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5S75.»0
HARVARD COLLEGE
LIBRARY
K\
P..
FROM THE FUND OP
CHARLES MINOT
CLASS OP 1^8
t^^-^^^^^-i^^
/^
UST OF NEW PUBUCATIONS.
OUB CAMFAIGK8 ; or, The Marches, BiFOuacs, Battles, Incidents of Camp
Life, and History of our Regiment during its three years term of serrioe.
By E. M. Woodward, Ac^utant Second Pennsylvania Reserves. 12mo.,
cloth. Price $2.00.
IIFE AHB ADVENTT7BE8 OF KISS MAJOR FAimHE CTJSHICAK,
the celebrated Union Spy and Scout By F. L. Sarmibrto. With Por-
trait and Illustrations. ]2mo., paper. Price $1.50; cloth, $2.00.
OUR BOYS. The Personal Experiences of a Soldier in the Army of the Po.
tomac. By A. F. Hill, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves. With char-
acteristic Frontispiece. 12mo., paper, $1.50; cloth, $2.00.
THRUinrG STORIES OF THB GREAT REBELIIOK. By a Disabled
Officer. With Illustrations in Colors. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50 ; cloth, $2.00.
THRHLIKG ADYEKTURES AMOKG the EARLT settlers. By
Warrbn Wildwood, Esq. Illastrated by 200 engravings. 12mo., paper.
Price $1.50; cloth, $2.00.
LIFE OF DAKIEL BOONE, the Great Western Hunter and Pioneer. By
Cecil B. Hartlbt. 12mo., illustrated, cloth. Price $2.00.
LIFE OF DAVID CROCKETT, the Original Humorist and Irrepressible
Backwoodsman. 12mo., illustrated, cloth. Price $2.00.
LIFE OF KIT CARSOK, the Great Western Hunter and Guide. By Chablis
Bdrdbtt. 12mo., Ulustrated, cloth. Price $2.00.
THE BEAUxuruii SFT. An Exciting Story of Army and High Life in
New York in 1776. • By Charlbs Burdbtt. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50 ;
cloth, $2.00.
THE ROTALISTS DAITGHTEB AED THE REBELS; or. The Dutch
Dominie of the Cotskills. A Tale of the Revolution. By Rev. David
MdrdocH|I).D. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50; cloth, $2.00.
THE HErP^IRL^ and How she Been me a Captain in the Army. A Tale
of the Revolution. By Thracb Talmar. Illustrated. l2mo., paper.
Price $1,50 ; cloth, $2.00.
THE SOLDIER AED THE SORCERESS; or. The Adventures of Jane Seton.
12mo., paper. Price $1.50 ; cloth, $2.00.
WONDERFUL ADVENTURES BT LAND AND SEA, of the Seven Queer
Travelers who met at aiflnn. By Josiah Barnbs. 12mo., cloth. Price
$2.00.
THE ORPHAN BOT; or, Lights and Shadows of Northern Life. By
Jkrbmt Loud. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50 ; cloth, $2.00.
THE ORPHAN GIRLS. A Tale of Southern Life. By James S. Peacockb,
M.D. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50; cloth, $2.00.
^^* Either or all of these Books will be sent free to any address, on re-
ceipt of price. Agents wanted for their sale, with whom liberal terms will be
made. Address
JOHN E. POTTER, Publisher,
No. 617 Sansom Street, FhiladelphiOL, 1!^«
V i^ \''.) Y S,
^: r^'liSuNAL rXi'KiULVrKS -F ^ bOiln;;:;
yrjiMY OF TIJK ]/OTOMA<;.
c/riiAtot' [!^u^cL.
Ehtsbbd according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by
A. P. HILL,
In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States in and
for the Eastern District of the State of Pennsylvania.
PREFACE.
XJndsb the title of " Our Boys," no one will expect to find
a work of unvarying sublimity, nor even one given exclu-
sively to historical matters ; but rather that which will, for
a time, divert the ever-busy mind &om things more grave,
and lead the imagination to revel in varied scenes of wild
adventure and careless glee.
I have endeavored to relate each incident just as it occurred,
and to portray each scene as it presented itself to me in its
originality. I do not pretend to justify all the acts of the
chaiacters, but simply lay the facts before Hie reader, for
criticism.
While in descriptions of "scenes as they occurred," the
language, now and then, is necessarily uncouth, not a word
touching on ribaldry can be found in the work, so that the
most refined may not hesitate to peruse it. Although the
reader may occasionally find the views I express at variance
with his own, there is nothing in the work likely to prove
repugnant to any mind that is unbiased by political feeling.
I beg that the reader will not too severely criticize the
general construction of the work, as it is purposely written
m a careless, off-hand style — a style best adapted to the
VUl PBEFACB.
subject. It has been my object to describe such scenes as
will most readily convey an idea of what a soldieb^s lifb
is ; and I may say, with no impropriety, that, having partici-
pated in various campaigns, and having finally lost a limb
in one of the most desperate battles of the war, I am fully
qualified, by sad experience, to portray the " life of a soldier"
in every feature. I may have been somewhat brie^ but
hope I have dwelt sufficiently upon each point to interest or
amuse ; and if this recital succeed in calling forth a smile
now and then— a tear perhaps — ^I shall fed that my labors
are amply rewarded.
A. F. Hill.
PBiL^DBLPmA, Jane, 1864.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAOl
Camp Wright • 13
CnAPTER IL
Camp WiLKiirs 32
CHAPTER III.
Baltixors • • • • • • ' • .45
CHAPTER IV.
Was*unoton • • • • • • .53
CHAPTER V.
TXHNALLTTOWN • • • . • • .66
CHAPTER VI.
\ Fighting Day ••••••• 85
CHAPTER VIL
Thb Great Falls ....••• 94
CHAPTER VIII.
Lr Camp Aoaik * J| • • .106
(ix)
X CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
PAOI
WildSosnks 117
CHAPTER X.
YlRGINIA • • • • • • . ,135
CHAPTER XL
Camp Pierpont ••••••• 140
CHAPTER Xn.
WiNTEB QUABTBBS ••••••• 155
CHAPTER Xra.
Thb Battlb OF Dbainesyillb • . • • • 169
CHAPTER XIV.
DATBWlin>BB • • • . • • .176
CHAPTER XV.
MouittVebnon •••..•• 191
CHAPTER XVI.
Thb Adtakob • • . . . • ^ • 200
CHAPTER XVII.
Waitino . . . . . . ;X • 210
CHAPTER XVm.
MAHA8SA8 • • . . . • i • £1 « 224
CHAPTER XIX.
Falmouth . . . . , •I.^f • :T3* 233
CONTENTS. Xi
CHAPTER XX.
PAOI
GOHTSABAHDS ••••••• 242
CHAPTER XXL
A Night Adybnturb •••••• 251
CHAPTER XXIL
''AwAT DOWN South IN Dixne" . . . . , 263
CHAPTER XXIII.
MlCHANIOSVILLB ••••••• 274
CHAPTER XXIV.
ThsBattli 281
CHAPTER XXV.
Gaihbs'Hill • • • • • • .292
CHAPTER XXVI.
ThhStbugolb • . • • • .902
CHAPTER XXVn.
Ghanoh OF BA8B ••••••. 310
CHAPTER XXVin.
Glbhdalb •••..••• 315
CHAPTER XXIX.
Malybbk Hill ....... 325
CHAPTER XXX.
Harrtson's Landing ..••.. 331
XU CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
PAGB
A Midnight SoENB . . • • • .336
CHAPTER XXXn.
Man Overboard ••••••• 353
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Falmouth Again ••••••• 360
CHAPTER XXXIV.
BvLL Run . • . • . • • .366
CHAPTER XXXV.
A CuAEOi • • . • . ' • • .380
CHAPTER XXXVL
Maryland • • • • • • . • 387
CHAPTER XXXVn.
South Mountain ••••••• 394
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
* Antibtak • . • • . . • . 398
• CHAPTER XXXIX.
