A history of the army experience of William A. Canfield

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OFFICE OF 8ECItETA.JtY OF STATE, }

Concord, N.H., March, 1869. f

This is to certifu that the author has served the country
faithftilly ; lost Jiis arm at Fetersburg ; and is of good report
by all tcho Unow him.

(Signed,)

J, D, Lyman,

Secretary of State^

A HISTORY

WILLIAM A. CANFIELD

.j^}ySa^- ^^'^'

Sold only by Himself. Price 25 cents.

MANCHESTER, N. H. :

PRINTED BY CHARLES F. LIVINGSTON

1869.

rf

A HISTORY

OF THE

ARMY EXPERIENCE

OF

WILLIAM A. CANFIELD.

BY HIMSELF.

TRICE TWENTY - FIVE CENTS.

MANCHESTER, N. H. :

C. F. LIVINGSTON, PRINTER.
18r39.

PRE FA C E .

Readers : In writing this little book, I do not claim
to issue a work of choice language, nor to present
any new facts or startling developements concerning
the general history of the vv'ar. My intention is
simply to write a short narrative of my life as a soldier
in the Army of the Potomac and South West, and in the
Hospital.

Having lost my left arm from a wound received in front
of Petersburg, I have taken this method of procuring
sufficient means to enable me to engage in some business
by which I may gain an honest livelihood for myself and
family.

Craving your kind indulgence, I bring my claim before
you, hoping you will grant it a favorable reception.

Yours respectfully,

WM. A. CANFIELD.

(3)

HISTORY

I was bom ou the 10th of June, 1840, in
Thornton, a small town in the northern part of
New Hampshire. I was the youngest of six
children. Our parents were poor in this world's
goods, but rich in faith and in the knowledge of
God as it is in Christ Jesus. My early instruc-
tions were limited to a common school, and I was
deprived of this at the age of twelve years. Had
I improved even these few years, I might have
been much farther advanced than I now find my-
self. As it is, I have to regret many misspent
opportunities of my childhood.

My parents, as I have said before, were rich in
faith, and it was first in their thoughts to instill
into the hearts of their children principles of wis-
dom, virtue and love. Especially did our dear

(5)

6

mother, both by precept and example, endeavor
to lead us in the right way.

The summer of 1853 I went to Franklin, N. H.,
to work in a hosiery mill. I liked my work, had
a good boarding place, and in a short time felt
quite at home.

I had been there several weeks, and there had
been an unusual interest in religious matters for
some time ; many had already sought and found
God. One after another of my associates had
found peace in God through the merits of Christ,
yet I remained unmoved.

One evening several of the boarders invited me
to go to the prayer meeting. I went, little dream-
ing of the great blessing there was in store for me
that night. I felt no conviction of sin at this
time, nor did I until the invitation was given for
those to arise who desired the prayers of God's
people. To my surprise the whole party that
came with me manifested a desire to be prayed
for. Then for the first time in my life did I feel
an earnest consciousness of God's presence. My
friends had left me — God was with me, and I was
afraid. Oh, how my poor heart shrank to hide
itself; how gladly would I have hid myself from
the presence of God, but I could not ; the pure

light of God's love was shining into my sinful
heart, making every plague-spot clearly visible to
my spirit's vision.

We returned home. My sister, being one of
Christ's little ones, invited them to go into the
sitting-room for a season of prayer. Thus was I
again left alone, but not long ; for very soon I felt
a gentle touch on my shoulder, and heard sister's
sweet voice saying: "Come, Will, and pray with
us."

I went, and in earnest prayer entreated God for
Christ's sake to pardon my sins. I did not plead
long in vain, for Jesus was very near me, and
when I yielded my will to the Divine, how quickly
He received me, and lovingly sheltered me in His
bosom. Thank God, I have found a hiding place
there ever since. When I came out of that room
I was clothed and in my right mind — I Avas no
longer afraid. For was not God my father, Jesus
my elder Ijrother, and Heaven my home ?

