General Humphreys. He
remained here for three years, and then took th.e place of Robert
E. Lee, subsequently the military' chief of th : Rebellion, who had
charge of the rapids of the Mississippi at Rock Island and Des
Moines ; and Joseph E. Johnston, whose fame is linked with the
I'listory of t'le attempt to desMov the Uni n-., succeeded liim. !n
i>j54 he was employed und r j-ff r?rn D.ivis in tiie .M- -..-iissijipi
railroad office. " In 1S55 he served under Harney in an expedition
>>.f. V.lV.^U.^iV
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430 Fifth NrtV York Volunteer Lifantry.
against the Sioux Indians, and had two engagements with them,
in which many were killed. In 1856 and '57 he explored Ne-
braska Territor)-. The Smithsonian Institute published his re-
port of Geological Explorations."
" Afterward he was transferred to West Point, and in 1859 and
'60 he was Assistant Professor of Mathematics. In 1S54 he was
promoted to the rank of a full Second Lieutenant, and First
Lieutenant in July, 1856."
When the war broke out, he asked leave of absence to serve
in the Volunteer Army,*and in April, i86i, was appointed Lieu-
tenant-Colonel of the 5th New York Regiment. He was pro-
moted Colonel, September 11, 1861, and to the grade of Cai>-
tain in the regular army. On September 27, 1862, he was
commissioned Brigadier-General, and breveted Lieutenant-Col-
onel of the regular army.
When Hooker took command of the army, February, 1863,
General Warren was made Chief Topographical Engineer, and
rendered efficient service at the battle of Chancellorsville, and
was appointed Topographical Engineer-in-Ch.ief. During the
battle of (^lettysburg, while under a heavy fire, a bullet cut his
chin undcrm-ath. inflicting a slight wound. In speaking of that
battle, Swinton^= says: " Sickles' line of battle was drawn up on
the low ground front of Round Top, his left covering that point.
Little Round Top was a commanding spur of Round Top Moun-
tain, a rugged and wild spot, covered with huge boulders.
Warren, while moving about in the performance of his duties as
Engineer, on the morning of the second day visited this spur, on
which some of the signal corps were stationed, and found that
they were gathering their flags together preparatory to vacate.
He discovered a body of the enemy, who were Hood's Texans,
that had got around Sickles' left flank, and were advancing to
occupy this important point. He immediately saw the strategic
position with the eye of an engineer, and ordering the men to
continue waving their lings boldly, to deceive the enemy into
the belief that it w.as occupied by a force of troops, dashed otT
to bring troops to occupy it. He met Banies' division of Sykes'
• " Army of Potomac," p. 346.
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Pcrso7ial Skclc/ics.
43t
corps, which was marching to the relief of Sickles, who was
hard pressed, and on his own responsibility detached Colonel
Vincent's brigade, composed of the i6th Michigan, Lieutenant-
Colonel Welsh ; 44th New York, Colonel R:ce ; 83d Pennsyl-
vania, Captain Woodward ; 20th Maine, Colonel Chamberlain,
and Haziitt's battery; the 140th New York, Colonel O'Rourke,
accompanied the latter, which by great labor was dragged and
lifted up the hill. As the troops rushed up the height. Hood's
Texans were coming up on the opposite side without skirmish-
ers ; they met face to face, and a terrible conflict ensued ; they
fought hand to hand with the bayonet, officers grasped ritles
from the hands of the fallen, and after half an hour's desperate
struggle, the Union forces secured the position, until reinforced
by Weed's brigade of Ayres' division. Lateral night, three regi-
ments occupied Round Top proper. The loss was a fearful one ;
among the ledges of the rocks lay many hundred of the Union
soldiers. General Weed, a regular officer, was killed, and Hazlitt
fell dead over his body, while trying to catch his last words;
Colonels Vincent and O'Rourke, the latter a regular officer,
were killed. This was the key of the position, as it enfiladed
Cemetery Hill, and if Warren had not acted as promptly as he did,
Gettysburg might have been one of those fields that decide the
issues of war."
Warren was made Major-General of Volunteers August 8,
1863. and received the brevet of Colonel in the Regular Army to
date from Gettysburg, and given the co:r.mand of the Second
corps.
"When in the following October, Meade lay along the Rapi-
dan, Warren was accustomed to put on a private's uniform, ;ind
reconnoiter the enemy's position. In this garb he could ap-
proach very near the enemy's lines, and gained much valuable
information.
"When Lee suddenly outflanked Meade, compelling him to
retreat in great haste, Warren commanded the rear guard.
Near Bristoe Station the enemy made a sudden and heavy onset
upon him. and at first, having all their hatterits plante.l, pos-
sessed greatly the advantage. But Warren, who now for the tirst
time had an opportunity to display his great abilities as a strate-
'I .-I .•-■J' . ! 1 T. ,!/•.!
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432 FiftJi Neiv York VoliDitecr Infantry.
gist, soon reversed this state of thing's ; and the manner in which
he chose his position, handled his troops, and planted his bat-
teries, and for five hours repelled every effort of the enemy to
advance, and finally drove him to cover, showed him to be per-
fect master cf the art of war, and called forth a congratulatory
order from General Meade. He captured in this engagement
five guns, two colors, and four hundred and fifty prisoners. The
precision, promptitude, and sagacity he exhibited on this his first
field, on which he commanded separately, made him at once a
conspicuous man in the army. Dash and daring do not go so
far with militar\- men as with the public, and a battle so com-
pletely planned and perfectly fought as this, could not escape the
observation of such men as Meade and Grant."*
Swinton,t in his sketch of the ]Mine Run move, says that
Warren, who was in command of the Second corps, and two
di\ isions of French's, was to attack the enemy on their right.
" Looking at the position with the critical eye of an engineer,
but not without those lofty inspirations of courage that overleap
the cold dictates of mathematical calculation, Warren saw that
the task was hopeless ; and so seeing, he resolved to sacrifice him-
self rather than his command. He assumed the responsibility of
suspending the attack.
"His verdict was that of his soldiers — a verdict pronounced not
in spoken words, but in a circumstance more potent than words,
and full of a touching pathos.
" The time has not been seen when the Army of the Totomac
shrank from any call of duty. Recognizing that the task now
before them was of the character of a forlorn hope ; knowing well
that no man could here count on escaping death, the soldiers,
without sign of shrinking from the sacrifice, were seen pinning on
the breasts of their blouses of blue, slips of paper on which each
had written his name."
" That this judgment of General Warren, and of his troops,
was correct, General Meade himself became convinced, on riding
over to the left and viewing the position." " It was. in fact, even
* " Cr.uU uiii Slicrm.in, lluir <.':iiiipai^ns and Gencr.iU."— J. T. Hkadlev.
t "Army of Potomac," pp. 396-'7.
-fj.
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• Personal Sketches. 433
more formidable than the line of the Rapidan, which it had been
considered impracticable to assail by a front attack."
When the army began its great campaign against Richmond
the next spring, Warren, at the head of the Fifth Corps, held the
center, one of the three grand divisions of the army as reorgan-
ized under Grant.
Swinton says : " Warren, young in the command of a corps,
owed his promotion to the signal ability, proofs of which he had
given, first, as a Brigadier, then as Chief Engineer of the Army,
and, latterly, as the temporary commander of the Second Corps.'
Of a subtle, analytic intellect, endowed with an eminent talent tor
details, the clearest military coief> d'ceil, and a fiery, concentrated
energy, he promised to take the first rank as a commander."
" In the teiTible battle of the Wilderness,* his command acted
a conspicuous part. The second day, in reinforcing the hard
pressed wings, he reduced his corps to two divisions, yet with
these he firmly maintained his position. At Spottsylvania, Rob-
inson's division of the Fifth Corps was terribly cut up, and tht-ir
leader having fallen, were breaking in disorder; when this intel-
ligence reached Warren, he put spurs to his horse, and dashing
forward, seized the colors and planted them amid the rebel fire!
and by his voice and gallant bearing, rallied the-division, but in
the daring act had his horse shot under him. In the flank move-
ment at the North Anna, and in the severe fight that followed,
he handled his troops with such skill and success, and punished
the enemy so severely, that Meade complimented him publiclv.
All through that terrible advance, until the army sat down before
Petersburg, he exhibited a tactical skill and fighting power unsur-
passed by the oldest General in the field, and equaled bv few.
" In the fore part of December, with his own corps and a part
of the Second, he moved out of his camps and destroyed twenty
miles of the Weldon Railroad, besides station-houses and bridges.
On his return he burned Sussex Court-house, in retaliation for
brutal treatment and murder of some of our stragglers ; and was
back in his old quarters before the enemy had fliiriy waked up to
see what a terrible blow had been struck them.
' Grant and Sherman, their Campaigns and Generals."— J. T. Hii.\DLEV.
»9
f.v.s •.'.••,' As". '«\-v;«^-c'\v 'j
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f-'ni.xH .r
434 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry
f "In the final movement of the campaign of Grant, when Gen-
\ eral Sheridan took the advance on the extreme left of Dinwidtiie
i Court-house, he came upon the enemy a few miles beyond, at
i ' Five Forks,' and was defeated and compelled to fall back to
I Dinwiddle. =^ Warren's corps was at once sent to his relief. It
I had been fighting all day (one division, Griffin's, had been en-
(^' g^ged also the day before, and the corps had suffered a loss of
eighteen hundred in killed and wounded), yet he sent a portion
t of it forward immediately, which marched all night, reaching
i: Sheridan ne.xt morning. The rest of his corps rapidly followed,
|; and Warren, as ordered, reported to Sheridan on his arrival, who
I assumed entire command. Sheridan now being strong, advanced
f against the enemy, and at ' Five Forks ' found them at bay,
I strongly intrenched. Warren was ncnv directed to move with
I his whole corps on the enemy's left flank while the cavalry
(: attacked in front. With his usual skill and promptitude, he
I advanced on the strong position in three lines of battle, and
r sweeping steadily down, carried everything before him, capturing
\ the rebel artiller)-, which was attempting to move north, and
\ many prisoners. Finding the Confedenite front still holding its
i|: ground against Sheridan's cavalr}-, he, without waiting to re-form,
\ swept down on the hostile line, breaking it to fragments, and
I g^'^'in? the cavalry a chance to dash in and finish the work.
I Warren in this last movement rode with his staff in the front,
\ and was still there just at dusk, his men shouting the victorv,
when he received Sheridan's order relieving him of command,
and directing him to report to General Grant. Before doing so,
he sought a personal inten'iew, and asked the reason oi his being
relieved. With strange discourtesy and injustice, the latter
refused to give him anv."
; How Grant viewed this proceeding may be inferred from tlic
^ fact that he immediately ])laced Warren in command of the
defenses of City Point and Bermuda Hundred.
In May he was assi.gned to the command of the Mississippi
Department, but he did not retain it long, and offered his resig-
« Extract frtm iii<iu!L:h—Gener;il SheriJan to Gen-.-ral Grnnt, March 31, li''; :
"This force is toj .str-jiitj for us. I will hold out at Diiiwkidie Court-house until I
am compelled to leave."