W0UNt>BD . • • . • • . • 405
CHAPTER XL.
Conclusion • L • • • • • • S * ^^'^
CUE BOYS.
CHAPTER I.
CAMP WRIGHT.
'' MARCHINa ORDERS ! HURRAH ! HURRAH I"
The sun was just sinking behind the wild old hills west
of Brownsville, when a glad cheer rang out on the mild
evening air ; it came from the throats of a company of vol-
UKTEERS — ^they stood in line in one of the principal streets
of the town.
Our company had been organized as soon as the first call
for troops to crush the rebellion was made ; and for weeks
we had been anxiously awaiting orders to go into camp.
It was now June, and the welcome order had just come.
Early next morning we embarked for Pittsburg, at which
place we arrived after a journey of sixty miles, down the
beautiful Monongahela. We were ordered to Camp Wright,
which was about twelve miles from the city, on the left bank
of the Allegheny. On our arrival thither, we found barracks
constructed of pine boards, and we unhesitatingly took pos-
session of one of the buildings, and moved ih. Not long
after, a board might have been seen swinging above, on
which was inscribed in huge letters —
THE BROWNSVILLE GRAYS ;
such was our name.
We were, indeed, delighted to know that we were at last
SOLDIERS — that we were actually in camp. Although we
had responded to our country's call immediately after the
fall of Fort Sumter, so many volunteers had flocked to
Pittsburg, and offered their services, that it was impossible
\V6)
14 OUB BOTS.
to accept tbem all on the first call; the consequence wai^
that our company, with miany others, was compelled to wait.
Now, at last, our turn had come, and we were called upon to
go into camp; now our fond hopes were beginning to be
realized ; we were now to be armed, equipped, and organized,
after which, we doubted not, we should be ordered to the
seat of war. I had not resided immediately in the town of
Brownsville, though in the same county, and it was my
privilege to know only about one-third of the boys of the
company. But there was my neighbor, James Eider, of
whom I shall frequently speak in this narrative, who, being
less acquainted in the company than myself, seemed naturally
drawn toward me, and we felt like brothers. Many a hearty
laugh has he brought from me, by the recital, in his quaint
manner, of amusing incidents, which from time to time came
under his notice during our camp life. He was a man in
good circumstances, and although he might readily have
obtained a position, he chose to go in the capacity of musi-
cian — he was our fifer. He and I were constant companions.
We took walks together ; we went down to the Allegheny,
rowing, fishing, or bathing, and the hours passed by right
happily.
Eeader, a word as to our first m'ght in camp. When nine
o'clock came, the " tattoo" was beaten. At ten, came the
"taps." We were just wondering what it meant, when a
man who was called the " officer of the day," came round, and
looking into our quarters, said, in an authoritative tone —
"Lights out I"
, Then we understood it — ^no lights were to be burning in
camp after taps. Our candles were at once extinguished,
and we retired to our bunks. Well, you don't suppose,
reader, that we all dropped off quietly to sleep, do you?
If you do, you are mistaken. No sooner did we find our-
selves in the dark, than each one discovered that he had
soma remark to make.
" Hilloa, Bill, what have you got for a pillow ?" called out
one, to a comrade.
" Don't know — guess it's Tom's hat," was the reply.
"Joel" called out another.
GAICP WBIGHT. 16
-What?"
" How about those pine boards you're lying on ?"
" Oh, they're not so soft as the bed I slept on last night."
"I wonder what the old folks would say, if they could see
us stowed away in this manner?"
" Don't know ; I guess "
"Baa!" interrupted one of our boys, imitating the cry of
a sheep.
This was all that was required to suggest a new plan of
amusement. The bawl of a calf .responded ; the barking of
a dog followed ; the mewing of a cat came from a distant
comer of the building ; the heigh-haugh of a donkey was
next in the order of things. Thus it went on — ^the howl of
a panther, the squeal of a pig, the crow of a chicken, the hiss
of a serpent, and, in fact, the voice of almost every bird and
heast was represented, forming, altogether, such a confusion
of sounds, that it was a relief to place one's hands over one's
ears. This highly interesting proceeding was most abruptly
ended by the appearance of the officer of the day, who as
soon as he could make himself heard, informed us that such
conduct was " played out," and that he should be obliged to
arrest the "whole crowd," if it should be continued or
repeated. This had the effect of producing a death-like still-
ness, and we soon fell asleep — on harder beds than we had
ever before occupied.
I was just dreaming of advancing stealthily upon a rebel
masked battery, when a loud report burst upon the air, shook
the barracks, and caused rae to spring up and strike my head
against the bunk above, with such force that the flash of a
hundred cannon seemed to be exhibited to my startled senses.
I opened my eyes, and found all things bathed in the broad
light of day. The report which had so suddenly interrupted
my dreams of battle, came from a six-pounder which was
kept in camp, to be fired every morning at five o'clock. I
arose, and began to look for my inexpressibles ; when lo I I
4iscovered that / had them on. For the first time in my life,
I had slept a night without divesting myself of that article
of apparel. It occurred to me that it was very convenient
to arise without dressing, and I thought it would \>e ^\a\\
16 . OUR BOYS.
more convenient if one could get up already washed; and his
hair combed. My cogitations were interrupted by the voice
of the first-sergeant.
"Fall in for roll-call!"
The reveille was now being played, and when the last tap
of the drum had sounded, the roll was called. I was sur-
prised to discover that a new style of roll-call had been
adopted — new to me at least — for, instead of calling out the
full name, as, "William Jones," "John Peters," etc., it was
done in this style: "Jones, Peters, Smith, Eobinson," etc.
However, I was told it was military, and I liked it, accord-
ingly-
After breakfast — ^it consisted of coffee, bread, beef-steak
and potatoes — ^I was standing witKout the quarters, wonder-
ing what I should do with myself, when Charley Bailey, a
fine little fellow of the company, approached me and proposed
that we should jump on the cars and ride down to Pitts-
burg.* A train was about to leave the station, and we sprang
upon a truck car, and were soon flying along the banks of
the Allegheny, toward Pittsburg.
" Hilloa, there, you fellows I You can't ride there."
A small, sour-looking man was approaching us, stepping
from car to car. He was the conductor.
Pretending to misconstrue his words, I replied : — fi
"Oh, yes, we can, I assure you, my kind fellow I GKve
yourself no uneasiness on our account; we can ride with
perfect comfort."
" Then you must pay your fare."
" What 1 for riding on this dirty car ?"
" That makes no difference."
" But we're soldiers — "
"No matter."
"And—"
" I don't care for that ; you must pay your fare."
" Indeed, we'd rather not."
" Then you must get off."
* The Pittsburg and Kittanniug Railroad ran direotlj bj onr camp, an4
there was a station near.
■>
CAMP WRIGHT. 17
* Now, you wouldn't ask a fellow -creature to jump off, and
the train flying along at this rate, would you ?"
"I'll stop the train."
" Don't put yourself to the trouble ; we won't get off!"
*' Won't you, though ? Just wait a minute ; the train is
to stop in a short time, and we^ll see if you don't get o£"
" W e'U also see if we cfo."
[n a few minutes the train stopped at a small station, about
six miles from Pittsburg, and the little conductor approached
us again, and said, emphatically : —
" Now, look here ; are you going to get ofl^ or not ?"
" We still think of going all the way," replied Charley.
"Oh, indeed I— Jim?
This word, "Jim," was addressed to the engineer, who an-
swered : —
"What?"
"Why," said the conductor, "here's a pair of precious
Touths, who won't get off nor pay their fare. Come and
h'ist 'em."
" That I wiU," he respouded, as though he were delighted
at the prospect ; and he was on the car in a moment.
A glance at the plebeian engineer was enough to make one
think of all the giant-stories he had ever heard. He was a
powerful fellow, and could have thrown common fellows,
like us, over his head. We had no sooner observed his
powerful build, than a couple of youths about our size
might have been seen scrambling off that car on "the
double-quick." We were glad to escape the clutches of the
stout engineer, and a nice little walk of six miles brought
us back to camp.