I could hardly wait until Saturday night, I de-
sired so much to tell my dear parents of my new-
found joy. But the week soon passed away,
Saturday night came, and I was home again.

I think my dear mother perceived the change
almost as soon as she saw me. I would here say

that my father had for some time neglected family i
worship, and was not enjoying much of spiritual!
life ; but when I told them of my new-found joy, i
father fell upon his knees praying fervently for \
pardon for his neglect of duty, renewedly conse-j
crating himself to the Lord. Truly there was :
great rejoicing in that little cottage that- night. ;
The family altar was again established, and wej
rejoiced greatly in the love of God. I

The time passed very quickly until the autumn ]
of 1858, when I went to Manchester to work for'
my brother in a hosiery mill, and boarded in hisj
family. j

I soon connected myself with the M. E. Church |
in this place, and found many warm friends. '.
Among others, I became acquainted with MissM.^
F. Stewart, of New Hampton, N. H., and in duei
time married her. We had been married about ;
one year when the war broke out. ]

My parents always taught us to reverence thej
stars and stripes ; I loved my country's banner, '
and when rebel hands were raised to hurl it to the \
ground, I felt as if I must go and bear a part in
the great struggle. My ancestors had fought'
bravely to establish the glorious liberty I had so i
long enjoyed. It was hard, very hard, for me to;

leave those whom I loved so dearly, but still
harder to sit with folded hands here at home,
while others were dying for the aid I could render.
Frequently, when about my work, would my eye
fall upon my hands ( I have often thought it
strange), and they seemed to reproach me every
time I looked at them. At last I could bear it no
longer ; I felt sure it was my duty to go, and go
I must.

I enlisted under H. D. Davis, at Manchester,
N. H., July 12, 1862, in the Ninth Eegiment New
Hampshire Volunteers. I went directly to North-
field, to visit my parents and friends before going
into camp. It is almost useless for me to speak
of the parting scene. I took leave of all my
friends except my wife and sister, with fier hus-
band. My aged parents were bowed down with
sorrow and grief. They had buried their oldest
son and two daughters ; there were only three of
us left — and now to lose me (for they had little
hope of ever seeing me again) was almost too
"much for them to bear.

We went into camp the first of August. Spent
the first night in the barracks. I did not sleep
much, I assure you, every thing was so strange —
so much noise and confusion of tongues. But I

10

soon became accustomed to my suiToundings, and
found real attractions in camp life.

I had always made it a rule to reprove sin
whenever an opportunity offered ; but I soon
found out what it meant to cast pearls before
swine.

Then I adopted another plan ; it was this : lirst,
to watch every opportunity of doing a good turn
for my comrades. I interested myself in the
loved ones they had left at home — in a word, I
tried to make them love me ; and I succeeded far
beyond what I expected. I do not think there
was one in our company who would have seen any
harm come to me if they could have prevented it.
Then, when occasion required, I could reprove sin
without being reproached and made to understand
it was none of my business.

Our time was mostly occupied in drilling, until
the 24th of August, when we were mustered into
the United States' service. On the 29th, we
struck tents early in the morning and marched to
the depot, where we took the cars for the seat of
war. It was a sad time with us that morning, as
one after another bid farewell to loved ones. Very
few of those hysLy^ men ever returned. I had

11

2)reviously taken leave of my friends and told
them I should return to them again.

We started from Concord about seven in the
morning ; large crowds were gathered at the sta-
tions all alonof our route to encourao^e and cheer
us.

We arrived in Washington on the Urst of Sep-
tember ; laid in the barracks near the station that
night. The next morning, I got leave to look
about the city, and must confess I was sadly dis-
appointed. I had expected to see something
grand, and perhaps I should if I had traveled far
enough. As it was, about all there were to be
seen were cows and goats, with vast numbers of
swine running at large in the streets. I went back
to the barracks not very well pleased with our
Capital.