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Personal Sketches.
435
nation as Major-General of Volunteers, but retaining his rank in
the Engineer Corps.
He asked for an investigation, but Grant replied that it was
impossible, in the disturbed state of affairs, to assennble a court
of inquir>' at the time, and so the matter dropped.
" Although this was unjust to Warren, perhaps it was quite as
well it should rest so. The war was over, the coantn- jubilant
and filled with praises of Sheridan, who had fought nobly, and
contributed largely to the capture of Lee. A court of inquiry
would, of course, have been compelled to censure him — an un-
gracious task just then ; while his condemnation would have
changed the opinion of scarcely any one in or out of the army.
The people felt that it was an act of injustice, born of sudden
impatience and excitement, such as he has often committed, and
were sorr>- that he had been guilty of it, but preferred to forget it
in consideration of his gallant services ; while among military
men, if it had any effect at all, it only raised Warren higher in
their estimation. A court of inquiry-, therefore, would have had
no effect on his reputation, though, as an act of justice, it was
demanded. He could much better afford to let it pass than
Sheridan can. A sudden act of injustice may be pardoned ; per-
sisting in it constitutes its chief criminality."
"Warren at this time' was about thirty-five vears of age. By
those most qualified to judge, he was considered one f)f the best,
if not the best, tacticians in the army. With a nervous, quick
temperament, balanced by strong reflective powers, and perfect
knowledge of his profession, he combines all the qualities of a
great General."
The author is indebted to Headley's work for manv of the
facts above given, with which he has incorporated his own notes
and the statements of other writers. F'or a detailed account of
the " Battle of Five Forks," and all the movements of Genenil
Warren with the Fifth Corps, with maps and copies of his orders,
see " Warren's Defense." published by D. Van Nostrand (iS66).
General Warren was breveted Major-General in the Regular
Army, March 13, 1S65.
In speaking of Warren's attack, S\vint(;n says in his History:
" After the first success, the men halted. Seeing this hesitation.
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436 Fifth Neiv York Volunteer Infantry.
Warren dashed forward, calling- to those near him to follow,
Inspiied by his example, the color-bearers and officers all along
the front sprang- out, and, without more firing, the men charged
at the pLis de course, capturing all that remained of the enemy.
The historj' of the war presents no equally splendid illustration
of personal magnetism. Warren led the van of the rushing lines ;
his horse was fatally shot within a few feet of the breastworks,
an orderly was killed by his side, and he himself was in imminent
peril, when a gallant officer. Colonel Richardson, of the Seventh
Wisconsin, sprang between him and the enemy, receiving a se-
vere wound, but shielding froin hurt the person of his loved com-
mander,"
" A charge of cavalry completed the rout ; there were captured
many colors and guns and about 5,000 prisoners ; the Fifth
Corps capturing of these, 3,244 men, with their arms, eleven regi-
mental colors, and one four-gun batteiy, with its caissons. The
cavalry- loss was a few hundred, that of the Fifth Corps, 634
killed and wounded,"
General Warren says in his " Defense " — " General Sherirlan
says: 'I therefore relieved him from the command of the Fifth
Corps, authority for this action having been sent to me before the
battle, unsolicited.'
" From the time that authority reached him, he, apparently,
sought occasion to use it. I say this with regret ; but the tone
of the report toward me, and his hasty action, indicate that it
was so. If a victory- won by my command, under my direction,
could not gain me credit, where the plans made were, as he says,
' success/ u/ty executed,' and where my efforts and directions were
known to almost every- one, then nothing could."
An incident that occurred at the re-union of several of the
Army Corps will indicate the opinion of the soldiers, as well as
of the highest officers in the land, in their estimate of Warren's
services, even in the presence of Sheridan himself The Asso-
ciated Press ^ve the following report of the occurrences :
THE VKII.RAXS' RE-UNION,
" H.\RRI?RfRn, Penn., May 12, 1874.— This morning, the
2d, 5th, and 6th corps met respectively in the House of Repre-
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■ • ■ Personal Sketches. 437
sentativcs, State Libran-, and Senate Chamber. The 5th corps
convened in the State Library', General Sweitzer in the chair.
General Warren, the gallant commander of the old 5th corps,
was called upon to address the meeting-, which he did.
" The 6th corps meeting was held in the Senate Chamber —
General Taylor in the chair. The attendance was fair. At 1 1
o'clock a grand procession was formed in front of the Capitol,
with Generals Sherman, Sheridan, Hancock, Doubleday, Scho-
field, and " McDowel. Governor Hartranft, Senator Canvron.
Auditor-General Allen, Supervisor-General Heath, and (ilhcr
distinguished soldiers and civilians in carriages. Amic! the
thunder of cannon the line was formed, and the march to the
Gr;ind Opera-House commenced. The Masonic building was
gayly decorated with the national colors and the army flags and
devices of the different corps of the Army of the Potomac. Upon
the spacious stage were Generals Sherman, Sheridan, Hancock,
Schofield, Doubleday, Burnside, and a host of others.
" As the presence of General Warren was announced from the
platform, loud cries for the veteran commander of the old jtli
corps went up from hundreds of throats. As nothing else could
restore order, the General, who wa3 in the audience, arose and
came forward, amid deafening applause. There were two
thousand persons in the house, and at least three times that
number surging outside."
This episode shows conclusively that the great military r.hility
and services of General Warren, from the tirst battle of the war
to the last, were acknowledged, in a conspicuous manner, by
those most competent to judge ; and that the imputations of one
man, though a successful and great General, were wiped out by
the verdict of thousands.
General Warren says, in a communication to the Xew York
Htrald, dated at Newport, R. I., July 26. 1S78: " .\t th.;
battle of Five Forks I was not relieved till after the battle ha. I
ceased. Thousands of soldiers in the 5th army corps, c'.nd n-.any
in the ranks ui our foes, can testify that 1 led the final .ittack
that con.pleted that vietory. There was wo ciuse to t:.ke n,c
away from any misconduct, antl General Grant would n-.:\:r
allow me a court of inquiry, because thereby I could have shown
there was no cause. I claim the honors of that day are mine."
A.v?. \\vV<f\'.-\rV
■■•■ :''>-d
I'd
4:v> Fifth Ycr.' Yorh Vohiufecr Infantry.
Dunng the tiiiu- that General Warren was connected with the
Sih New Yoi k, which covered its full term of service, with the
exception of about four months, he was either in command or
ha-1 it under his eye \\\ his brigade, where it held the post of
honor. The -11 f-'-. I'laced implicit confidence in him as a leader,
and were aKva\s ready to obey his orders unflinching-ly. They
wrn: sure that Iv- >'.ou!d never shrink from any duty, and always
set an examj-le hy leading the way. In action, it seemed to the
men that he v. as e\ c;-\-Avhere at the same moment, and he al-
ways appearnd \y> la- perfectly indifferent to bullets or shell, and
must have borne a charmed life, from the manner in which he
exposed himse!!". He attended to the slightest details person-
ally, and many a time has he seized a spade or pick out of the
hands of a la?)- soldier to show him how to dig-. From the first
day General Warren made his appearance in the regiment, to
t!)c last, tb.e c-n-.-ct of his superior practical knowledge, in all
matters appertaMiing to the school of the soldier, was apjiarent
in the discipliDO. drill, and efficiency of the regiment. The men
often wondered whether he passed any time in sleep. General
Warren disliked hc,i-n]i,ist, and was not in the habit of speaking
I of his own deeds, hut preferred to let the results of his actions
shew for tiiemselves.
j The army and thr Tiatiun have a common interest in the record
and the life of such a soldier.
MAJOR— J. MANSFIELD DAVIES.
J. ^TAXSFI^:^l> Dwir.s was a son of Professor Davies, for-
merly instructor ol mathematics at the West Point MiHtar\'
Academy, and rr.cived his education at Kinsley's Military
School. West Point. He resigned from the 5th Regiment .•\u-
gii t 17, is6i, having been commissioned Colonel of the 2d
New York, Harris Light Cavalry ; from which regiment he re-
ceived an honorjh'r. discharge Decemhc" 6, 1.S62. on account
of ill-hcaltli, engeiid-T.-d from exposure in the field. Throu-h
his exertions he itid-d greatly in the organization of the 5th
Regin\ent New Yoik Volunteers, and was much respected by
th-. \!r)le comnMii I.
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Personal SketchiS. 439
CHAPLAIN— REV. GORDON WINSLOW, D.D.
The Rev. Gordon Winslow, the Chaplain of the 5th Re;:^;-
ment, was a man somewhat advanced in years when the war
broke out, his age being- about sixty. At that time he was st- itlt^d
over a parish at Staten Island, as an Episcopalian minister. He
u^s a type oi'the old Revolutionary stock, possessing an iron consti-
tution, capable of enduring any amount of hardship, with an act-
ive, untiring, energetic disposition, and having a strong love for
his country, he was among the first to volunteer his services when
the authority of the Government was set at defiance. He was a
man that knew no fear, and always was to be found on the ad-
vance line, sometim.es even ahead of the skirmishers, and he
never thought of danger or spared himself when he could be of
any benefit to the wounded. He obtained the appointment of
Chaplain to the 5th New York Volunteers, but the performance
of the duties that rightfullv belonged to the position was only a
small part of the responsibilities that he assumed. He ser\'ed all
through with the regiment, and was mustered out with it. May
14, 1863. One of his sons was a Lieutenant in the Fifth ; another,
Cleveland Winslow, Col. of the Fifth, organized a new regiment
of Zouaves, called the 5th Veterans, and on his being ordered to
the front w ith his command, his father accompanied it as Chap-
lain, but he was soon after made Sanitary Inspector of the Army
of the Potomac, and in this position his services were invaluable.
There are thousands of the sick and wounded, who, if living to-
day, can testily to his kindness and untiring zeal in their behalf
night and day. Hundreds of soldiers, could they wake from the
dead, would tell how he ministered unto them in their dying
hours, and received their last message or memento for the
friends at home. The fate of many a fallen hero would never
have been known to sur\-i\ing relatives had it not been fur his
fidelity and sympathy. The perusal of his daily journal awakens
surprise that a man of his advanced years could perform all the
duties whiih he undertook. Me visited camps and insp-'ctcd tlic
sick of the various regiments dav after <l;)y and night a!trr iii-iil,
traveling wiih his favoritJ horse, " Caplivv-," over tin- m(l-^t diiii-
cult roads, in storm or calm, often under fire, and partaking- of
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:■*■'■ no i>c;u".
440 Fifth New York Vohinteer Infantry.
such hospitality as a camp affords. A few hours were spent in
sleep here and there on the ground, and then his tireless rounds
were resumed, looking- after ambulances and the sick and wounded.
who were always demanding his attention ; he inspected the med-
ical stores, examined and weighed blankets to see ihat they came
up to the standard, and performed a thousand other duties of the
long detail of a sanitary officer.