Next day we were to be inspected by ar surgeon, for the
furpose of ascertaining whether we were fit for the service,
n order to be thoroughly ex^amined, it was necessary that
our clothes should be removed, that any defect might not
remain unobserved. Then, sundry gymnastic mauoeuvres
had to be executed by each subject in turn, such as jumping
upon a table, or over a chair ; kicking as high as the sur-
geon's head, and striking the backs of the hands together
over the head, etc.
2
18 OUB BOTS.
When my turn came, I trembled lest the examining snr-
geon should detect the fact that I was affected with "palpi-*
tation of the heart ;" for I was slightly afflicted with that
disease. I executed the little manoeuvres^ however, with
such alacrity, that he observed no physical, defect
"You are a good, strong, active fellow," he said; "but — '
"But what?" I interrupted, with some anxiety.
" You are rather young," he continued.
"No! I'm not too young 1" I exclaimed, vehemently.
" Why ? Are you eighteen ?"
" Yes, sir, indeed I am 1"
" All right ; you will pass."
" Thank you !" And I sprang into my garments.
One Mr. Craft, a stout country fellow of twenty-one, felt
some delicacy about allowing himself to be subjected to an
examination so strict, and swore he wouldn't strip.
" It must be done, Craft," said the captain.
" No, be d— d if it shall 1" said Craft, stoutly. -
" Very well. Sergeant," said the captain, addressing Ser-
geant Cue, " bring a file of men here, and take this young
man to the guard-house."
"Yes, sir.^'
The guard was coming, when Craft's firmness suddenly
melted away, and he hustled into the inspection-room and
doffed his raiment with unquestionable activity.
After all had been inspected, and several rejected, we
were drawn up in line to be vaccinated. The surgeon
passed slowly along the line, performing the operation upon
the arm of each with some dispatch. He was scratching
away at the arni of a slim, thin-faced young man, called
" Watty," when I observed that same thin face grow, first,
very red, then white as a sheet, and for a few minutes he
wa& quite sick and faint. One of OUB boys rallied him in
the following manner: —
" Watty, if you are so tender as that, you will never stand
it to have your head lifted off by a shell ; it would be the
death of you."
A groan from Watty was the only reply. He certainly
couldn't see the joke.
CAM? WMGHT. 19
The next thing administered to us wa^ the oath. All the
hojB took it witfaoat the least hesitation ; thej had offered
their services to their countrj; and they were in earnest
There was no ^backing the patch." We were sworn into
the service of the State of Pennsylvania, with the under-
standing that we should be subject to a call from the govern-
ment at any time.
Reader, permit me to introduce to your notice one of oxm
BOYS, whose acts shall probably occupy no small place in
this little narrative.
After the oath had been administered, I was standing
without the quarters, hands in pockets, and turning, over in
my own mind the question, ''What shail I do with myself?"
when I received a hearty slap upon the shoulder, accompanied
with: —
"Hilloa, oldboyr
I turned, and beheld a young man whose countenance
struck me as being familiar. He wore a black moustache,
though not a heavy one, and was blessed with hair and eyes
of the same shade; he was not unhandsome. A merry
twinkle was visible in his eye, and a smile — almost a grin —
adorned his countenance as he stared familiarly into my face.
'• How do you do, Mr. A — a — ?"
" Winder ; Dave Winder," he said.
" Oh, yes ; I remember you now. How do you come on,
Dave?"
"Never better."
''You have come for a soldier, then?"
"Oh, yes."
" In our company, I presume ?"
" Yes. How do you think we will put in the time ?"
" I don't know, Dave, really ; I was just asking myself
that question."
** Well, suppose we go strawberrying."
" Where ?'^
" Why, you see, there's a rich old gent living about half a
mile from here, who owns ten acres of the fruit, and he in*
vites all soldiers to come apd partake — free."
" How very patriotic 1" I exclaimed.
20 OUB BOTS.
' I would here just 8tate,*that my new companion was jtnost
appropriately named, Wind-er ; for, so far as blowing is con-
cerned, his equal is rarely foAnd. And such a fellow to fib !
Why, he never would tell the truth, if he could possibly in-
vent a lie to suit the case. These interesting facts developed
themselves to me during our subsequent acquaintance. How-
beit, I consented to accompany him to the garden he epoke so
eloquently of, especially as it was but " half a mile" distant.
Camp Wright was occupied by forty-three companies of
volunteers, of which only one regiment was vet organized.
One company was each day detailed to perrorm the guard
duty of the camp. It so happened, that about this time the
guard had received very particular instructions to allow no
one to pass out. It was necessary, therefore, that Dave and
I should resort to a rusey to gain egress from the camp.
Watching one of the sentinels till his back was turned to-
ward me, I sprang quickly across the beat he was walking,
alighting in the middle of the road which lay directly by
the camp. The sentinel, hearing the noise, turned abruptly
toward me; but, before he had time to speak, I calmly
asked: —
" Will you allow me to pass into the camp, here 7"
"Oh, you belong owteide, eh? Well, you must go to the
gate,* if you want to get in."
While the attention of the guard was engaged with me.
Winder slipped quietly out of the camp behind him, and,
coming up to me, innocently asked : —
" How IS it ? can't we get in here ?"
" No," I replied ; " the guard tells me that it will be neces-
sary to pass in by the gate."
We were now comfortably without the camp, and we
started for thq residence of that patriotic gentleman who
was so very liberal with his strawberries.
• Having travelled about a mile and a half, instead of one-
third that distance, I asked Winder, who was acting as guide,
if we were not nearly there.
. *.The head-qnarUn of the gnard at a partionlar side of the camp ar*
,:^ed the ''gate.".
CAMP WBIGHT. 21
*• it is but a step yet," he answered.
Another mile — Winder had termed it "a step" — ^brought
US to a garden which oontaided about an acre, one-fourth
of which was set apart for the cultivation of strawberries.
Winder halted.
** And this is your ten acres?" said I to Dave.
Dave grinned, gave me a confidential " poke-in-the-ribs>"
and said*: —
" There are enough for us, at least ; so let us climb over."
" Climb over I" I exclaimed.
''Yes. You don't suppose we can reach them from here,
do you?"
"But surely we should see the benevolent proprietor first.
I cannot consent to enter his garden clandestinely."
" Oh, it isn't necessary to see him ; it will be all right."
"But I will not enter the garden in this manner. There
is the house, only a few steps distant ; let us go and speak
to the gentleman who resides within."
I walked around the garden toward the house, and Winder
reluctantly accompanied me. I opened a small gate, and en-
tered the lawn.
Among other interesting traits of character possessed by
my companion, was that of — well, I will not say timidity,
but his nerves were none of the stoutest. Said nerves were
destined ^pon this occasion to 4)6 treated to a delightful
shock. No sooner had I opened the gate and enter^ the
green lawn, than a large specimen of the canine race — a great
black fellow — came bounding toward us, making enough
noise for any six common dogs. The secret in getting
along safely and peaceably with' dogs is, in not being afraid
of them, not to flinch from, or turn out of the way for
them. Winder, it seems, did not possess this secret, and
while I walked straight toward the house without seeming *
to notice the dog, he (Winder) uttered a cry of terror, and
ran behind me for protection. The dog did not molest me,
but made a rush for Dave, who executed a number of circles
of which I was the centre, the dog following close after his
coat-tails.
" Murder I murder I Oh, murder I" shouted Dave, as Ae
9S OUB BOYS.
dog at length sacceeded in filling his mouth full of the coat-
tail.
At this moment the gentleman of the house made his ap-
E^aranoe, and by simply saying, " Get out, Rover," rescued
ave from what he supposed to be sheer destruction.
The animal desisted with a look that seemed to say, "All
right ;" and Dave drew a long breath of relief, while the gen-
tleman and I laughed immoderately.
"Are you from the camp, boys?" he asked, after gaining
his mental equilibrium. I suppose he noticed our gray
shirts.