In a very short time we had orders to fall in.
AYe then crossed the long bridge, and marched
about three miles beyond, and camped for the
night. About midnight we received orders to
turn out — the rebels were upon us. We turned
out in a hurry ; formed a line across the road
Avith bayonets fixed, for we had as yet received no
ammunition. We remained in line about twenty
minutes, and then started off on another road;

12

marched about two miles at double quick ; were
then ordered back to camp, without seeing or
hearing a single rebel. The next day, we marched
about six miles up the Potomac. Here we found
work chopping down trees, and throwing up forti-
fications.

On the 4th of September, a part of the army of
the Peninsula passed us on their way to the second
Bull Run battle. They were all worn out with
continual marching and fighting, and many looked
as if they would fall by the wayside. I said to
myself as they were passing : Why are worn-out
men like these pressed to the front, while we are
held back ! Well, when the order comes, we too
shall have to go ; until then, we must wait and
shovel. All I could do for them was to give them
my ration of soft bread.

The 8th of September was my first night on
picket duty in an enemy's country. About nine
o'clock it commenced raining very hard. I was
relieved about twelve ; laid down near an old
stump, and was soon fiist asleep. When I awoke,
I found myself in a pond of water which nearly
covered me. I managed to get out of the w^ater
and back to camp. The result of this ducking
vas the dysentery in its worst form. I was com-

Id

pelled to go directly to the hospital, and receive
such care as they had to give.

On the 10th, our regiment received orders to
move. Tliey joined the Second Brigade, Second
Division, Ninth Army Corps. Unable to walk
I was carried in an ambulance, until Ave came up
with the regiment on the evening of the 11th,
when I joined my company. jNIy comrades soon
made a good fire of rails and did every thing the}'
could for • my comfort. J. W. Lathe got some
green corn and roasted it for me, and on the morn-
ing of the 12th, got me aboard an ambulance
again. I afterwards learned that he was repri-
manded for taking such an interest in me, and I
shall ever remember his kindness wdth gratitude.

On the 13th, we arrived at Frederick City, ^Id.
During the day it was rumored that an order from
Gen. Lee had fallen* into Gen. McClellan's hands,
which had so exposed the position of the enemy,
that he soon gave orders for the entire army to
move forward.

Our column took the main pike road to Middle-
town. We arrived on the south side of the town
after dark, and went into a field that had l^een
recently plowed, where we bivouacked for the
night.

14

0]i the 14tli, ;it the battle of South Mountain,
the enemy occupied the side and top of the moun-
tain on both gides of the road. I will not attempt
to describe the battle, for I did not participate in
it ; I was left by order of the surgeon in the hos-
pital just established in the village. It was a
large two story building, situated on the east side
of the towai. That night I was put in the second
story. The room Avas filled with the wounded
and dying.

At about three o'clock in the morning, 1 was
obliged to go down. The moon was still shining
in all its beauty and loveliness over the western
hill-tops. As I turned the corner of the building
a sight met my gaze w^hich baffles description.

There were about thirty dead bodies, mangled in
every conceivable shape, covered with blood, with
eyes wide open glaring at me. My very blood run
cold with, horror, and it was some minutes before
I could pass them. Since then, I have become
accustomed to such scenes, but I can never recall
that sight without a feeling of dread.

On the 15th, the battle at South Mountain w^as
still raging. All was excitement. 1 had no
thought of self now, but ])ent all my energies to
the task of caring for the wounded. There were

15

two others with me, and wo tried in every pos-
sible way to alleviate their sufferings. We
brought them water, washed their wounds, and
spoke words of comfort. We had no experience
in such things, but did the best we could.

The surgeon, who came round about nine o'clock,
said we had done well. After looking at some of
the worst cases, he gave us orders, advising us to
do the best we could. For three days and nights
I had neither sleep nor rest, when I was com-
pelled to give up and take my cliance with the
others .

The ladies here, I shall ever remember with
gratitude ; they were very kind to us, bringing us
many luxuries we should not otherwise have had.

I was now brought very low by the chronic di-
arrhea ; I could hardly get up, and still no help
appeared in my case. True, the surgeon was very
kind, but I thought it rather hard when he told
me ''you must let it run. I cannot help you, I
have nothing to do with."