On May 3, 1S64, when General Grant's great army commenced
their move on Richmond, he was on General Warren's staff.
From his journal, the author quotes, under date of May 3d,
Tuesday :
" Left at night for Culpepper to join General Warren ; moved
at 12/4 A.M." "Fourth, Wednesday, a.m., moved the entire
army to Germania Ford ; General Warren and myself arrived at
the Ford at S,!/ a.m., before the pontoons were completed ; went
over and saw them completed." etc. Thus he continued from
day to day, leading a most active and useful life. Occasionally
on his rounds, he visited his son, the Colonel. Finally. Wednes-
day, June ist, after describing the movements of the troops, and
\ an engagement then taking place, he says :
I " General Ayrcs, of the regulars, received the old 5th New
I , York Veteran Volunteers, who were at once put into the fight,
t and acquitted themselves well.' On the 2d, after giving- a de-
1 tailed account of more fighting-, and his own movements, he
I closes his account for the day with " Clc-oc teas li'cnotded."
I Friday, June 3d : "Went over to find 'Cleve ;' found him in a
if cellar of a house, which was being shelled, on our right." And
\ then continues with a general description of a hea\y engage-
;j ment, and—" Rode all day to the several hospitals ; " " brought
!| Cleve to the 6th corps hospital and stayed with him overnight."
y "Wound in the left shoulder, minie ball, making exit from the
\) back." etc. " Thr wound was much inflamed by his return to
' the field, after being dressed, lie passed the night comfortably.
•^' I slept on tlio ground under the same fly."
Two brave hearts, faher and son ! Th.c wounded Colonel,
a month after was laid in his grave. The father who watched
over him, in three days after his son's wound, was drowned in the
I Potomac.
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Personal Sketches.
441
The last entry in the journal, June 5th, White House, appears to
be a copy of a note sent :
"Sunday Evg.
" Dear Gen. : — I have hardly time to say we arrived on Sat-
urday, and expect to go out to-morrow at 3 o'clock." " lunc
6th." (A loving hand has written, as if the dead Divine was con-
tinuing his journal). jHne-]th, Tuesday morning. " At Home
IN THE Paradise of God." Also. " Dr. Winslow was spared
the agony of knowing the extent of his son's wound— a gun-shot
fracture of the left shoulder— which resulted in the death of the
Colonel on the 7th of July, 1864, at the Mansion Hguse Hospital,
Alexandria, V'a."
PRESS CORRESPONDENCE.
" Our boats were being filled with special cases of wnundt-d
ones ; among whom was Colonel Winslow. a son of the lamcnttd
Dr. Winslow, so long and so favorably known in connection with
the United States Sanitary Commission. He was brought from
the front to the boat by his father, whose tenderness fur nis child
equaled that of a mother," etc., etc.
Dr. Winslow was drowned from this boat, while in the act of
drawing a bucket of w;ater from the side of the vessel while sail-
ing up the Potomac, being in the sixty-fifth year of his age. (Hio
body was never reco\'ered).
The following extracts from some of the letters written bv Dr.
Winslow during the earlier part of the war, will be read witli
interest by all members of the Fifth, not only as mementoes of
our much respected Chaplain, but as a part of the historv of the
regiment. It is to be very much regretted that the journal which
he kept during the two years' service of the Fifth, was lost from
one of the wagons, at Aquia Creek, during our homcwatd march :
" Camp Butler, May 27, iS6r.
" We are well settled at our camp life— the staff occupying
quarters with the Colonel in an old mansion, on a plantation of
great beauty directly upon the bay. This carries us quite out
•beyond all the others, and gives us the right 10 our titie of the
' Advance Guard.' The Secession arms glistening in our sight.
19*
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4.p Fifth Nezi' York Volunteer Infantry.
But they begin to realize the dangerous proximity of our Zouaves.
Every day we push out somewhat, and eveiy night a scout or an
attacking party is on llie move, and thus far without hloodsiiecl.
Last night a company was detailed on a secret expedition to
attack a large building, called a college, declared to be dangerous,
being well stored with Secessionists. I was detailed to accom-
pany the expedition, which opportunity I was glad to improve.
We started at eleven o'clock, with muskets, and ten rounds of ball
cartridge, revolvers, etc. Our passage lay up the banks of a stream
for some two miles, then crossing over and passing down upon
the other bank some two and a half miles, much of the time upon
our knees or in a stooping position quite to the ground, listening
at every few steps till within a few hundred yards, when we
divided into separate parts and surrounded the college and several
villas, and closed in gradually till near the spot of attack, when
the Captain, with two or three, went forward and demanded a
surrender unconditionally. The thing was done without resist-
ance, and we took possession, and passed the night in guarding
the grounds about from outward or inward attack. Several
shots were fired from across the stream and arm of the bay, on
either side, during the night, but nobody was hurt."
After giving an account of an encounter with a patrol t'rom
camp, who were mistaken for an enemy, as they did not have the
countersign, and in which he tired his first shot, he says :
"At sunrise we raised the flag of our Union on top of the
dome, and gave the whole into the hands of a relief guard and
returned to camp. It was considered a successful enterprise.
Last night Captain Winslow was detailed on a similar enterprise
with his company. lie reported a complete success, having taken
the place occupied by some Secession spies. Captain Winslow
returned with his prisoners at about three o'clock A.M. The
prisoners have just been called before a court of inquiry, and
turned over to General Butler for judgment."
Extract of a ktier dated Washington. July 29, 1861 :
" I am getting to be ([uite a business man, which agrees with
me much. 1 should like to be General for about one month, to
tr>- my hand at it."—" I have no wish to leave the Chaplaincy,
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. ■ Pirsonal Sketches. 443
but I am determined to stick to the war to the last, and do it like
a man ; and if they cut me off in one direction, I shall turn their
flank in another, and carry the day."
Doctor Winslow had a former slave as his servant, who was
brought on with him from Camp Hamilton, but not without some
trouble, as the following- goes to show :
"Camp Fr.nERAL Ilii.L, Baltimore^ /
' August 9, 1S61. )
"Jim is with me. He is a regular specimen of an old aristo-
cratic slave. The Dutch soldiers at Hampton were about to hang
him as a spy when I arrived from Washington. When I demanded
his release, he was brought to Colonel Webber's quarters, and on
seeing me, nearly fainted. When revived, he cried : ' Lord God
Almighty ! I'd rather see ole massa than my fader and niodder
raisin' out ob der graves — Oh, golly ! whew?' If he continues
faithful, I shall be sorr>' to part with him."
In speaking of his horse, which was captured by some of the
Zouaves, back of Hampton, while on a scout, he says :
" Captive is well, and quite the admiration of all. I had quite
a time in getting him from the Provt)st Marshal The Regulars
called it stonning Gibraltar, and thought it could not be taken.
But they lived to see it was taken, and by a reg"ular process, and
so effectually that no question can hereafter be raised on the
subject of rightful ownership."
Camp Federal Hill, August 11, 1S61. \
Sunr'aj, 10 P.M. ^
It is almost impossible to keep up with time when anything
extra is expected. Ever)- hour has its allotted work. A thou-
sand visitors at least have been in camp to-day. At 7 a.m. wc
had a battalion inspection and review on the- street in the cilv ; .
then came inspection of hospital ; then msncciion of camp and
quarters, which brought us near to 11 o'clock; then divine serv-
ice, which held till dinner at i P.M ; then general lounging and
ref>ose from two to three; then mustering of delinquents and
sijuads for evening parade, which calls for sjiccial it.speciion
from the officers of the several companies. In the meantime I
look after the sick in hospitals and the ailing in camp, which
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444 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
bring-s us to time for dress parade and general drill ; after which
the general orders are published, which this evening were very
lengthy, and among which I am personally interested, viz. : the
one which confirms my commission and rank as that of cavalry
Captain in the army, defining the duties, responsibilities, etc.
("I have a call from two officers"). It is now eleven as I re-
sume. The subject of conversation wiih the officers was peculiar.
It related to the possibility of our being blown up. The fact is,
the hill on which our camp is situated is completely undennined.
For many years it has been the resort for white sand tor making
glass, etc., until immense caves running in all directions and near-
ly through the whole extent have been excavated, and probably
owing to this fact, it has been suggested that a few barrels of
powder placed beneath our camp would, if ignited, give us an
uncomfortable ascent to unexplored parts. We have come to the
wise conclusion that thii must be looked after. I have not yet
been out into the city to any extent except to give " Captive"
a little airing on two occasions. We generally are hailed with
" cheers for Jeft" Davis and the Southern Confederacy," which is
indicative that the cat is only scotched, not killt-d, in these parts.
We never retort, and probably in time they will find that it don't
pay to cheer us. We had the long roll last night, or rather this
morning, about 2 o'clock. The camp was all alive and every
man under arms in about five minutes. It was a false alarm,
but it shows the discipline of the regiment. It is raining and
very dark, with prospect of a wet time. etc. I have been so ac-
customed to sleep on a board that a bed would now appear
strange, etc.
The i)oor fellows on guard to-night will have a moist time of
it. One man yesterday fell off the bank and injured his back —
and one man was sun-struck to-day on guard while we were at
service, etc. My eyes begin to ask for sleep, so I will add a line
in the morning.
Monn'Hi^. — It rains and has done so nearly all night, yet the
gun fires and the reveille beats as regularly as under clear skies,
etc. G. W.
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Personal Sketches. 44.5
Camp Federal Hill, Baltimore.
Since I last wrote I have been like a shuttle-cock, to and from
Washington and Fortress Monroe, with dispatches, which has
brought me in contact with all the heads of departments and
with the different Generals. I found General McDowell at Ar-
lington Heights, in sadness at his discomfiture. He said, the
victory^ was ours at Bull Run up to the opening of a masked
battery on the flank, near where an array of spectators, editors.
Congressmen, women, etc., were assembled to see the battle, and
who at once took to flight ; this alarmed the teamsters, and
finally the retreat, or rather stampede, was irresistible. At this
moment large reserves of the enemy came up and changed the
whole fate of the day. It was a bad affair, but I have no doubt
it will do good by bringing up our officers and men to the true
idea that we are warring with men of prowess and determina-
tion, with the best materials of warfare, in positions of strength
and where strategic movements are greatly facilitated by a
familiar acquaintance with the topography of the country. We
have much more to do than has been imagined, and I think that
General Scott was decidedly right in his judgment and plans,
which unfortunately were overruled by the host of politicians.
Congressmen, editors. President, and all. The feet is, they wished
to see a battle, supposing of course we must whip the Southern-
ers. I hope hereafter all civilians found on the battle-field from
curiosity 'Zi'/// be shot, by order of court-martial : and all womL-n
found there will be obliged to carr)' a pack and arms. It is no
place for idle spectators or curiosity-mongers, etc. We have
had a grand review by Major-General Dix, who seems much
pleased with the regiment. Our desire was to be placed on the
advance of the army, but Scott and Dix regard this as the most
important position at this moment to be occupied. There is, it
is believed, a deep plot to cross from Harper's Ferry and join
the secret enemies in this city. This requires the utmost dis-
cretion, forbearance, and soldierlv bearing, to know all that tran-
spires without provoking resistance, and y(;t he able to ciucll
them at a moment's notice, etc. We have a great number of
applicants for officers from our regiment. I think no less than
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■ 44^ Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infantry.