We replied that we were from the camp. Then, after
conversing awhile with us on the all-absorbing topic of ** the
war," he observed : —
" Boys, if you are fond of strawberries, you might walk
into the garden before you leave. I think there are some
left on the vines."
" Thank you." And we walked into the garden, accom-
panied by the owner.
" Perhaps our fellows of the camp have had a good share
of the fruit?" I observed, wishing to discover whether or
not he was so very generous with his berries^ as 'V^inder
had asserted.
" Oh, no I I sold them all in Pittsburg," he replied.
I glanced significantly at Winder, who, instead of appear-
ing confused upon being caught in an untruth, put on hia
most melting grin, as though he looked upon the whole
afiair as an excellent joke.
I relate this little incident in order to give the reader an
index to the character of Winder, as I may have much to
tell of him in this little historv. Having satisfied our appe-
tites for .strawberries, we bade the kind gentleman "Good
. day," and returned to camp.
On arriving at camp, another peculiar character of our
company was introduced to my notice. As we entered,
sounds of mirth were heard to proceed from the vicinity of
our company's quarters. We at once repaired to the spot,
and saw, in the midst of a crowd, quite a comical chap, of
eight-and-twenty, with small, bright, black eyes, black nair,
CAMP WBIGHT. 98
and a growth of stunted black whiskers and moustache. His
appearance was quite clownish : he was amusing the admir-
ing .spectators by playing as many antics as a monkey, and
making numerous quaint remarks. But, what was my sur-
prise when, a few minutes after my arrival, he abruptly
stopped in the midst of a great flow of loquacity, stood still
and erect, deliberately doflfed his beaver, and exhibited
therein a gentle creature, known as a — black snake/ The
serpent, which was about thirty inches in length and proper^
tionably thick, reared its head aloft, and took a mild survey
of the audience.
" In the name of all that's abominable, who is that fellow ?"
I asked, of one of our boys.
"Why, that's Gaskill, the clown. He is from Cooks-
town."*
" Is he in our company ?"
" Yes ; he enlisted but a little while ago. He knows a
good many of our boys ; he got acquainted with them on
the river."
" Then he has followed the river ; is a boatman ?"
" Yes, he has spent^much of his time on the river ; but he
has travelled much with a circus, as clown."
" Then he is a real clown ?"
"Ye^ he— golly I Look I"
Oaskill at this moment placed his hat upon his head,
minus the snake, which he retained in his hand, and pro-
ceeded to disperse the crowd which was collected around
him, by thrusting the monster right at their faces. Then,
such tumbling and scrambling as there was to escape being
touched by the shiny reptile, I never before witnessed.
Each man tried to jump over any who stood behind him,
while the would-be-jumped-over made the most violent
efforts to spring over any who stood in their way. Having
thus dispersed the crow(i, Gaskill entered the barracks, de-
posited his " pet " in a small box in his bunk, then came
tripping out, singing the oddest little song in the world, and
* A town on the right bank of the Monongahela, a few miles below
Brownsville.
H OUBBOTS.
jran smack against the officer of the day, who was just ap-
proaching to know what the muss was, tripping him, and
throwing him most unceremoniously over a pile of boards,
and falling himself at the same time.
" Why, you abominable scoundrel I" vociferated the officer,
arising, and brushing the dust from his blue coat.
Gaskill, with whom the affair was not at all accidental,
arose, rubbing first his head, then his knee, then his side ;
and finally, putting on an awful wry face, he groaned oun : —
"Ohl"
" A pity it didn't break your neck," said the officer, ten-
derly(?) ; for since he supposed Gaskill to be hurt, he felt in
a much better humor than at first.
"I'm sorry I. hurt you, captain," said Gaskill.
" So am I," replied the officer.
" But Fm not sorry the way you think I am," said Gaskill.
"How so?"
*• Because I was going to ask you for a quarter, to get
something to drink ; but I suppose it would be useless now,
since I've upset you. Oh, dear 1"
" Here !" said the officer, tossing him a quarter ; " now be
careful not to run against me any more."
Gaskill caught the coin in his mouth, made a low bow,
turned away, stumbled over a camp-kettle that did not stand
at all in his way, executed a spring, turned two summersaults
right by one of the sentinels, found himself out of camp, and
made off to the nearest shopkeeper to get "something to
drink."
Sijch a character was Gaskill. I hope I have sufficiently
introduced him to the reader. If I am somewhat tedious,
pardon me ; for the first two or three chapters must be of a
rather introductory nature.
A few days passed away without any incident worthy of '
note. For pastime, I took walks into the country, went
bathing in the Allegheny, and even tried my luck angling :
the result of the latter was the capture of a grim alligator
about a foot long. How provoking I I thought I had a
good, large fish on my hook ; then to see that hideous crea-
ture pop out of water attached to my hook, was a thing
CAMP WBIGHT. 26
mortal patience is Dot constructed to endure ; I gave it up as
a bad job. I also played checkers; now and then, finding an
interesting antagonist in Watty, the youth who, as I related,
so much enjoyed his vaccination(?).
Meanwhile we hired a company-cook, a darkey, Goens
Fairfax ; he brought with him, as assistant, a comical, fat,
Jazy nigger, fifteen years old. The name of this latter indi-
vidual was Bob Daffy.
One evening it was announced to us that we were detailed
for camp-guard for the following day ; our captain to act as
'* officer of the day." I was delighted at the prospect of
having an opportunity of trying my hand at " guard duty,"
for the first time.
Next morning, at eight o'clock, the ceremony of guard-
mounting was to be performed. Accordingly, at the ap-
pointed hour we were on hand. I would be sorry to trouble
the reader with a description of the formal proceeding of
guard-mount. SuflSce it to say, that our duty was explained
to us by the officer of the day. We were divided into three
reliefs, so that each man should be on post two hours, and
off four, during the ensuing twenty-four hours.
I chanced to be on the "first relief." Having been placed
on post ori the north side of the camp, by the corporal of the
guard, and a musket placed in my hands, I felt as proud ias a
king, and I remarkea to myself that I certainly was a soldier,
now.
Just without the camp, near my post, was our drill-ground, '
and I was kept in continual merriment by observing the awk-
ward motions of some of the companies on drill. In fact,
some of the officers, who acted as drill- masters, were about
as ignorant in the miiitary line as the men they were endea-
voring to teach. While I was watching the movements of a
platoon which was being drilled by a youthful lieutenant,
an incident occurred which struck me as being particularly
ridiculous.
The platodn had been standing at a rest a few moments,
when the lieutenant said : —
" Now, boys, I should like to try you on a bayonet charge.
Do you think you can do it up brown ?"
26 OJTA BOYflL
Tl)97 all said they could. The officer then commanded :—
''Shoulder— arww/"
They ghouldered arms ; and he continued : —
" Charge — bayonet P^
They made an attempt to bring their muskets to the posi-
tion of charge-bayonet, the points of their bayonets ranging
from the height of the knee to the height of the head. The
officer seemed to think it would do, and he said : —
" Now for a charge. Forward 1 double-quick I march /"
The platoon made a rush right forward, placing the lieu-
tenant, who was standing in front of them, in imminent dan-
ger qf being run through. In giving the command, it seemed
he had forgotten th*at he was standing directly in front of his
men: now they were rushing at him with charged bayonets.
He had not the presence of mind to command them to halt ;
so, under the impulse of the moment,, he sprang backward,
and fell prostrate over a stump, while the men-^they had no
orders to halt — ^rushed on ; one or two, as a matter of course,
falling over the prostrate form of the lieutenant. That indi-
vidual sprang up, and cried out, after his platoon : —
" Oh — a — a — quit — stop ! that is, a — a, — ^halt !"
But he was too late. In the excitement of the mock charge,
the men either heard not, or heeded not : they kef)t straight
on, and not being very well skilled in the noble art of '' keep-
ing step," they broke up into a disorderly crowd, and, con-
cluding that that ought to be an end of the matter, rushed
right across the beat I was walking, and bolted into their
quarters. The lieutenant followed presently, looking just the
sheepishest mortal that I ever saw wearing shoulder-straps.