I had heard the ladies telling of one Polly
Lincoln, who possessed much skill. I thought
perhaps she might cure me, so I made further in-
quiries in regard to her, and learned that she
lived most of the time alone in a hut made of

16

logs, not far from the hospital. She gathered her
own herbs, made her own medicine, and performed
wonderfnl cnres, — so they told me.

With the surgeon's permission, I soon found her
out and told her my complaint. "Oh !" said she,
"I'll fix you all right in a week or two, only keep
up good courage." And to Avork she went,
at once ; made me a nice bed on the fl<*or, and
fixed me a dose of herb tea in a very short time.
I felt very comfortable, I can assure you, that
afternoon, as I lay there on the floor, watching
that good old Samaritan in her humble home ; my
heart was filled with gratitude, and I felt safe in
her hands.

There was only one room in the house, and that
very poorly furnished ; still, every thing looked
neat and home-like. There were two other sol-
diers there at the same time; one from the 17tli
Michigan, with his leg oflf, the other from Massa-
chusetts, with his arm amputated at the shoulder-
joint. She took care of us all, and often assisted,
at the hospital. I was with her two weeks, and
then reported in person to the surgeon in charge.
He gave me leave to go back another week. At
the end of that time I was fit for duty. But I
must not leave this good old mother without saying

17

a few more words. She wms, in deed and in truth',
a good Samaritan to us all ; and there are hund-
reds who can testify to the same truth ; hundreds
who will remember her with heart-felt gratitude as
long as they live.

The soldier from Massachusetts died in a few
da^'S ; the other was able to go home in four weeks.

Some time after this, I received orders to report
at Camp Convalescent, Alexandria. I stayed
there two weeks and then started off with a squad
for the front. We arrived at Aquia Creek, on
Saturday, October 13. We were put into camp
there and told to wait until after the battle before
proceeding further. To wait there within sound
of that terrible artillery-fire at Fredericksburg,
did not suit me. I longed to be with my com-
rades and share their danger.

With these feelings I went to the Provost Mar-
shal and stated my case. He gave me a pass to
report to General Fry, at Falmouth, but instead
of reporting to him, I found my regiment over in
the city and took my place in the ranks. The
boj^s were glad to see me, but said I was a fool
for coming into that slaughter-yard, as they called
it. It was my duty, and I was willing to take my
chances with the rest.

18

• We went on picket Sunday night, but Avere
ordered to fall back across the river about four in
the morning, and at day-light we were in our old
quarters, there to do picket duty on the Rappa-
hannock, as the boys said. This was the most
discouraging place that I was in during my stay
in the army. Any soldier who was there conld
tell some pretty hard stories of that place. Our
troubles there are too well known to every one
at all conversant with the history of the war, to
need any comment.

A few days after Burnside got stuck in the mud,
we received orders to pack up ; this was good
news for us ; we felt sure we could get into no
worse place than this mnd-hole.

We got aboard the cars at Falmouth ; arrived
at Aquia Creek about dark, then took the trans-
portation boat and landed at Newport News.
This we found to be a change for the better ; it
was a very pleasant place. Here they gave us
tents, and plenty to eat as good as the army could
afford. There were some who were not satisfied ;
and if you had found them in private life, you
woidd have heard them growling continuall}^
about something'.

Our regiment went into camp about one mile

19

from the lauding. Here we had a good drill-
ground ; drilled six hours each day. I enjoyed my
stay in this place very much.

Our next move was to take a boat for Baltimore.
The Boat was an old rickety craft, and came near
sinking, during a slight gale going up the bay.
Arriving at Baltimore, we took the cars bound for
the South- West ; this was a very pleasant ride,
although we were somewhat crowded.

When we arrived at Pittsburg, we found a good
supper awaiting us, and I think those in charge of
the tables can truly say that we did justice to the
hot coffee, ham, &c., that was set before us.