\ ten Captains and twice as many Lieutenants have been taken
I from us. But still we can stand it. Half of our men are capa-
; b!e of making orilccrs better than we often find.
■ ISr.ijor-General Dix also desired me as military secretary, which
: would rank me as Major, but it would be too inactive. I would
• rather be a sohli'-r on constant drill than be idle. You will be-
' lif^ve this from what vou know of my habit, etc. G. \V.
\
i The correspondent of a New York journal, in speaking of the
. wounded at Gett\sburg, reported as follows :
[, " The Sanitary Commission are still supplying the wounded at
i Gettysburg with delicacies. The patients are reported to be im-
I proving slowly. The good work is in charge of the Rev. Mr.
Gordon Winslow, chaplain of Duryt-e's Zouaves, 5th New York
'; Rep^iment, who is unremitting in his attention to the sufferers
under his care," etc.
; After the battle of Big Bethel, Dr. Winslow remained in the
! rear of the retreating troops, looking after and caring for the
; wounded. He was at one time cut off from the main body by a
J p;u iy of mounted Confederates, and remained hid in the brush for
■ Several hours. He saw the enemy pass by his hiding-place
i several times, and a Confederate sentinel was posted within
! t:i,-^b.ty feet of him. At camp he was thought to have been
i surely taken prisoner by the enemy, but he eluded them and
I made his way back, arriving at camp about midnight.
ADJUTANT— JOSEPH E. HAMBLIN.
Joseph E. Hamdlix was a man of giant proportions, stand-
ing six feet four inches in height, and was a universal favorite
with the officers and men. He had been through some nvlitary
experience before the brraking out of the war of the Rebellion.
I!e was conspicuous in the Kansas bonier troubles, and was in
the expcditioTi to Moni-omery, and on General Frost's staff. At
the breaking out of the war he was a member of the 7th Regt.
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.; Personal Sketches. 447
N. G. S. New York, and received a commission as Second Lieu-
tenant in the 5th New York Volunteers.
The followin;^ is from the Xew York Times of March, 1S67 :
" In General Order No. 3, under date of March 7, Major-
General Alexander Shaler announces, among other officers ap-
pointed to his staff, the name of Joseph E. Hamblin, Division
Inspector, with the rank of Colonel.
" Colonel and Brevet iVlajor-General Joseph E. Hamblin was
for several years a member of the 7th Rej^ment, having served
as Orderly Sergeant in one of the companies of that command.
"When the Rebellion broke out in 1861. Hamblin was appoint-
ed by Colonel (afterward Brigadier-General) Abram Uurvt-'e, as
Adjutant of the Zouave Regiment (5th New York Volunteers),
which was organi 1 g for two years or the war. In this capacity
he served in the summer of 1 861, at Old Point Comfort, under
General Benjamin F. Butler, and was present at Big Bethel, the
first battle of the war.
"The Fifth was transferred to Baltimore in July, 1861. and
Hamblin was commissioned a Captain August 27th. He was
subsequently commissioned Major in the 65th New York \'olun-
teers (United States Chasseurs), dated from November 3, 1861.
After the Peninsula campaign, Hamblin, with rank from July zo,
1862, became Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment."
" This promotion he had won by hard service before Yorktown,
at Williamsburgh, Fair Oaks, Glendale, and Malvern Hill."
As Lieutenant-Colonel, he participated in the battles of An-
tietam, Frerlericksburg, first and second ; in the storming ot
Marye's Heights in the morning, and the defense of Salem
Heights in the afternoon— both on the left of that line of en-
gagements known as Chancellorsville. Colonel Shaler having
received his Brigadier's commission for gallant conduct at the
capture of Marye's Heights, Hamblin became Colonel of the
Chasseurs, with rank from May 26, 1863, and as such (in the
6th Corps), was at Rappahannock Station, Gettysburg, and
Mine Run under Meade ; in the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and
Cold Harbor, under Grant; and at WinclKStcr, Fisher's Iliil,
and Cedar Creek, under Slieridan, when he was made Brevet
Brigadier-General " for gallant and meritorious conduct al the
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448 Fifth Ncio York Volunteer Infantry.
battle of Cedar Crtck," at which battle he was desperately
wounded in the thigh. On liis return to the Army of the Poto-
! mac in front of Peterbluiry, General Hamblin assumed command
\ of a bri<?ade in Wheaton's (ist division) of the Sixth Corps, where
I he participated in the iccoiid battle of Hatcher's Run, Va., and
[ finally at Sailor's Creek, commissioned as Brigadier-General of
[ Volunteers, with rank from May 19, 1865. Hamblin was made
> Brevet Major-Gencnd, wiiii rank from April 5, 1865, for " con-
t spicuous gallantry in Slieridan's great victory of Sailor's Creek,"
\ and with that rank was mustered out of the United States
i service.
The following obituary tribute to General Hamblin appeared
I in the New York Times, July 5, 1870:
? "Major-General Joseph E. Hamblin, a brief announcement of
j whose death appeared in these columns yesterday, was cne of
I the most gallant soldiers that fought tor the Union in the late
I war, and a gentleman v.iiose character was without a blemish.
[ He was born in Massachusetts, in 1828. In April, 1861, he was
\ appointed Adjutant in the famous 5th New York Volunteers —
t better known as Duryee's Zouaves. [The sketch of his military
{ career is omitted]. He siieathed bi.5 sword at the end of tlie
i war, when his country hid no further need of lu's "scnices, and
! has since resided in this city ; and, at the time of his death,
I which occurred in the forty-third year of his age, he held the
[ responsible position of Superintendent of Agencies for the Com-
! monweallh Fire Insurance Company. General Hamlilin's genial
1 and generous qualities endeared him to a host of friends."
I
i ,-., . ■ . - ■ ■ r, -,
I ■' ". Headquarters 7TH Regiment, 1
. , National Guard S. N. Y., V
. ' New York, July 4, 1S70. )
"1 The Commandant with regret announces to this command
I the death of Brevet Mnjor-Gencral Joseph E. Hamblin.
I General Hamblin was for many years a prominent member
; of this re'.;^iment, and st rved with great distinction in the army
during tl^e recent Kebel'iion. As a tokin of respect to h's
I memory, the members of tliis regiment are requested to act as
t
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Personal Sketches. 449
mourners, and will assemble in full uniform (gray pants), at the
Armor)', on Tuesday, 5th inst., at i o'clock P.M.
By order of
Colonel Emmons Clark.
Louis Fitzgerald,
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel and Adjutant.
*■ ' ' Headquarters ist Division, \
National Guard S. N. Y., •-
New York, July 4. 1S70. )
General Orders, No. 5.
I. It is with the deepest regret that the General coinmandint^
announces to the division that Brevet Major-Gcneral Joseph E.
Hamblin, late Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff of
the 1st division, who served with such well-known distinction in
the late war for the Union, died at his residence yesterday, the
3d inst.
II. The following detail is ordered as an escort to his remains :
The 9th Regiment Infantry : the troop of Washington Grays,
Cavalry ; and the Separate Troop Cavalry, Captain Klein com-
manding ; two sections of Battery K, Artiller)-.
III. The escort will be commanded by Brigadier-General
Postley, and will report to him in Madison Avenue, l)etween
Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Streets, at 1.30 o'clock p.m. on
the 5th inst.
IV. The General commanding feels that this information will
be received with the profoundest sorrow by the officers and men
of the division, and is assured that all who have known the late
General Hamblin, either in his military or social character, v.iil
readily accord the last respects due one who has been so well
known and so well-beloved. The officers of the division who
desire to take part in the ceremonies are invited to attend his
funeral, at his late residence, No. 136 Lexington Avenue, in uni-
form, and will assemble at the Apollo Rooms, corner of Tw\-nty-
eighth Street and l^nxidway, :it 1.30 P.M.
\'. The folkiwing officers have been requested by the friends of
the fiinily to act as pall-bearers, and will meet, in uniform.
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4^0 FiftJi New York Vohinteer Infantry.
mounted, at the residence of the General commanding, No. 346
West Twenty-eighth Street, at 1.30 o'clock p.m. :
Major-Gen. Alex. Shalcr, Brig.-Gen. J. H. Libeneau,
" C. K. Graham, " G. W. Palmer,
" M. T. McMahon, " L. Burger,
" A. Dur\ee, Colonel John Fowler, Jr.,
Brig.-Gen. Thomas H. Neill, " Wm. H. Chesebrough.
" H. E. Tremain, Lieut.-Colonel Geo. T. Haws.
By order of
Major-General Alex. Shaler.
Wm. H. Chesebrough,
Colonel ami Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.
Headquarters 9TH Regiment Infantry, 1
• National Guard S. N. Y., |-
New York, July 4, 1870. )
General Orders, No. 13.
This regiment having been detailed as funeral escort to the
late Brevet Major-General Joseph E. Hamblin, late A. A. G.
and Chief of Staff, ist division N. G. S. N. Y., the several com-
panies of this command will assemble at the Armory on Tuesday,
July 5, at 12 o'clock M., in full-dress uniform, white cross and
body belts (white gloves). Officers will wear the usual badge of
mourning.
By command of
Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
Edgar S. Allien, Adjutant.
The members of Kane Lodge, No. 454, F. and A. M., and the
Veterans of the 7th Regiment N. G., under the command of
Colonel Marshall Lcfferts, were also in attendance at the funeral.
QUARTERMASTER-JOHN HOWARD WELLS.
John 1Iowaiu> ^\'ELLS was a member of the 7th Regiment
N. G. S. N. Y. He was an executive and competent oflicer, pos-
sessed of superior business qualifications. He resigned his com-
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Personal Sketches. 451
mission Februar}- 25, 1862. to accept the appointment of Com-
missary, with the rank of Captain in the United States army.
He served to the end of the war, and resigned his commission
May 19, 1865.
SURGEON— DR. RUFUS H. GILBERT.
Dr. Gilbert was promoted to the rank of Major August 3,
1861, and transferred to the regular service, where he continued
to the end of the war, the regiment thereby losing the services of
a skillful surgeon and an accomplished gentleman. Dr. Gilbert
is the well-known projector of the Gilbert Elevated Railroad.
SURGEON'S MATE— B. ELLIS ^L'\RTIN.
Dr. Martix rendered eflkient aid in the care of the wounded
on the field at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861, and was mentioned in
general orders. He resigned his commission February 11, 1862.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY A-HARMON D. HULL.
Har.MOX D. Hull was an officer of the 7th Regiment N. G. S.