Ten o'clock came, and I saw the "second relief" coming;
not with pleasure, however, for I liked guard-duty so much.
Ahem ! it was " something new." I was relieved, with in
structions to report at the gate at two o'clock in the after
noon. I did so, and two hours more of guard-duty were
accomplished ; I was relieved at foui*. At eight in the even-
ing, according to instructions, I again reported at the gate ;
again the first relief was posted. At ten we were relieved,
being admonished to report at two in the morning. Now 1
was a very sound sleeper; how was I to "report at two 7'*
CAHP WBIGHT. 2T
Most of the boyg lay down upon the ground near the gate,
that they might be readily aroused at the appointed hour.
I imitated their example ; but not feeling very well, I ima-
gined that I could rest with much more comfort in my bunk
during those four hours. One Daddy Brown, as he was called,
told me, that "if I wished to go to my quarters to sleep, he
would come and wake me at two." I thanked him, went to
my quarters, and was soon slumbering. I placed implicit
reliance on the word of Mr. Daddy Brown, or I should not
have trusted him so far. ♦
Bang I
Our six-pounder pealed forth its loud report, warning us
that it was five o'clock. The echoes rolled along the hills of
the Allegheny, and died sullenly away in the distance. A
sweet-toned fife led off with the reveille, and was followed by
the tenor drum. I opened my eyes, and saw to my horror
that it was indeed morning. A group of the boys stood
in the building, and were talking and laughing in a lively
manner.
" You're good for the guard-house, old fellow," remarked
one, as he perceived that I was awake.
" That he is," said another.
"Why didn't you report at the gate at two?" asked a
third.
** Daddy Brown promised to come and awake me," I re-
plied ; " but it is evident he has not done it, for this is the
first time I have been awake since I went asleep."
" You had better go to the gate and make it all right with
the sergeant of the guard, and may be he won't put you in
the guard-house this time," advised one of the boys.
May be he wouldn't : how very consoling I Perhaps I
wouldn't get intp the guard-house this time. Oh, dear ! wha
a rough beginning for a sentinel I MijLst I go into the guard
house at the very start? Well, I would go and see the ser-
f»nt of the guard, at all events; I would know the worst,
felt very curious as I stood in his presence.
'* Sergeant," said I, making an awkward attempt to touch
my hat ; I thought it prudent to flatter him a little, by mani-
festing the most profound respect.
88 OUR BOYS.
" Well, say on," he remarked, as I hesitated.
"Why," I stammered, "I — e — ^I was on the first relief,
and — and — ^I— one of our fellows promised to come up and
awake me, but he didn't do it ; so I was not here at two, to
go on post."
" What is your name?" he asked.
I no^ felt sure that the guard-house was my doom. I
told him my name ; when, to my satisfaction and surprise
he said : —
" Well, Ho matter ; there is no harm done. We had enough
guards to fill all the posts."
This ought to have been an end of the matter, but it was
not. Next morning, while at breakfast, Corporal Dee, of
our company, who was near me, observed : —
" How ready some fellows are to run to the officers with a
lot of tales."
" Why, what ? Who's been—"
"Nothing; only some one has informed the captain al-
ready, that you missed two hours of guard-duty night before
last."
" And who took so much interest in me as to run to the
captain with that little affair ?"
"I am not sure; I think it was John Snyder."
" Do you think he would be so mean ?"
"I think he is the man ; for I saw him talking to the cap-
tain, and I heard your name mentioned."
" Well, I'll try to discover the truth of the matter ; but
what did the captain say ?"
"I think he paid very little attention to it: I don't think
a man gets many thanks from him for reporting a comrade.
Se is an old soldier, was in the Mexican war, and he knows
how mean a thing it is for one soldier to tell tales on an-
other."
"Nevertheless, though the captain pay no attention to the
affair, it does not lessen the meanness of the principle that
prompted Snyder to inform."
"Vervtrue."
"•Well, there is Snyder at the table, and near enough to
converse with ; I am going to introduce the subject."
CAMP WKIOHT. 29
At tilia moment one of the boys helped me, by asking: —
"Did you eet out of that scrape all right?"
" Oh, yes ; out there is one thing I would like to know."
"Vhat'sthat?"
John Snyder started.
"It is this," I went on : "I would like to know who has
made himself so busy as to run, open-mouthed, to the cap-
tain about it."
" Has some one told the captain ?"
" Yes ; some busy fellow who, I suppose, hoped to gain
favor thereby, and probably be made corporal. I think he
got but few thanks, however, whoever he was."
Snyder put on a look that said, "I wonder if 'he knows
it was me?'' but he said nothing.
" He must have been a mean fellow," I went on.
John remained^silent.
" In fact, a fellow void of principle," I continued.
No reply.
" Is a scoundrel," I added.
All were silent ; Snyder looking awful.
"Would' sell his grandmother," I Mggested.
John could stand it no longer; he woke out: —
" Now, look here ; are you throwing out these hints at me?"
" At vou !" I exclaimed.
" YSs. Do you mean me ?"
" Why, what do you mean by taking it to heart ? Was it
you who told the captain ?"
" Why, I— he— I— what ?"
"I ask, was it you who informed? Are you the culprit,
die talebearer ? in a word, does the shoe $t you ?"
He was silent, confused ; he had betrayed himself.
"If you are the man, my worthy friend," I continued, "I
mean it all for you. Aye, more ; I would go on till to-mor-
row morning, reading your character."
" Well, you'd better stop now."
" Indeed, I have no notion of it. But, did you tell the
captain ? if so, why ? And don't you feel ashamed of your-
»efr?" •
" Because I could," said he ; for he saw that it was now
80 OUB BOYS.
useless to try to conceal the fact^ that he had been the offi-
cious gentleman.
"Then," said I, "in addition to what I have said, I now
take great pleasure here, in the presence of our comrade, in
branding you as a low, cringing, treacherous sneak, unfit to
be the companion of honest soldiers."
" You'd better mind how you talk."
" And you had better, in the future, mind your own affairs
— you may think yourself lucky, this time, that I don't give
you a tanning !"
This was certainly talking rather big— especially when
we come to consider the fact that John Snyder was what
would be called, in a moderate way of speaking, twice as
large as myself. Such provoking talk so enraged him that
he almost choked with anger, and was unable to articulate
another word ; I wonder he didn't pitch into me. However,
he never repeated the offence— nor did any one else — and,
by and by, we became quite friendly. Poor John I He is
dead now ! He did his duty nobly when we went into active
service; but the exposures proved too much for him, and
the fell destroyer, conaimption, removed him at last from
the scenes of horror ii?which he mingled while in Virginia.
All was stir and excitement in camp. The six-pounder
was loaded and fired, with great rapidity— thirteen times.
What was up? Why, General McCali was enterin*Camp
Wright, and was going to review us that afternoon.
But one regiment was organized, armed and equipped ; it
was known as the "Erie Eegiment." It was a regiment of
three-months volunteers, organized at Erie, But it has since
entered the three-years-or-during-the-war service, as the
ij^ighty-third, commanded by Colonel John McClane,
Tl»e remainder of the troops in camp (about thirty compa-
nies) marched into a large field with the Erie regiment, and
were reviewed. We had no arms, no uniforms, no accoutre-
ments of any kind ; and when the general appeared on the
field, and the command " Present — arms " was given, we re-
spectfully raised our hands to our hats, thereby presenting
our own arms. We thought it very nice—that review— very
military.
CAHF tV BIGHT. 81
We learned that General M'Call was to take command of
ns when we should enter the field. We liked him from the
very beginning ; nor have we since found cause to dislike
the " Hero of Coal Harbor."
Another regiment was soon after organized, in which our
company was^'placed. Colonel Hayes was to command it
We then learned that we were to be no longer termed the
" Brownsville Grays," but were to be known as " Company
D, of the Eighth regiment of Pennsylvania Ebservjss."
Few but have heard of this division. It was organized by
Governor Curtin, and consisted of fifteen thousand volunteers,
coming from all parts of* the State.