Thanks to those true and noble hearts that were
so mindful of their country's defenders. All
along the route from Pittsburg to Cincinnati the
inhabitants threw into our cars baskets, boxes and
pails, filled with good things. This was a pleasant
route, the scenery in some places being very beau-
tiful. I should like to go over it again, only un-
der different circumstances. I should be very
glad to make the acquaintance of the generous-
hearted people of Ohio.

Leaving Cincinnati, we crossed the Ohio river
into Covington, Kentucky. Here we again got
aboard of the cars, and arrived at Lexincrton. We

20 j

Avent into camp about one mile from the city, in a i
beautiful grove ; the fair-ground was only a short i
distance from us. I think I never saw a fence !
come down more quickly, and, as if by magic, a |
village sprung up, with its streets running north ■
and south beneath those beautiful shade-trees. A •
crystal stream of pure water ran along in the val- i
ley below, which supplied us with water for every j
purpose. We stayed here two weeks. j

On the 15th of April we packed up, and for I
nearly two months were marching about from j
place to place. The people treated us kindly, but |
we could easily discern where their sympathies I
were strongest. Now and then a slave would ;
come to us for protection. I remember, one ;
Sabbath morning, a very smart colored boy came |
to us, and about noon a constable came after him. i
The colonel told him if "he could find him, to ;
take him back to his mistress ;" this word was <
passed round in double-quick time. The boy was :
in the first tent they came to, but as they were
coming in he darted out past them . Then a race :
commenced worth seeing ; round and round the ;
camp they went ; at last, the boy started for the i
woods, and the constable after him, with four or
five boys in blue following close upon the pursuer. ,

21

Seeing the boy was likely to escape, the constable
drew a revolver and levelled it at him, but before
he could fire he was knocked down without cere-
mony, and I think got the worst of that hunt.
This hai^pened near Lancaster, Kentucky.

In a few days we recrossed the Ohio river, went
aboard of the cars at Cincinnati and in due time
arrived at Cairo, Illinois, where there were boats
waiting for us ; went on board at once ; laid at
the wharf that night, and started down the Mis-
sissippi river early in the morning on our way to
Vicksburg. Our company had the upper deck,
therefore we had a fine opportunity to view the
surrounding country. The rebels fired into us
once, but did no damage. We landed on the west
shore, near Yicksburg, on the 15th of June. We
saw Grant's fireworks on that doomed city for two
nights.

On the 17th we took the boat and ran up the
Yazoo river about twelve miles, and landen again.
We went into camp on the east shore, about two
miles from the landing ; made our beds of cane-
brake, which was very nice. Here we found an
abundance of blackberries. While we were await-
ing the appearance of Johnston, we saw a great
many things of interest; ])ut we were annoyed

22

greatly by snakes and lizards. Let us make our
bed where we would, they were sure to find us,
and claim a part of our blankets for a resting
place. They were harmless, however, and we
soon became accustomed to them. The lizards
varied in length from three to eight inches, and
were of various colors, gray, green, red, etc. 1

The morning of the 4th of July dawned on us
with all its beauty and loveliness, and the birds
seemed to be giving praise to God in commemora-i
tion of our National Independence ; with it camd
the surrender of Vicksburg. In the midst of ouri
joy, and throwing up of hats, we received orders'
to fall in, and were soon on our way after John-i
ston. He fell back as far as Jackson, and made a-
stand ; we soon came upon him and the battle
commenced. For eight days we had more or less,
skirmishing, but it was not such fighting as we|
had been accustomed to having while with the;
Army of the Potomac.

At last we made preparation for a general
charge, but when we made it, we found empty:
works. The bird had flown, and had set the;
business part of the place on fire. |

The second day after we entered the city we|
turned back again ; this was a very hard march

23

we started at the quickstep, and kept it up all day.
Two men fell dead by the roadside, while many
others fell by the way ; it was very warm, and
we could get no good water, but wxre obliged to
drink red mud as we passed through the low
grounds and ravines along our route.