N. Y., commissioned Captain May 9, 1861, in the 5th Regiment.
New York X'olunteers : ^L'ljor, Septeml)er 7th of the same year;
Lieutenant-Colonel, October 29, 1S62. He was a dashing officer,
and distinguished himself at the battle of Gaines" Mill, June 27,
1S62. He resigned his commission in October. 1862, and subse-
quently organized the 165th Regiment, New York Volunteers, of
nhich corps he was commissioned Colonel, and was ordered with
his command to the Department of the Mississippi, where he did
much active service, but was obliged on account of ill-health to
resign the command January 22, 1863, and retire to private life.
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452 Fifth Nezv York Vohintccr Infaiitry.
CAPTAIN COMPANY B— ROBERT S. DUMONT.
Captain Dumont was a member of the 7th Re^ment N. G.
S. N. Y., raised the first company for the 5th Reijiment, New
York Volunteers, and after seeing soiue active service during the
earlier months of the war, was obliged to resign October i, ifc)6i,
on account of ill-health, the effect of a sun-stroke. Subsequently
he was appointed Secretary to Rear-Admiral Bell, commanding
Pacific Squadron, December 11, 1861, with the rank of Lieuten-
ant in the Na\7. Was appointed Judge Advocate General of
Squadron May 9, 1863. Resigned his commission on account of
continual ill-health, March i, 1864, and died a few years afterward.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY C-HENRY E. DAVIES, JR.
Henry E. Davies, Jr., son of Judge Davies, for many years
Chief-Justice of the Court of Appeals, and a nephew of Professor
Davies, Instructor of Mathematics at the United States Military
Academy, West Point. He was a strict disciplinarian and a
brave and dashing officer. He was mustered into the service
April 33. 1861, as a Captain in the 5th Regiment, and went with
it to Fortress Monroe ; took an active part in several scouting ex-
peditions, and in the battle of Big Bethel, where he greatly dis-
tinguished himself by his coolness and bravery under firo. Two
days after the battle he visited Yorktown under a tlag of truce,
to look after the wounded, and to obtain the body of .Major Win-
throp, aide to General Butler, who was killed in the engagement.
When the rogimcnt was ordered to Baltimore, Captain Davies
went with it, and shared in the arduous duties of building Fort
Federal Hill, which work was performed during the hot summer
months. He was commissioned Major of the 2d New York Cav-
alry (Harris' Ligiit) August 27, 1S61, and went to Washington,
where the Regiment was being concentrated. Took command
of the ist l.'.i't.ilion there in camp, and from tliat time until the
dose of tlu- w.ir. remained with the Army of ih • Pcto>:uic. Wis
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel 2d New York Cavaln,-, De-
cember 30, 1862 ; Colonel, January 24, 1863 ; appointed and aft-
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erward commissioned r.s Brigadier-General, United States Vol-
unteers, September 16, 1863, and ass-gned to command of the
1st brigade, 3d division, cavalr>- corps, Army of Potomac ; April
25, 1S64, was assigned to tlie com.mand of the ist brigade, 2d
division, cavalry corps ; received Brevet of Major-General United
States Volunteers October i, 1864, for gallant and meritorious
conduct, and was commissioned Major-Gcneral United States
Volunteers June 9^ 1S65. with rank from April 6, 1865, which
appointment was confirmed by the Senate. At the close oi the
war General Davies was assigned to duty in the middle district
of the Department of Alabama, where he remained until Decem-
ber, 1S65, when he resigned his position in the army and re-
turned to civil life. General Davies was engaged in nearly all
of the battles and raids of the cavalr)' corps of the Armv of the
Potomac, in which he was especially distinguished, and was al-
ways found at the post of danger, serving in company with such
distinguished officers as Custer, Kilpatrick, Buford, Gregg, Mer-
ritt, Devin, and others, and was considered to be one of the most
able and eftective leaders of cavalry- in the service. He was par-
ticularly distinguished in the severe engagement at B v ndy
Station, one of the hardest fought, cavalry fights of the war. In
one of these engageinents. he and a few others were entirely sur-
rounded, and they literally hewed their way through the ranks
of the enemy, and escaped capture. He also served under Gen-
eral Sheridan, by whom he was highly prized. Pie always
promptly and successfully executed the orders of that distinguish-
ed soldier, and was with him in the final movements at Five Forks.
To enumerate all the b .ttles, raids, and skirmishes in which he
was engaged would be equivalent to summarizing the history of
the Army of the Potomac, but whoever reads the histor> of that
army, will notice that the name of Major-General Henry E.
Davies, Jr., occupies a prominent place.
The following sketch from the New York ifr -,;•///>/;'- Post, No-
vember 15. 1S66, narrates in a condensed form the seiTJc^.-s of
General Davies :
" In inaking arrangements preparatory to the new army organi-
zation. General Grant recently applied to Genera! Sheridan for
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454 Fifth Neiv York Vohinieer InfcDitry.
the names of ihe twelve most distinguished officers who had
served under him in the ca\alr)- during- tlie war, it being General
Grant's wish to appoint them as field officers in the new organi-
zation. General Sheridan immediately wrote to General Davies,
saying that he had selected him as one of the twelve, and re-
quested him, if willing to accept such appointment, to signify his
purpose by letter to General Grant. General Davies, however,
had already resigned his commission, and resolved to devote
himself to the practice of law, which he abandoned on the break-
ing out of the war ; and he therefore wrote to General Sheridan
gratefully declining the proposed honor.
"The young gentleman to whom this high compliment was
paid has a remarkable record. He entered the army in April,
1 86 1, as a Captain in the Duryee Zouaves. His tirst battle was
at Dig Bethel, in which he was actively engaged. He was soon
after transferred to the Harris Light Cavaln,-, by order of Presi-
dent Lincoln, with the commission of ^L'ljor. He was thence
successively promoted to the office of Lieutenant-Colonel and
Colonel, and in the autumn of 1863 he was appointed Brigadier-
General. He was subsequently breveted Major-General for his
gallantry in the fight at Hatcher's Run, in October, 1864. His
greatest single exploit was his attack on a body of 1,500 Confed-
erate troops intrenched at Sailor's Creek. He Hterally led this
attack, in having been the first man to leap the intrenchments.
and although his numbers were inferior to the enemy, he captur-
ed the entire force, with four pieces of artillerv' and twelve stand
of colors. For this victor)' he received a Major -General's
commission."
General Davies was engaged in more than forty battles, and had
no less than fitteen horses shot under him, but by man-elous good
fortune he was not once wounded to the extent of drawing blood,
a tew bruises being the sum total of injuries that he received.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY D— JAMES L. WAUGH.
James L. Waugii was a Captain in the 7th Regiment N. G.
S. N. Y., and Drill Officer to the Metropolitan Police. He
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Personal Sketches. 455
brought his company up to an efficient state of discipline and
drill in the manual of amis and field tactics. He took an active
part in the first campaign of the regiment at Old Point Comfort.
Receiving a commission in another regiment as Major, he resigned
from the Fifth August 9, 1861.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY E— HIRAM DURYEA.
Hiram Duryea had received a thorough militar\' education
before the war, and was also for eight years Adjutant of the 4Sth
Regiment N. G. S. N. Y. (the Oswego regiment). He was com-
missioned Captain in the Fifth May 9, 1861 ; Lieutenant-Colonel
September 7th; Colonel October 29, 1S62, being the third Colo-
nel of the Fifth. He was acting in command of the regiment
during the greater part of the Peninsular campaign, Colonel
Warren being in command of the brigade. He was a very strict
disciplinarian, and in the line of duty was impartial alike to both
officers and men, requiring of all in their different spheres a strict
attention to their duties. In personal intercourse he was always
to be met as the accomplished gentleman. He greatly distin-
guished hmiself during the seven days' retreat, although he was
ill and suffering from a malarial disease, contracted by constant
exposure at the siege of Yorktown, where he was obliged to be
on duty night and day, parts of the regiment being detailed
at widely separated points, in different batteries and on working
details, incidental to the siege. At the desperate engagement at
Gaines' Mill June 27, 1863, he disdained to dismount from his
horse during the hottest part of the fight, and stood the fire
unfiinchingly, keeping close to his men in the several charges that
^vc■re made, and animating them by his voice and e.\ample. I lis
liealth continuing to fail, and becoming conscious that he could
not continue in command of the regiment during a winter cam-
jiaign and do it justice, as well as to prolong his own life, he re-
luctantly resigned November 12, 1S62, after eighteen months' ar-
'•M'Ais service. The regiment thus lost the services of a skillful,
'■U've, and coura^eoiis officer. Who, had he been able to remain
m the ser\'ice, would undoubtedly have risen to a high rank.
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456 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry. /
He received the brevet of Brigadier-General for his distinguished
services in the field.
RESIGNATION OF COLONEL HIRAM DURYEA.
Headquarters sth Regiment, N. Y. V., j
Camp near Falmouih, Va., v
• " December 5, 1S62. )
At a meeting of the officers of the 5th Re:4iment, New York
Volunteer Infantry, held at their camp near Falmouth, Virginia,
the following preamble and resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, It became necessary for Colonel Hiram Duryea to
tender his resignation owing to a protracted sickness, contracted
during the arduous campaigns on the Peninsula and in Maryland,
belt
Resolved, That while regretting the loss of so valuable an
officer we feel that, knowing his inability from physical prostra-
tion to do h's duty longer to his regiment and countr\', and his
high sense of honor as an oSicer and a gentleman, have led him
to take this step.
Resolved, That in the loss of Colonel Hiram Dur\ea the
countr)' loses the services of a brave, but not rash, a prudent,
but fearless officer; the regim.ent a true friend and soldier. May
his future be as honorable as his past, and may he soon be
restored to health to finish the career of his soldier life so credit-
ably begun.
G. K. Warren, Brigadier-General Volunteers, formerly Colonel
5th New York Volunteers.
A. S. Marvin, Jr , Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Gordon Winslow, Chaplain 5th N. Y. V.
A. L. Thomas, Captain, A. Q. .M.
Cleveland WinsK)w, Major Commanding 5th N. Y. V.
George Durjea, Captain 5th N. Y. V.
A. Sidney Chase, Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant.
Charles S. .Montgomery, Captain Comi)any C.
James McCunni.-ll, Captain Company H.
James H. Lounsberry, Captain Company K.
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J. Henry Whitney, Captain Company A.
Stephen \V. Wheeler, Captain Company F.
John S. Raymond, ist Lieutenant Company E.
Thomas R. Martin, ist Lieutenant Company G.
Roderick ^L Gedney, ist Lieutenant Company K.
WilHam Hoffman, ist Lieutenant Company B.
George L. Guthrie, ist Lieutenant Company A.
William H. Chambers, ist Lieutenant Company D.
George \V. Wannemacher, ist Lieutenant Company B.
Gordon Winslow, Jr., 2d Lieutenant Company F.
William H. Uckele, 2d Lieutenant Company H.
Albert R. Meldrum, 2d Lieutenant Company L
457
CAPTAIN OF CO. F— HENRY A. SWARTWOUT.