Our regiment was now ordered to Pittsburg to encamp in
the fair-ground — Camp Wilkins. While we are marching
down — it was our first march — let me introduce you, reader,
to the officers of the regiment — also of our company.
The colonel — a tall, good-looking man of fifty — was any-
thing but a military man. His name, as I have before men-
tioned, was Hayes. Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant, our lieu-
tenant-colonel, was a more competent man. Our major — his
name was Clark — was a large, red-feced, red-whiskered man,
much given -to* such innocent little amusements as cursing
and swearing, getting drunk, etc. He was also far from
being a man of any considerable military education. He
knew BO more of tactics th/m a pig does of French.
A word as to our company officers. Captain Conner, our
captain, was a gentleman well known and much respected in
Brownsville. He was a good-looking man of medium, size,
well-formed, and of a quiet, firm demeanor — a man not
to be trifled with, though not at all arrogant. In fact, I
considered him the very beau ideal of an officer. He had
participated in most of the battles during the Mexican war,
and he knew much of the dangers and privations attending
the life of a soldier.
Our lieutenants were two jolly, good young fellows, well
known in Brownsville; their names were, respectively, Jacobs
and Clarke. But of them, more anon. Ere we emerge into
more active scenes, let us take a peep at Camp Wilkins;
after which we start for the Seat op War.
83 OUB BOTS.
CHAPTER n.
CAMP WILKINS.
It was a rather unpleasant change of locality from Camp
Wright to Camp Wilkins. In the former we possessed many-
advantages which were denied us in the latter. We now
found ourselves penned up within the walls (if they were
walls) of what had once been the Pittsburg Fair Ground.
Not a single green tree stood therein, beneath whose shade
we might lie during the heat of the day : the ground was
dirty, and unpleasant, unwholesome air furnished us with
breath ; the water was very bad, though I have since drank
worse. Another great disadvantage was, that it was almost
impossible to get out of camp without a pass, either written
or verbal, from a commissioned officer ; and to be obliged to
apply to a commissioned officer three or four times a week
was no very delightful thing.
Our quarters consisted of a row of rough old cattle-sheds,
at the south side of the ground. The sheds were divided
into rooms capable of accommodating, with bunks, five or
six each. Here, then, was my. first mess formed. They
were all young men, none above twenty -four ; their names
were — Will. Mitchell, Mr. Craft, James Troth, John Wood-
ward, and Will. Haddock ; myself being added to the num-
ber, made a very interesting mess.
Our quarters being at the south side of the camp, the Penn-
sylvania Central EaUroad lay directly by us, and trains went
thundering along every fifteen minutes, night and day, mak-
ing it very trying for a fellow to sleep. One day, imagining
I should relish a walk into the country, I wondered what was
to prevent me from coolly knocking off a board at the back
of my bunk, and crawling out. Whatl should a board, a
plank, a poor, pitiful, flat piece of wood, only an inch thick,
stand between me and liberty? No— that it should not!
Procuring an axe, I soon had one end of a board loose, so
CA3CP WILKINS. t6
that I could crawl out, and then closed the aperture with the
board as though it were on hinges.
Away I went, making for Pittsburg as the first point, to
have a look at the fashions. Yes, I concluded to walk into
the city, this time ; I could get out of camp at my conve-
nience, and I would try the country next time. I would
here state, that the reason the men were kept in such " dur-
ance vile" was that, were they allowed to pass out ad libitum, .
three-fourths of thein would be constantly " on a high ;" in
fact, they would spend half their time in the " smoky city,"
Pittsburg.
Having visited a number of my acquaintances in the city,
I was thinking of returning to camp, when, being near the
depot of the Pennsylvania Central Eailroad, I observed a
train — a freight train — about to start eastward. There was,
I knew, an outer depot near our camp, where trains going
eastward generally stopped for a few minutes. Therefore, as
this would enable me to get off near camp, why might I not
jump on the train and ride up in a few minutes ? 1 unhesi-
tatingly sprang up between two cars, and stood upon tho
platform of one, thinking how nice it would be to ride, in-
stead of walking, two miles. The locomotive uttered two
great screams, the train moved ; it was soon flying up the
road, and I had the satisfaction in a few minutes of nearing
camp.
But, O horror I how's this ? The train, instead of stop-
ping as usual at the depot near the camp, went thundering
by at lightning speed ; and the smoky city, the outer diepot,
and Camp Wilkins were soon left far behind — soon lost to
view. Away we went — trees, houses, barns, fences, fields,
hills, and valleys flying by us with great rapidity. What
would I — what could I do? Mile after mile was being
placed between me and camp. Every moment was adding
to the distance I should have to travel — walk, no doubt — in
order to return to camp. There I stood, on a small plat-
form between two freight cars, unseen by any one, seeing no
one. At length a brakeman came stepping along from car
to car, and stepped over my head.
"Hilloal" I cried,
3
84 OUR BOYS.
" Why, how came you there ?" he asked, halting in his
- walk.
I explained the matter to him, and then asked : —
" Where will the train stop ?"
" About seventy miles from Pittsburg," was the reply.
" Is there no way of stopping it now ? Wouldn't the ^-
gineer stop it ?"
" No ; they won't stop till they are obliged to."
" And how far are we from Pittsburg now ?"
" Otily about nineteen miles,"
" Nineteen miles I I'll miss roll-call, that is a clear case,
and—"
At that moment something connected with the coupling
of the cars gave way, and the train was separated near the
middle.^ It was soon perceived by the engineer, the train
was stopped, and I sprang oflF. I at once took the " back
track ;" there I was only nineteen miles from camp, at three
o'clock in the afternoon of one of the hottest days of the
summer.
" What a nice little stroll I have before me I" I soliloquized ;
" nineteen miles ! Well, that's pleasant — and these iron rails
hot enough to roast an egg in a very short time ! Eh, well I
This all comes of attempting to evade a walk of two miles ;
now I must try nineteen. Yes, and what is worse, I shall be
till long after dark reaching camp; I shall have missed
' dress parade ;' I shall have missed * nine o'clock roll-call ;'
to-morrow, I will be detailed for guard—perhaps some more
unpleasant duty. By the way, guard duty is beginning to
lose its charms ; it is not half so nice as I at first thought it ;
I am beginning to get my eyes open to the fact .that losing
one's sleep is not what it is cracked up to be.* How will i
get into camp ? I think that during the night, sentinels are
posted along the sheds outside the camp; well, I must try
^•^nd slip by them, some way, if I ever get there."
Thus soliloquizing, I toiled on, the big drops of perspira-
tion chasing each other down my face. It must have beep
* Guard dntf was now performed bj detailn from all companies — the
proper st/le.
"' CAMPWILBtNS. 86
near eleven o'clock when I reached camp. It was rather
dark, and I hoped this would favor me in getting into camp
unperceived. it was not so dark but that a man might be
dimly seen at fifteen paces. I soon discovered that sbveral
sentinels were pacing their beats along the railroad, near
the sheds. Now was my time to play the Indian. Await-
ing a favorable opportunity, I glided by one of the guards,
and reached the sheds near my secret door. But now a diffi*
culty greeted me ; it was so dark that I could not find the
right board. I tried several, but they were firm. Suddenly,
one of the sentinels perceived me — he was about a dozen
yards from me, and he called out : —
" Halt, there, you ! Who's thcFC ?"
I did not reply ; I was busy trying boards — searching for
that loose one.
" Who's there, I say ?" he repeated.
** None of your business," I replied ; for at that interesting
crisis, my hand touched the loose board.
The sentinel came rushing toward me at a charge-bayonet.
I quietly and dexterously slipped through the aperture and
closed it with the board, just as the point of the bayonet
came bat against it! I very naturally supposed that my
secret was now discovered. But imagine my surprise — and .
pleasant surprise, too — ^when I heard the foiled sentinel call
out, to the one on the next post : —
" liook here, Bill, I've jist seed one of the curibusest phe-
nomenies as I ever have saw." Evidently he was no very
distinguished grammarian.