As we retraced our steps, I noticed an aged lad}'
sitting where I had seen her two weeks before, at
her cottage door, smoking her pipe of cob with a
stem two feet long, as unconcerned and contented,
apparently, as if the rude htind of war had not
laid its devastating touch upon the country about
her. I do not know but what she is there yet ;
she seemed to enjoy her jDipe very much.

In due time we reached our old camp-ground.
After staying in camp about one week, we again
got aboard of the boat and started down the river.
We had not gone far before we run aground, and
in backing off, broke the rudder, and were obliged
to lay there all night. In the morning a tug came
up and helped us off; they took on board a part
of the Sixth New Hampshire Volunteers, giving
us more room. We were eleven days going up
the Mississippi river. I took up my quarters on
the pilot deck, and enjoyed myself much in look-
ing at the scenery along the route ; it was grand.

24

In due time we arrived at Cairo, Illinois ; got {
aboard of the cattle train, and were rolled away \
at railroad speed , till at length we arrived at Cin- ;
cinnati, and recrossed the river to Covington. I
Here we again got aboard the cars, stopping next ;
at or near Camp Nelson, Kentucky, where we had \
a good camp -ground, and plenty of good water, j
The following day we were ordered out for dress- |
parade ; there were but twenty -five officers and
men, all told ; the remainder had been excused by
the surgeon in the morning, or were sick with the
" shakes ;" so it will be seen that our regiment was
very badly used up.

We remained here about a week, and then our
regiment was distributed along the Kentucky
Central railroad, a company or two at each bridge, |
with headquarters at Paris. Companies A and F
were stationed at Kimbrae's bridge, so called,
about one mile south of a pretty little village
called Cynthiana. There was a block -house on 1
each side of the bridge, which made us very good ;
quarters. Our duty, which was to guard the I
bridge nights, was very light, and gave us plenty ;
of time to visit our neighbors. :

The people here were very kind and generous, i
Avith the exception of a man by the name of Smith, \

25

a union man, and because he was such he thought
the boys ought to work for him : cut up his to-
bacco, pick his apples, etc., and take their pay in
promises ; but this soon played out, and I have no
doubt but what he lost ten times as much as it
would have taken to fulfill all his promises.

In October, I was detailed acting Sergeant of
the provost guard at Cynthiana. Here I had a
chance to become more acquainted with the inhabi-
tants, and learn their views in regard to the war.
It was a nigger war to most of them ; but for all
that, they treated us well with but few exceptidns.

There were four churches in the place ; two
black and two white, so called. I attended them
all, but I liked best at one of the colored churches,
as they had the smartest preacher.

In December, 1863, the State of New Hamp-
shire sent us about four hundred substitutes gath-
ered from all parts of the country. About one-
half of them deserted.

In January, 1864, we were ordered to Camp
Nelson ; went into camp on the south-east side,
near Daniel Boone's cave. On the 25th, we broke
up camp, and passed through the following places :
Camp Dick Robertson, Lancaster, Stanford, Hall's
Gap, Cuba, Somerset, and arrived at Point Burn-

26 i

side on the 30th, a distance of eighty-four miles
February 1st, we were )ccupied in fixing up'
our camp ; while we remained here we drilled^
four hours per day. On the 23d, we had orders
to be in readiness to march. On the mornino: of
the 27th, struck tents, and took up our line of
march; passed through Somerset and Grundy,,
and forded Buck Creek, Church Valley. I

It rained very hard the second day and snowed'
and rained the third day, so there were three;
inches of snow on the ground that night, and ^Y&
were wet and cold and covered with mud ; but on;
the 4th of March, we arrived near an ancient vil-i
lage called London ; a distance of sixty miles. i
We remained here till the 6th, when we started;
on our journey again, passed through London, and,]
tired and footsore, arrived on the north side!
of Cumberland Gap, a distance of fifty-six miles,]
on the 10th, just as the sun was setting behind thej
western hills; having for supper only the crumbs'
of our morning meal. i

On the 14, we again set out, passed throughj
the Gap, Tazewell, Tennessee, crossed Clinch river,;
Leonard's Village, and arrived near Knoxville, on!
the 17th, a distance of sixty-five miles. Here we
joined the Brigade again, and on the 21st took;

• 27

the road that led us across the Wildcat Mountain
to Burnside Point; a distance of one hundred
miles. We arrived there on the 27th about noon,
drew rations, and continued our march. We
arrived at Camp Nelson on the 31st; a distance
of seventy-six miles.