Henry A. Svvartwout received his education at a Military
Academy in Marjiand, where he was for three years command-
ant of battalion. He was an able, cool, and reliable officer.
Receiving a commission as First Lieutenant in the 17th Infantry,
U. S. A., he resigned from the Fifth, August 12, 1861. He sub-
sequently rose to the rank of Captain and Brevet Major, August
1st, 1864, and was assigned to the Department of Texas, as
Acting Assistant Inspector-General. He died at his post of
duty, at Galveston, Texas, October 8, 1S67. He was born in
Louisiana, in the year 1834.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY G— ABRAHAM DENIKE.
ABRAHA.\r Denike was a member of the 27th and subse-
quently of the 7th Regiment N, G. for thirty years, and was
a Captain in the latter. At the time of the breaking out of
hostilities between the North and South, he had retired from
active busine-^s, being possessed of a fortune, accumulated by
years spent in industry. He iinmediately offered his scr\ ii-s to
his country from purely patriotic motives.
Mrs. Denike was much opposed to his going to the war, and
20
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458 Fijth New York W^huiiecr Infantry.
intimated to him that his first duty was to his family. He
replied that his first duty \.:is to his God ; secondly, to his
country ; and last, to his faa:ily. He received a commission
April 20, 1861, as Captai:', thus making- him the senior line
officer in rank, and his Company was assigned to the right
of the line. He was a bravf^ and spirited officer, and was
respected and beloved by his command, who looked up to
him as their father. He was a true soldier under fire, and
never faltered on the long marches. Having been outranked
in the Majorshij) by a younger officer, he resigned his com-
mission, Septemb'-r 6, 1861. The men of his Company pre-
sented him with a sword ihat cost Sioo, as a token of their
esteem. He was subsequently commissioned as Lieutenant-
Colonel, and raised the 153d Regim.ent New York Volunteers.
Colonel Denike is at present a member of the 7th Regiment
Veterans.
CAPTAIN OF COMPANY H— JUDSON KILPATRICK.
JUDSON KiLPATRiCK. was born in the Valley of the Clove,
Northern New Jersey, in 1&3S. At the age of seventeen he took
such an interest in politics tiial h(=- was chosen a delegate to the
Stale Convention. He entered the West Point Military Academy
June 20, 1856. While there, he whipped a cadet much larger
than himself, v.ho, for some trivial cause, had attacked him. The
batiie lasted thrt- '-quarters of an hour, and he suffered severely;
but the event made Kiipatrick vtiy popular. He was chosen to
i deliver the vaiedicton,' of his class, in which he graduated fif-
\ teenth. He immediately reci-ivd a commission as Captain of
! Volunteers, and was assigned to the command of Cornpany H,
i 5th New York \'oiunteers. Ho took a very active part in the
» battle of Big lUttu'l, in winch aJTair he greatly dislin;;"uished
\ himself. He was severely woundetl, and did not recover suffi-
\ ciently to take the field again until Sciitcmber. He v>as r.ow
j made Lieutenant-Coion.-l of the TIanis la'glit Cavalry, and pro-
moted to Fu-at Lieutuiant o! tiee fa^t Artillery, regular army.
i He was made a n.omber of the Examining Board for examining
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- - Personal Sketches. 459
cavalry officers of the volunteer service, and Inspector-General
of McDowell's division.
In March, 1862, when the army moved on Manassas, his
regiment led the advance. When Pope assumed command of
the armv, Kilpatrick broke up the railroad running from Gor-
donsville to Richmond, thus severing Lee's communications. He
marched eighty miles in thirty hours, spreading ruin and con-
sternation along his path. He was continually making dashes
against the enemy, and fighting them at every opportunity. At
one time he rode seventy-four miles in twenly-four hours, be-
sides having several fights with the Confederates, in which he
had several hair-breadth escapes. On another occasion, I.e
found a paper in the enemy's camp, stating that General Stuart
was building a bridge over the North Anna ; so he left a note for
him, telling him he need not trouble himself farther about the
bridge, as he would give him all he could attend to on the other
side. In the disastrous campaign of Pope he did efficient serv-
ice, under Bayard, who commanded the whole cavalrv force,
and was employed chiefly in protecting the Rapidan and cover-
ing the retreat of the anny.
When Hooker, in command of the army, commenced his move
on Chancellorsvill^, Kilpatrick commanded a brigade of cavalry,
and General Stoneman sent him, with about four hundred jnd
fifty men, to bum the railroad and bridges over the Chicka-
hominy, five miles from Rich.mond. He rode rapidlv lbr\v;'ril,
avoiding the large bodies of the enemy, and atto.cking thrse
whom he Avas able to cone with, until he had come within t\\ o
miles of the rebel capital. Here he captured Lieutenant Broun,
aide to General Winder, and eleven men, within the fortifications.
Then he passed down to Meadow Bridge, on the ChickahonMny,
which he burned, and ran a train of cars into the river, checked
a party of cavalry sent in pursuit of him, burned a train of thirty
wagons loaded with bacon, and captured some prisoners. He
resumed his march down the Peninsula at one o'clock the next
morning, and surprised a force of three hundred of the e.uir.y,
raoturing two otl'.cers and thirty-three men, l)urnecl r;;iy->;\:
Wigons and tiie depot, containing 20 coo barrels of c >x\\ .•.;.!
V, heat, quantities of clothing and stores, and crossed the Matla-
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460 FiftJi New York Volunteer Infantry.
pony, destroying the ferry just in time to escape the Confederate
cavalry in pursuit. He destroyed a third wagon-train and depot,
and made a forced march of twenty miles, followed by fheencmv.
He kept on his way, and finally found safety within the Union
lines, at Gloucester Point. He had made a march around the
Confederate army of nearly two hundred miles in less than five
days, having captured and paroled upwards of eight hundred
prisoners, with a loss of only one. officer and thirty-seven men.
When Lee,, following up Hooker's defeat at Chancellorsville,
commenced his great movement around Washington into Marv"-
land, the cavalr>' was again brought into active service. The
enemy's cavaliy being massed near Beverly Ford, Pleasonton, in
command of the Federal cavalry, moved out"'to make a recon-
noissance, and came upon the enemy at Brandy Station, where
:! the severest cavalry fight of the war, thus far, took place. De-
; termined charges were made on both sides, hour after hour.
\ Gregg came very near being overborne, when Kilpatrick made
i one of his gallant charges. He flung out his battle-flag, and
'^ with the Harris Light, loth New York, and ist Maine, came
I thundering down — tl\e loth New York in advance. It fell with
\ a shout agamst the enemy's squadrons, but rebounded from the
L'low and swung otT. The Harris Light repeated the charge,
but was also borne back. Stung into madness at the sight of
his own regiment repulsed and shattered, he flung himself at the
1 head of the ist Maine, still further in the rear, and, moving for-
I ward on a walk, shouted : '• .Men of Maine, you must save the
I day ! Follow me."
'^ Closing up, the regiment marched off behind its leader, who
I 'Girded to the right till he got on the flank of the enemy, when
I he ordered the bugles to sound the charge, and, coming down
I on a wild gallop, struck the enemy, forcing back his hitherto
' steady line. As they swept past the other two shattered xif^-
\ inents, Kilpatrick shouted out over the tumult, in his clear, ring-
\ ing tones : " Back, the Harris Light ! Back, the loth New York !
I Re-form your squadron'^, and charge!"
% The fii-ld u-as won ; hut a heavy body of infantr}- coming uji,
i rie.^sonton witiulrcw across the Rappahannock.
Kilpatrick was now made Brigadier, and in the fight at Aluie,
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■V ■ Personal Sketches. 461
again met Lee. Securing a strong position, he resisted every at-
tempt of the enemy to dislodge him, although charge after charge
was made.
Later in the day, when his squadrons were borne back, he
again put himself at the head of the ist Maine, as at Brandy
Station, and leading it in person, charged with such desperation
that the enemy broke and tied. His horse was killed under him in
the onset ; but mounting another, he ordered the whole line to ad-
vance, and drove Lee in flight, until night put an end to the pur-
suit. The next m.orning he made a sabre charge into the town
of Upper\-ille, driving the enemy out.
When Meade was put in command of the army, Kilpatrick was
placeil in command of a division of cavaln,', numbering 5,000 men.
He was in constant and active service. He captured Ewell's
long train of wagons, and the guard, consisting of four regiments,
and up to the end of the campaign, after the battle of Gettysburg,
his division had captured some 4,500 prisoners, nine guns, and
eleven battle flags.
On the last day of February, 1864, Kilpatrick, in command of
4,000 men, started on his daring raid on Richmond for the pur-
pose of releasing the Union prisoners confined there, and which
created such consternation and dismay in the Confederate strong-
hold. In this expedition the lamented Dahlgren was killed.
General Kilpatrick was now transferred to the West to co-
operate with General Sherman in his campaign against Atlanta.
At Rcsaca he had a severe bnttle, but held this important point
until the infantry came up, but he was severely wounded by a
ritle ball, which barely escaped a vital point, and passed out at
his hip. Before he was again able to take the saddle, he ascer-
tained that Shrnnan was in front of Atlanta, and that the place
must fall in a few days. Determined not to lose the gioiy of par-
taking in the final movements for its overthrow, he took the
next train and rude night and day till he reached his command
at Cartersville. Still unable to sit on his horse he rode forward in
a carriage fi:t--'d up fur him, ?^wi\ i^int-d Sherman bcfure .Atlanta.
Daring She;man's gi\ at march to the sea, ha\ing reCeUed a
rnnimission as Major-General of Volunteers, he conuiianded
the cavalry corps, and performed all the duties of the advance.
•no J' ■..IS.)
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462 Fiftl; Nczv Yorh Volunteer Infantry.
skirmishing", etc., and in coverinr;: the flanks of the infantry in
that j^reat march, fii^^hting-, burning-, and laying- waste the coun-
tiywhen the onposition of the eneniymade it necessary. He also
performed the siunc duties on a 'Subsequent march through the
Caiolinas. Ntnr A\ <jr}-sboro he luid a severe battle with the
Confederate infantry, and held a vital point until the infantry of
General Slocum' , column came up.
This was the last, battle in which Kiliiatrick's cavalry took an
active part, and hen- he rested on his laurels. He issued an ad-
dress to his troops, closing with the following words: "Soldiers,
be proud ! of all the brave nifn of this great armv, \ou have a
right to be. You have won tlie admiration of our infantiy, fight-
ing on foot an*! nv untcd, and \()u will receive the outspoken
words of praise iroin the great Shciman himself. He appreciates
and will reward your patient endurance of hardships, gallant
deeds, and valualjle services. With the old laurels of Georgia
entwine those won in the Carolinas, and proudly wear them.