" What s up ?" asked the other, who had heard the noise.
"Why, you see, jist now I seen some feller a prowlin'
around here ; I axt him who went there, and tole him to halt,
and he said, 'none o' your business,' and I run at him, and
just as my bayonet was a slippin' right into him, he molted
into nothin' and went to no place."
It was with difficulty that I refrained from laughing out-
right on hearing this quaint speech ; but remembering that
it was very important to remain silent, I succeeded in doing
so. Hbe conversation without, went on.
''Come now," protested the one addressed as 'Bill,' "you
86 ' .OUBBOYS.
don't mean to say that any one disappeared in that mysteri-
ous manner?"
"Indeed, I do mean it ; I'd swear to it I" persisted the other.
'* He must have dodged you, and lun away in the darkness,''
argued Bill. •
"No, he never ryn away at all ; I could see him yet when
my bayonet touched him. I don't like it out here, it's a
lonely place."
As may be imagined, I was very weary after my journey,
and it was not many minutes after hearing this scientific
dialogue till I was sound asleep ; my last thought was that
I had reason to be thankful for not being pinned to the outei" '
wall, by that fellow's bayonet.
Next morning, sure enough, I was detailed foi guard (for it
was customary to make up the guard detail, so far as possible,
of delinquents). It is somewhat remarkable, that when
night came, the post which fell to my lot was the very one,
along the railroad, in rear of the sheds, that was occupied
on the previous night by the soldier who came so near put-
ting a period to my existence by a single dot. It was cus-
tomary for the officer of the day to visit all the posts during
the night, and to try the sentinels, to discover whether they
should adhere strictly to the instructions given them. I had
been on this lonely post an hour (I went on post at ten) when
I heard footsteps approaching. The night was as dark as
the preceding one, and I could just descry the figure of a
man approaching. I remembered my instructions, and called
out —
" Who comes there 7"
My instructions were to " know no one," except by the
countersign ; to test me on this point, the officer of the day
(for he it was) continued to advance, saying familiarly, as he
did so — ■
" Oh, it's me ; you know me."
I did recognize the voice, but remembering my instruc-
tions, I cocked my piece* (although it was empty), brought
it to bear upon the approaching officer, and said —
* A few old mnakets were used only for gaa|d dut/ ; we had not jet
received our arms.
CAMPWILKINS. 87
"Now halt, or ni fire!"
The officer brought up with alarming abruptness ; for he
didn't know but that my musket might happen to be loaded.
" Who comes there ?" I then asked.
** Officer of the day," he replied ; all foolishness was now
firightened out of him,
"Advance, officer of the day, and give the countersign —
Kke a gentleman," said I, adding, on my own responsibility,
the last three words, to the form that had been given me.
He advanced until within two paces of me, when I said —
''•There— that's near enough — let's have the countersign."
He halted, leaned forward over the point of my bayonet
and whispered —
'' Bunker HiUl"
"Correct."
Having given the countersign, he was at liberty to impart
any instructions, or make any remarks he might see fit ; so,
he said —
"You remember your instructions, I see."
"Yes, sir." ^
" Well, keep a sharp lookout ; you must learn here to be
a soldier. But is your gun really loaded ?"
" Perhaps it is — perhaps it isn't," I replied, for I saw that
he was still endeavoring to triumph over me.
" Let me look at it a moment," said he, slyly, and he reached
for it.
" Can't come it, captain," said I, for he was trying me on
another point.
" Well, I guess you'll do," said he, as he walked on toward
the next post.
The sound of his footsteps had scarcely died away, when
I, like the sentinel who occupied the same post twenty-four
hours before, perceived a dark object near the spot where
my secret door was.
"Hilloal Who's there?" I demanded.
No reply.
" Now look here, old fellow," I continued, " it's no use, I
see you ; come here 1"
The object moved slightly, but did not speak. With a
88 OUR BOYS.
wild rush I was at the spot — ^I expected to make an arrest
With a bound the object flew from the spot, across the rail-
road, into a field, off and away, like the wind, howling like
a very demon. It was a large dog.
It was evening. The Eighth regiment stood in line, on
dress parade. Our first court-martial had convened, and
now the result was being made known. The sentences of
several offenders were read to us by the adjutant. Several
had been tried for " sleeping on post," and a number for
drunkenness and rowdy conduct. There was one v^ry
serious case. One Jack Bear, of company ** K^" had de-
viously offended, in that he went out of camp clandestinely,
got drunk, came back mSking an unreasonable amount of
noise, kicked up several rows, and on being ordered by his
captain to desist, cursed him, was put in the guard-bouse,
broke out, and finally concluded this interesting course of
procedure by promising most solemnly to shoot his captain
as soon as opportunity should occur.
The adjutant read — k .^
"Private Bear, of company K, charged with mtatin|^
specifications, that on, or about the fourth day of July, tSe
said Private Bear, of company K, did, in open violation df
rules and regulations, become intoxicated, during which his
conduct was most disorderly and outrageous, and on being
mildly reprimanded by his captain, used toward him the
most shameful and insulting language, finally threatening to
kill him.
" The court-martial carefully examined the evidence ad-
duced, and, after due consideration, seijtenced him, the said
Private Bear, of company K^ to be br. aght before the regi-
ment while on dress parade, to be then and there publicly
dismissed from the service, and drummed out of camp."
The sentence was to be immediately carried out. The
regiment was brought to an "open ordei:," and the front
rank faced about. Then, entering this avenue at the right
of the regiment, came the poor fellow, a guard on either side
of him, and following a fifer and drummer playing the
" Eogue's March." 'Twas a sad scene. I'll never forget how
the poor fellow looked ; it was painful to witness such un-
CAMP WILKINS. 89
utterable dejection and sliamefacedness. I felt relieved when
lie had passed quite out of camp, and I heartily hoped that I
might never again be called upon .to witness a similar sight.
How then must he have felt while marching along that
avenue of men — that gauntlet of a thousand pairs of eyes. I
think I should much rather run a gauntlet of knives and
tomahawks in the hands of the most relentless savages. We
never heard of the unfortunate man again.
About this time four interesting recruits were added to
company " D." They were called the " Perry Boys," because
they came from a town of the name of Perry. They were
all young men ; their names were — Williafcs, Hasson, Archi-
bald, and Strawn. This latter-named gentleman was what
might be called a "nice little boy," too nice, in fact. His age
could not have been more than seventeen ; he had light curl-
ing hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, and looked Yery much
like a girl. Don't forget him, for I shall have more to say
of him by-and-by.
It is not to be supposed that, during all this time, we were
getting quietly along, without a little row, now and then.
Accordingly, one night. Corporal Chair and Private Graham
became slightly intoxicated, and after repeated attempts,
succeeded in differing on some trivial point, and proceeded
\o knock one another around, blacking each other's eyes,
smashing noses, and kicking shins generally. Next morning
they presented the delightful appearance of men who had had
a number of bottles of ink smashed against their faces. When
I saw them, they were shaking hands in the most brotherly
manner, and " making it up," as the saying is, in a systematic
way, by drinking each other's health — a small dose, I should
think, just at that time. A word as to the character of Mr.
Graham. He was an educated and intelligent gentleman of
the most refined cast; he was well-informed on any topic, and I
^Idom, if ever, have seen a better penman. But he would
ilrink. Yes, he would drink too much, and that spoilt all.
As the father said of his son, who was being tried for petty
larceny, "James is a good boy, but he will steal." Thus with
Graham, he was a good man, but he would drink.
There were two interesting lads in our company, who,
40 OUB BOYS.
althougli they stated that they were eighteen years of age —
they must do so to pass inspection — could not have been older
than sixteen ; their names were Jim Hare and Ike May horn.
Jim Hare, Esquire, was one of the most saucy and impudent
fellows I ever saw ; he was a small pattern, swore terribly,
and stuttered horribly. His face was far from being sym-
metrical ; he was slightly lantern-jawed, his nose was one of
.the upturned sort, and his lower jaw protruded an inch. He
was rather hunchbacked, too. He was an unlearned, un-
lettered fellow, but he possessed sufficient natural wit to
atone at least for his physical deficiencies.