This was a very hard march ; .1 wore out three
pair of army shoes, on this tramp. We did not
see an armed rebel on the Avhole route.

April 2d, marched to Nicholasville, and again
took the cars, reaching Annapolis, Maryland, on
the 7th. General Grant reviewed us at this place.
We remained here until the 23d, drilling, &c.,
when we took up our line of march, passed
through Washington, D. C, crossed the Potomac,
and went into camp on the other side, on the
25th; a distance of forty-six miles.

On the 27th, we again started out and arrived
on the plains of Manassas, on the 28th ; a distance
of thirty-four miles. Here we remained till the
4th of May, Avhen we again set out and arrived on
the line of battle in the Wilderness, on the 6th,

Our Brigade had been in all day, and at night
were scattered all through the woods. Colonel
Walter Harriman, of the Eleventh New Hamp-
shire Volunteers, was taken prisoner*

28

The morning of the 7 th, bemg the third day of
the battle, was opened with a terrible roar of mus-
ketry all along the line of seven miles. It was
impossible for our Commanding Chief to see but
a small portion of the army, so a great deal
depended on the Corps Commanders. I cannot
describe the dreadful carnage of the Wilderness.

The killed and wounded were scattered through
that vast forest of underbrush, which, dry as
tinder, and set on fire by the shells of the enemy,
was burning fiercely. The tAvo lines charged
back and forward ; we would gain a little ground
in one place and lose in another. Just at dark,
we were ordered to the rear, and lay down to rest.
But the next morning we found ourselves on the
old Chancelorsville battle-ground . Here we found
human bones strewn all over the ground.

On the 9th, we moved about ^ve miles to the
left, and in rear of Fredericksburg. A battle
raged at Spottsylvania. On the 10th, we went
on to the line on the left ; hard fighting all along
the line. On the 11th, we were ordered to the
rear to another part of the line ; it rained hard
all night. About five o'clock on the morning of
the 12th, we received orders to advance.

On we went driving the rebel skirmishers before

29

us. Now you might have seen the gallant Han-
cock leading the second corps to victory ; they
came u23on the enemy unawares, and took two
lines of works and seven thousand prisoners.

We being the right of the Nighth Corps, formed
on the left of the second. We got in advance of
the rest of the line while comin^: throuo-h the
woods, and formed on the left of the second just
in season to receive the return charge of the rebels.
We opened on them as they came up in solid
column in front and on our left flank, and gave us
a volley lengthwise which sent us staggering back
to the woods.

We lost two hundred and twelve men out of
five hundred, in less than five minutes. I received
a slight wound in the leg, but I assure you, it did
not hinder me from making good time for the
woods. We soon rallied, and went back to the
line with only one hundred men to guard the
colors ; the rest were scattered but came up dur-
ing the day and night. Hard fighting every day
till the 21st. Then Grant made one of his mas-
terly movements round their right flank. Our
Brigade started direct for their extreme right,
struck them about five o'clock, and made prepa
rations for a charge, but darkness set in, and about

2*

30

ten o^clock we started for the rear ; marched all
night, and took our breakfast on the bank of the
Pamunkey river ; continued our march, and on
the 24th crossed the North Anna river, under a
severe storm of shell bursting over our heads ;
we then entered the line. On the 25th, advanced
our line about five hundred yards ; 26th, hard
fighting, but nothing gained. During the night
we fell' back across the river and burned the
bridge.