G^jwral Sheriihir Is satisfied i^'ith hfs cavalry." J. T. Headley,*
from wiiom the av.ib.or chiefly compiles the foregoing sketch, re-
marks : "Tl-iOUL;h but a you'h, >!ill Kilpatrick has won a world-
v.itle w putation. lie is in every respect fitted for a cavalry com-
mander, for he ha^- all the dash necessary to success, and that
chivalrous daring uhiich wins the admiration and love of the
common soldier."
\ C.\PTAIN COMPANY I— CHARLES G. BARTLETT.
j: Charles G. Par ilhtt is a son of Professor Bartlett, of the
f West Point Militaiy Acadeniy, and had received a military edu-
r cation. At the C'/nr,nenccmcnt of hostilities he was a member
\ of the Seventh Iviginic nt, National Guard, and was cummissioned
f as Captain in the 5111 New York \'olunteers. Courteous and kind,
j: he endeared hiuis.-Ii" to both otViccrs and men. He was con-
i. spicuous at Big I'etlie! for the part he took with his conijiriny in
'•■ skirniisiiing in l!i<- ad'.inri; \\\\\\ ili.- cnL-niy, ami for his coolness
and nijnch.danc- \'. hilc under tire. He remained by the side of
\ • "Gmnt and Shrrinan, their C.-impaigiis ami Generals."
■'. _ ---;;.. ' ( . ■> . :■:.'. ' .1) -AAA All.)
-H .. -ir
■■ t — * ■; Personal Sketches. ' 463
the lamented Lieutenant Greble for a long time during the action
while the latter officer was sighting his guns in the most exposed
part of the field of battle. He continued with the regiment until
he received a commission in the United States Army, when he
resigned from the Fifth, September 11, 1861. He was subse-
quently Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and is now (1878) Major
and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel i iih United States Infantry.
CAPTAIN OF CO. K— CLEVELAND WINSLOW.
Cleveland Winslow was born May 26, 1836, in Medford,
Mass. He received a collegiate education, and in 1861 was a
member of the 71st Regt. National Guard, in which organization
he had served seven years. He was possessed of a robust consti-
tution, and was not troubled with any serious sickness during all
his arduous campaigning ser\'ices, up to the time he received the
wound which caused his death. He entered the 5th Regiment
as one of its original Captains, the eighth in rank ; commanded
Company K ns skirmishers at Big Bethel, and was mentioned in
orders on file in the War Department ; commanded as Captain,
four companies of infantry, one light battery and a squadron of
lancers at Hanover Court-house. He was on the reser\'e with
his regiment at Mechanicsville ; acting Major at the battle of
Gaines' Mill, where he distinguished himself in all the qualities
that make a good soldier ; at Charles City Cross-roads, and Mal-
vern Hill, where he was in command of the brigade skirmishers,
and a section of light twelves ; two days and nights in command
of the regiment as Captain, at the battle of Manassas Plains,
where his horse was killed by seven gim-shot wounds ; com-
manded the regiment as Major at the battle of Antictam ;
commanded as the fourth and last Colonel of the Fiuh at
Frrdcricksburg. and had command of the trenches on tlie night
of the rc-crussiiig ol t'.ie ii\er. At Chanceilors\illr he c.m-
manded the skinnishers of Sykes.' division of regulars, civ.;.igcd
four times with the enemy, was surrounded, and cut his way
u.,\va
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i 464 Fi/f/i iVczu York Vohmteer Infantry.
\
j, through and rejoined the command. He was several times
\ mentioned in General Orders for bravery, etc., all on file with
\ reg'mental papers. Commanded at different times, the 3d
^ brigade, 2d division, 5th army corps ; and also at times, the 2d
[ division (Sykes') in the absence of the General.
'• Colonel Winslow sen'ed during the Draft Riots in New York.
fc The daily press published full reports of those riots, in the sup-
I pression of which Colonel Winslow took a very active and prom-
i- inent part. Colonel Winslow was engaged with the rioters at
I the comer of 19th Street and ist Avenue.
\ His command consisted entirely of citizens, although the
\ majority of them had seen service in the army. They enrolled
V themselves for the purpose of aiding in preser\'ing the peace of
|; the city.
I They did not exceed one hundred in number, and were com-
t. manded by ex-otTicers of the 5th New York. The men had
\ been enrolled only a short time, and had little or no drill. They
I were accompanied by two howitzers. The resistance, he said,
I was very severe, and the rebellious citizens fought with great de-
[ termination. Four citizen soldiers were killed, and a number of
\ officers and citizens wounded, among whom was Captain Uck'^le,
^ formerly a ist Lieutenant of the old 5th New York. The in-
\ jured citizens were carried into a house between 19th and 20th
I Streets. Colonel Jardine, form.erly of the Hawkins Zouaves, was
! very badly wounded in the thigh ; Dr. White, the surgeon of the
i Hawkins Zouaves, volunteered his ser\nces to remain with him.
\ After this. Colonel Winslow went to Colonel Brown and ob-
l taincd a reinforcement of 150 regulars and one rifled gun, under
P command of Captains Shelby and Putnam, and proceeded tc the
f scene of action and brought off all their wounded to the 7th
\ Regiment Armory.
h During the action, nine rounds of canister were fired into the
I crowd. Colonel Winslow gives great credit to the officers who
% were on the ground, for the steadiness with which they stood to
\: their guns under tiu- ir-dling fire widi which they were assaik-d on
'^ all sides.
; About eight o'clock a croud of four or five thou.sand assem-
bled in the neighborhood of 8th Avenue and 32d Street. They
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• ■ " ■ Personal Sketches. 465
beat and kicked one colored man almost to death and hung him
to a lamp-post, and then commenced an indiscriminate onslaught
on all the negroes they could find, and were about to burn the
block of houses chiefiy occupitd by the colored people, when
Colonel Winslow made his appearance on the scene with a
strong detachment of infantry and one twelve-pound howitzer.
The howitzer was unlimbered and poured a deadly charge of
canister into the crowd. Signs of resistance were evinced, and
an evident determination to wrest the gun from the hands of the
artillerists.
The infantry received the order to fire, and again a shower of
bullets thinned the crowd. No symptoms were evinced of their
retiring, and the howitzer again thundered forth a deadly dis-
charge of canister. The fire was by this time too hot to with-
stand, and with shrieks and yells they commenced to scatter in
all directions. During the whole time, the military had been
under a strong fire of stones, missiles, pistols, and gun-shots, not
only from the crowd in their front, but from the house-tops. The
crowd dispersing, orders were given to return. After cutting
dovn the body of the negro, the military commenced to f.dl
slowly back.
The crowd at once reassembled, and closed up in their rear.
Four separate times, before the crowd would desist from the
pursuit, was the order given to fire. After considerable difficulty,
Colonel Winslow and his command returned to the Arsenal, hav-
ing successfully carried out the orders they had received. It was
impossible to ascertain anything like a definite or reliable ac-
count of the casualties among the people, as those shot were
hastily removed by their friends. A number of the military
were badly hurt.
GENERAL WOOL'S ACKNOWLEDC^rENT TO COLONEL WINSLOW.
"Trov, N. Y., July 29, 1863.
"Sir: — For your communication of the 25th inst., received
the 27th, containing a detailed account of your services, as W( 11
as of other officers and citizens, in quelling the recent rioi in the
City of New York, I tender you my thanks.
" For your gallant conduct, and all who took part with vou in
20*
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466 FiftJi Neio York Volunteer Infantry.
their efforts to quell the riot, you are entitled to the thanks and
gratitude of your fellow-citizens, and especially the wounded,
among whom was Colonel Jardine, who was seriously inju'-ed.
" Being all citizens, who in a few hours were organized, under
your command, at the Arsenal, Seventh Avenue, where they
were stationed three days and nights, patrolling the avenue and
dispersing the mob at such places as they had collected, your
services will no less be remembered than appreciated by a grate-
{ ful people.
I. "I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
I "John E. Wool, Major-General.
\ "To Cleveland Winslow, Colon-.l ^th N. V. Volunteers''
j The following is a letter from General A. A. Humplireys,
! U. S. A., who commanded a division of volunteers, subsequently
1 General Grant's Chief of Staff, and. after the resignation of
I General Hancock, succeeded the latter in command of the 2d
! army corps. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General,
U. S. A., and Chief of the Corps of Engineers — the post occupied
by him at the present time (1878) :
1 "Camp near Falmouth, Va., \
1 " June 10, 1S63. S
I " Dear Colonel : — I learn that you are endeavoring or dc-
! sire to raise a brigade of infantry, the skeleton of which is to be
I formed of the remnants of the splendid regiment you recently
t commanded — the 5th New York. I trust you may be successful
in your efforts ; for, having had the opportunity of knowing you
and your regiment for more than a year, during the latter half
from almost daily observation of it, in the severe service the
Army of the Potomac has passed through, I know what fine,
"* well-prepared material you will have out of which to give form
\ and instruction to a brigade ; and I know well, too, how admira-
!. bly qualified you are to cummand such a hri,i';ade. Under such
; auspices, I sliould expect to I'md the reputation of the ijrigado
i emulating that of the regiment, which was equaled by few in
i the service — certainly surpassed by none. I do not know how I
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>r.},> ir.in^'y
;i:,-i , ,•_, .1 ,-"■■■■'1 '.:!.. rj'f': ';•(' 'to rJ^i
■'. . Personal SkttcJu's. 467
can aid you in carr>'ing out your wishes. I would gladly do any-
thing in my power in that way.
"Wishing you every possible success,
" I am, very truly, yours,
"A.A.Humphreys,
" Brigadier-General Fols."
Colonel Wiaslow organized a regiment called the 5lh Veter-
ans, composed of men who had been mustered out with the dis-
banded two years' regiments, and as a number of the old Fifth
re-enlisted in this new organization, either as privates or served
as officers, the following notes from the New York Bai(y lizzies
are deemed worthy of preservation :
"DEPARTURE OF THE 5TH REGniENT N. Y. VOLS. — VETS.
" One battalion of this well-known regiment is again ready
for the tield, and will leave to-day, the 23d inst., under its old
commander, Colonel Cleveland Winslow. All the ofucers are
gentlemen who have had two years' experience in the field ; con-
sequently, the same discipline and efficiency will continue, cmd
the good reputation enjoyed by the okl regiment will be per-
petuated in its successor. The ranks have been filled by the
consolidation of the 31st, 37th, and part of the 38th and 9th
Regiments New York Volunteers, and the men are. with few
exceptions, re-enlisted men. On arriving in the field, the bat-
talion will be attached to the 2d corps, Major-General G. K.
Warren, under whom the regiment has long been commanded.
The former duty done by this regiment is too well known to re-
quire recapitulation ; and there is every reason to believe that,
under Colonel Winslow and his officers, many brave deeds will
be added to the record this regiment has already placed in the
liistory of the war."
Headquarters sth Army Corps, \
Bethesda Church, \'a., |-
yt/fte 2, 1864, 9 A.^r. j
the durvke zouaves.