May 27th, we took up our line of march, crossed
the Pamunkey river, and went into camp ; a dis-
tance of thirty-five miles. On the 30th, we
started out as rear guard for the brigade teams.
May 51st, General Griffin ordered our regiment
alone into the woods to try the enemy's strength ;
we passed down into the ravine and up a steep
blufi" under a galling fire, but at last we reached
the top and held our position till the reserves
were sent to support both of our flanks ; hard
fighting all day.

June 1st, 1864. All quiet till about ten o'clock ;
then the enemy charged on our left and were
driven back with heavy loss. They also charged
on our right in plain sight. Two lines came up
on the double-quick till within two hundred yards.

31

Then you might have seen a line of dusty forms
spring up as if by magic, and a sheet of fire l^urst
forth which sent them reeling back to their cover
in the woods. They soon rallied again and came
on with double the force that had first assailed us.
Just then, one of our light batteries, of six guns,
was placed in position in the woods, and gave
them grape and canister.

On they came regardless of life and fearless as
demons ; but soon they met a sheet of fire v/hich
seemed to consume them ; they retreated to the
woods for the second time, and made no further
attack on that part of our line.

On the 2d, we fell back and moved about five
miles to the left. At four o'clock, they came down
on us and tried to get in our rear ; but all to no
purpose. We fought hard during the following
day, but rested that night. On the 4th, we moved
about four miles, and formed on the right of the
line at Coal Harbor. Every one knows about this
place. It will be sufficient to say that we had
work to do, and I think all were glad when the
order came to fall back.

Just after dark, on the 11th, we started back
and took our breakfast near Whitehouse landing,
and continued our march. Our next rest was near

32

the James river, where we remained until the 15th,
when we took up our line of march just at dusk,
and marched all night and till four o'clock of the
following day. Forming on the line of battle near
the Wei don railroad, we went in on a charge, and
fought more or less all night.

On the morning of the 17th, we charged all
along the line, drove the enemy back, took several
pieces of artillery, and more or less prisoners.
Advanced about one mile on the 18th, and during
the night threw up earth works in an old oat field
near a peach orchard. On the 19th, we dug our
pit eight feet wide and three deep, throwing all
the earth in front. Hard fighting on the left.
On the 20th, hard fighting all along the line.
I received a slight wound across my left temple.

June 21st ended my term in the field. I was
wounded in the left arm, and had it amputated
just above the elbow. Now for the hospital. I
was carried to City Point on the 23d. Thanks
to the Christian and Sanitary Commissions, which
greatly relieved us, not only in furnishing so many
good things, but in sending to us those who alwaj^s
had a kind word for us all.

On the 30th, I was carried on board the hos-
pital boat, and arrived at Washington, D. C, on

33

the 1st of July, and was carried to Finley Hos-
pital. I was well cared for here, aud my arm
healed rapidly, while many others sickened and
died.

On the 22d of August, I received a furlough for
sixty days. I arrived home on the 24th. I can-
not attempt to describe my feelings as I crossed
the threshold, and placed this good right arm
around the aged form of my beloved mother, who
tottered to meet me, and throwing her arms
around my neck, kissed me again and again. Not
less welcome was the fervent "God bless you, my
son," from father. My wife was absent at this
time, at the bedside^ of a sick sister, who died in
about two weeks after I got home. Then she re-
turned to me, and entered into the general rejoic-
ing at my safe arrival.

Soon after I came home the stump of my arm
began to trouble me very much. Gangj'cne set in,
the stump swelled up and turned black. They
carried me to my sister's, Mrs. Smith Hancock,
in Franklin, where I was attended by Dr. Knights
of that town. For about three weeks my life was
despaired of; then I began to gain. Through the
kind care of all and the skill of Dr. Knights, —
but more through the providence of God, — I was

34

spared ; for what, I do not know. God knows,
and he doeth all things well.

December 2d, I reported at Concord, and went
into the Hospital there. On the 8th, I was sent
forward to Washington. Arrived there on the
11th, and went into Finley Hospital. I was trans-
ferred to Manchester, N. H., on the 10th of Jan-
uary, 1865, and remained there till I received my
discharge, on the 29th of May.

My story is told.

%.