The 5th New York Zouaves, Colonel Winslow, deserve special
mention for the part they took in yesterday's engagements. With
•; AV^vvAt: \M«<itrA.
ifU !!.•■
468 FiftJi Neiu York Volunteer Infantry.
other reinforcements they had just arrived from Port Royal, Va.
Travel weary and begrimed with dust from their long- day's
march, General Ayres' regulars, to whose brigade they had been
assigned, proposed to let them rest.
" We came here to fight, not to rest," said the Colonel.
" If your boys want to fight I sha'n't hinder them," replied the
General.
" Do you want to go into the ilght or not ? " the Colonel asked
his men, after explaining his interview with General Ayres. They
chose fighting, and they fought as this regiment used to fight —
heads cool, arms steady, aim sure. T/ie Old Fifth iVrrf York
Zouaves have a reputation as lasting as the Army of the Potomac.
The new regiment shows a purpose to maintain the brilliant
reputation of the founders of its name and imperishable glor\-.
Colonel Wipslow was wounded in the first assault ; but after the
wound was dressed, resumed his place at the head of his regi-
ment. He is that sort of man who will stick to his regiment and
to fighting as long as he holds a sword and can sit upon a horse.
" Colonel Winslow, wounded during the recent campaign (at
Chapin's Ford), is reported from Washington to be much worse,
with but little hope of his final recover)-. The ball passed
through his shoulder-blade, causing a very serious injur)-." —
TVdW Vor/: Times, L. A. Hendricks' Dispatch.
Colonel Winslow died from the eftects of his wound July 7, 1S64,
and his country thus lost the services of a very valuable officer.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY A— WILLIAM
T. PARTRIDGE.
William T. Partridge rose to be Captain of Company I,
and was killed in action at the battle of Gaines' Mill, June ^~,
1862. He was brave to rashness, and a strict disciplinarian.
Captain Partridge had a presentiment that he woultl lose his lile
in battle, and gave directions as to the disposition to be made ot
his body if he should fall. He was a very strong abolitionist, and
made the remark to a gentleman in New York during the organi-
v.\ -v. >'•.;^^i^'>■ 1 ^To't -iv/. \\v\y^.
.51 ;...;.; i.i 1.
•fT'-,;-;r,' "i,-, ni.:! •.'; ■■■> A ■ T T
Personal Sketches. 469
zation of the regiment, that " he could see the image of John
Brown with outstretched arms ready to receive him."
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY B— GOUVERNEUR
CARR.
GouvERNEUR Carr rose to the rank of Captain in the regi-
ment, but resigned September 24, 1862, having been commissioned
as Major of the 2d battalion, 165th Regiment, New York Volun-
teers, which he subsequently commanded as Lieutenant-Colonel,
until it was mustered out, September, 1865. He was wounded se-
verely at the siege of Port Hudson on the Mississippi, May 27,
1863, and also wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, La., and was
breveted Colonel for meritorious services.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY C— J. FRANCIS
EVANS.
Lieutenant Evans was a member of the 7th Regiment
N. G. S. N. Y. He was a quiet, steady, and brave otficer. He
rose to a Captaincy in the regiment, but resigned his commission
April 26, 1S62, on account of ill-health contracted in the service.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY I)— WILBUR F.
LEWIS.
Lieutenant Lewis became acting Major in the regiment,
and was killed in the action of Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862. He was a brave and efFicient othcer ; he refused to dis-
mount from his horse at the engagement m whiirh he lost his
life, notwithstanding the earnest entrc.itifS of the men. He h;i'!
two brothers in the regime iit, one of whom wa;. killed in action,
and the other badly wounded.
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470 Fifth Nciv York Volunteer Infa7itry.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY E— GEORGE
DURYEA.
Lieutenant Duryea was a member of the 4Sth Regiment
N. G. S. N. Y. He served actively with the 5th Regiment until
[ receiving a very severe wound at the battle of Gaines' Mill, June
\ 27, 1862, while in command of a company as Captain. Upon his
recover}- he returned to duty again with the regiment, and was
promoted successively Major and Lieutenant-Colonel, and was
mustered out with the reg-iment on its expiration of term of serv-
ice, May 14, 1863. as Brevet Colonel, being one of the five origi-
nal officers, including the Chaplain, that returned with the
regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT CO. F — OLIVER WETMORE, Jr.
Lieutenant Wetmore was a gentleman of education, hav-
ing graduated with high honors from Columbia College, and was
a Professor in the College of the City of New York. He was a
member of the 7th Regt. N. G. S. N. Y. He served v\-ith
the regiment until June, 1862, when his health yielded to the ex-
posure in the Peninsula campaign, and he applied for a discharge,
which was granted June 30, 1862. He was subsequently com-
missioned as Major in the 13th Regt. New York Heavy Artillery.
He died in Washington after the close of the war.
i FIRST LIEUTENANT OF CO. G— JACOB E. DURYfiE.
I
I Lieutenant DuRvf.E, son of General Abram Duryee, was a
, member of the 7th Regt. N. G. S. N. Y. He greatly dis-
• tinguished himself at the battle of Big Bethel, June 10, 1S61,
^ where he le<l a charge with a handful of men against the enemy's
works. He was made a Captain in thL' Fiftli, and in September,
1862, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2d Maryland,
in which he served under General Bumsidc in North Carolina,
''</-■
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f( M.
Personal Skctclics. 471
and under General Pope in Virginia ; was under General Mc-
ClcUan during- his Mar}land campaign, at South Mountain, and
Antietam, where he commanded the regiment. He was subse-
quently breveted Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF CO. H— CHURCHILL J.
CAMBRELLING.
Lieutenant CA^^RRELLING, son of Judge Cambrelling, was
a member of the 7th Regt. N. G. He was in the engagements at
Big Bethel, Hanover Court-house, and Gaines' Mill, etc., where
he was distinguished for his braver}'. He was promoted to a
Captaincy in the regiment September 3, 1S61. Owing to the
hardships of the Peninsula campaign, his health became im-
paired, and he was obliged to apply for a discharge, wliicii was
granted July 23, 1S62. He was a fine officer, and much esteemed
by both officers and privates for his personal qualities and char-
acter. He was subsequently commissioned as Major in the loth
Senatorial District Resjiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF CO. I— JOSEPH S. YORK.
Lieutenant York had received a military training, and was
promoted to a Captaincy in the Fifth. He took a leading part in
the charge on the enemy's works at Big Bethel, in which he was
wounded. He served with the regiment until August. 29, 1861,
when having received a commission as Captain in the 15th U. S.
Infantry, here-signed his command. Subsequently he died in the
performance of his duties in the regiilar service, after the war.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF CO. K— WILLIAM H. IIOVT.
Lieutenant Hovt was a gentlemanly officer, and a great
favorite with the men. He behaved well under tire, and was as
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472 Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry.
self-possessed as he was brave. He resigned his commission in
1S62.
[: SECOND LIEUTENANT OF CO. B— THEODORE S.
DUMONT.
Theodore S. Dumont was a member of the 7th Regt. N. G.
He was in the engagement at Big Bethel, and served in the Pe-
ninsula campaign, during which he was transferred to the Signal
Qorps ; he rendered efficient service in the corps during the battle
of Malvern Hill, where he retained his position under fire and
signaled the gun- boats to direct their aim. He was compli-
mented for this service in General Orders. He resigned his
commission, having been promoted to ist Lieutenant .A.ugust 13,
1862.
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. C— CHARLES H, SEAMAN.
Lieutenant Seaman received his education in a military
school. He resigned his commission June 2, 1861.
I SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. D— JOHN A. COCHRANE.
I Lieutenant Cochrane was a member of the 71st Regi-
' ment. National Guard. He was a good soldier and strict dis-
ciplinarian, and passed through considerable service with the
regiment. He was promoted to First Lieutenant, and resigned
1 his commission on account of ill-health December 29, 1S62.
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. E— HENRY H. BURNETT.
Lieutenant Burnett was an admirable ofiicei-, and well
liked by the members of the regiment, particularly by the en-
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Personal SkctcJies. 473
listed men, to whom he was a faithful friend. He was promoted
to a Captaincy, and served actively with the regiment up to tlie
time of his resignation, October 16, 1862 ; which event was
much regretted by the men.
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. F— CARLISLE BOYD.
Carlisle Boyd rose to a Captaincy, and commanded a com-
pany at the Second Bull Run engagement, where he was wounded
and taken prisoner. He served the full term with the regiment,
was promoted Major, and mustered out as such with the rtgi-
ment. May 14, 1863. He was subsequently commissioned as
Lieutenant-Colonel, and served in the Invalid Corps until he re-
ceived a commission in the regular army, July 28, 1866, where
he is serving at present (1S78) as Captain of the 17th Intantn,-.
He was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. Army March 2, 1867.
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. G-JOSEPH H. BRADLEY.
Lieutenant Bradley was educated at a military academy.
He was advanced to the Captaincy, was slightly wounded at
Gaines' Mill July 30, 1862, and went into another regiment as
Chaplain. *
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. H— JAMES MILLER.
LlEUTEXiVNT Miller was a member of the 7th Regiment,
National Guard, and enlisted as a private in the Fifth, t\\W\\ 20,
1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant May 9. 1S61. \V;i5 de-
tailed by General Butler as Drill-Master to the Union Co.ist-
Guard July 15th, rclitvi-d August 13th, and rejoined the regi-
ment at Baltimore. [Ic was promoted First Lieuten;ir.t. an(i
rcsig-ned his commission September 6. 1S61, on account of dis-
ease contracted in the line of his duty.
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\ 474 F'//A Nezv York Volunteer Infantrv.
I SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. I-J. HENRY WHITNEY.
SECOND LIEUT. OF CO. K-WILLIAM FERGUSON.
LlEUTKXAXT Fr.RGUSON WMS a gentlemanly officer, and was
much estecmcti by the men. He was mentioned in Colonel
Duryee's report of the battle of }3ig Bethel, and was subse-
quently promoted to a First Lieutenancy. On account of ill-
health he resigned his commission October 12, 1862. He after-
ward received a new commission, and recruited a company for
the 5th Veterans.
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b. 20, 1862.
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vatc ; Color Sergt. ; promoted
.ability Oct. 3, 1862.
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3V
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Personal Sketches. 485
Colonel Robert C. Buchanan, formerly in command of
the 1st brigade, Sykes' division, 5th army corps, died in Washing'-
ton, D. C, November 29, 1 87S, of apoplexy. He graduated from the
West Point Military Academy in 1830, and served in the " Black
Hawk War," and in the war against the Seminoles in 1841-2.
Served actively in the field all through the war with Mexico, and
during the great Rebellion. He was breveted Major-General
U. S. A. March 13, 1865, and retired from active service Decem-
ber 31, 1870.
Lieutenant-Colonel William Chapman, formerly in
command of the 2d brigade, Sykes' division, graduated from
West Point July 31, 1831, and served in the Mexican war, and
in various campaigns against the Indians. He was breveted
Colonel U. S. A. August 30, 1862, and placed on the retired list
August 26, 1863.
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