Mr. Isaac Mayllorn was about the same size, as ignorant,
as immoral, less witty, but better looking. These two hope-
fuls bunked in a room adjoining the one I occupied. One
night, about bunhtime, Hare concluded to amuse himself
by teasing Mayhorn awhile before going to sleep. The
lights were extinguished, and Mayhom's heavy breathing
. announced that Morpheus was just reaching for him, when
Hare put forth his hand and executed a merciless pinch on
the calf of Mayhorn's leg.
" Oh— o — o, d — n it I who was that ?" burst from Mayhorn's
lips, as he found himself suddenly quite awake.
There was no response ; Hare was snoring right merrily.
Presently Mayhorn exclaimed : —
" Jim Hare, that was you !"
" Wh — wh — wh — what was me ?" asked Hare.
" Why, that pinched me," said Mayhorn.
"It's n — n — no such a th — th — thing."
*'But I know it was you; you are the only one't could
reach me."
"I didn't; where did I pinch you?"
"On the calf of the leg."
" Th — that means on the 1 — 1 — leg o' the calf," ventured
Hare,
" Well, just you try it again, and I'll go and tell Captain
T!onn.er."
" Yes 1 J— j— just you try reportin' me, and I'll kn — kn—
knock the old b — b — boy out o' you 1"
" You can't do it, Jimmy."
CAMP WILKINS. 41
'• m try it, a— «-^anyhow ."
All was now quiet, and I was almost asleep, when I heard
Mayhorn yell out : —
" Blood and tobacker 1 Oh 1 ouch 1 Now, by gosh, I mil
go and tell the captain I"
Evidently Hare had treated him to another pinch, for he
now scrambled out of his bunk, blundered out of the quar-
ters, and his footsteps were heard to die away in the direc-
tion of the captain's room. Presently he returned.
"Now, Mr. Harey; if you don't go into the guard-house
to-morrow morning, then I don't know," said Mayhorn, as
he once more spilt himself into his bunk.
"Have y — ^y — ^you went and re— p — ported me?" asked
Hare.
" Yes," was the reply.
"If you have, and I git put in the g — g — guard-house, I'll
knock your little c — c-^curly head offl" exclaimed Hare;
for Mayhom's head wa^ " little" and his hair " curly."
" My little curly head is on tighter than you think it is,"
said Mayhorn.
" Well, I— I— I'll try it to-morrow."
* You can't ; you'll be in the guard-house," said Mayhorn,
provokingly.
" Then I'll do it when I come out, if it's t — ^t — ten years !"
exclaimed Hare.
"But you can't, anyhow; you're. not man enough," argued
Mayhorn.
" Aint I, though ? Oh, you s — s — scamp 1 you c — c — curly-
headed ape I ni read your pedigree 1 I — I — ^I'U show you
a trick I Oh, if you d— d— do get me into th — ^th — ^the guard-
house, you'd better make your w — w — will 1"
" I'm not a-skeered," said Mayhorn.
" I'll learn you wh— wh — what it is to be a-skeered," said
Hare ; then, after musing awhile on the subject, he said, in a
softer tona: —
" I d — d — did think a good deal of you, Mayhorn ; 1 1 — 1 —
liked you once, and I thought I — I — I'd make a man o' you ;
but you're ruined n — ^n — now ; you'll n — n— never be of n —
42 OUR BOYS.
n — no account, no p — p — ^place." It will bei-eadily perceived
that Hare was no grammarian.
Thus they carried on, now and then almost on the point
of "pitching into" each^ther, there in the dark, till I grew
weary listening, and fell asleep. Hare was not put into the
g — g — guard-house (as he termed it) next morning, which
led me to believe that Mayhorn had exaggerated in assuring
him that such would be the case ; I doubted, in fact, whether
he reported Hare to the captain at all.
Having introduced these two interesting youths, I must
proceed to my messmate. Craft. He was a very corpulent
fellow, twenty-two years of age ; not handsome, but somewhat
learned and intelligent. His greatest fault was that of con-
ceit, and he was prone to place a higher estimate upon his
qualities, both mental and physical, than they deserved.
Being large, he supposed that, as a matter of course, he must
be a very powerful fellow. One day. Craft and I engaged
in a little playful scuffle in our quarters, after which Mitchel
told him that I " got the best of him."
" Pooh 1" exclaimed Craft ; " I'll bet my hat I can pick him
up and carry him out of the quarters."
" Will you bet your hat, though ?" asked Mitchel.
" Yes, I'll bet it against yours."
"Done."
Here then was a bet on my head. I did not wish to go
into a regular organized and premeditated wrestle; but
Craft went right at his task without a word, and I found
myself compelled to act, for I was determined he shoul.d not
carry nie out if I could help it, though he were twice my size.
For the space of a minute we had it, helter-skelter, topsy-
turvey, lift, push, pull, snatch, and grab. At length we found
ourselves near the door, in the struggle. " Now," thought
Craft, "is my time." He was nearest the door, and, lifting
me suddenly, he sprang backward, thinking to bear me oqt
I saw what he was up to, and I allowed myself to be drawn
precipitately after him till immediately at the door, when I *
suddenly stopped myself by bracing my hands against the
sides of the door, which caused Craft to relax his hold upon
me and fail backward over some little object which his heelfl
CAMP WILKINS. 48
came in contact with, and inyoluntarUj take a seat upon the
hard ground.
" Ugh 1" he granted ; and he arose, looking,,a little pale.
" Oh, Craft 1" laughed Mitchel, " Ha, ha ! Ee put you out,
instead of your putting him out ; you ougTit to pay a double
wager for that."
Craft was very much provoked at the idea of a small fel
low putting him out of the room ; but he could not get over
the stern fact, tmd he promised to treat if Mitchel would not
take his hat. Mitchel consolingly informed him that he
would not take his hat this time, but begged him to be more
careful in, future how he risked that article on his strength.
Mitchel was a good fellow, about my age, and he and I
were warmly attached. As for Craft, he never liked me very
well, although he had no reason to disYikQ me, save for
"putting' him out" of the quarters, and I am sure it was all
done in a friendly way.
Several weeks passed away in Camj) Wilkins, and we had
the satisfaction of drawing arms and 'uniforms. How nice
our regiment looked standing in line with blue uniforms aad
bright muskets. Surely we were soldiers now, and we looked
forward with eager anticipations to the time when we should
be called upon to take the field. Every afternoon we were
called upon to go through a long regimental drill. The
third week of July had almost passed, when, one afternoon,
we were drilled in various manoeuvres, by Lieutenant-Colonel
Oliphant, in the presence of a number of spectators. We
were arranged in line, when Colonel Oliphant said —
"Now, boys, I should like to try you on a bayonet charge.
Try how well you can do it. Charge — bayonets /"
Our muskets came down to the position of " charge bayo-
nets."
" Forward — march."
Now the colonel did not say "double-quick," but we sup-
posed that a bayonet charge wouldn't be a bayonet charge
at common time, and we rushed forward with a sudden energy
that threatened to annihilate our commanding officer, as well
as the men, women, and children comprising the spectators.
44 O.UB BOYS.
The women screamed; the children squealed, and tho men
scrambled out of the way.
"B—b— battalion— h—h— halt I" shouted Oliphant, as
soon as he could find utterance. '*Why, what do you
mean?" he continued, "I only wished you to try it at
ommon time. But what is this ?"
This latter exclamation was called forth by the appearance
of a messenger, who, at that moment, rode up and placed an
ojSicial document in the lieutenant-colonel's hand. He read
a moment, then, waving his sword aloft, he shouted —
" Marching orders for Washington 1 Three cheers I"
Then, reader, had you been in the vicinity of Camp Wil-
kins, you would have heard three of the most stirring cheers
that ever rang out from the lips of a regiment of volunteers ;
so welcome those marching orders. After our voices had
subsided, we were told that the following Sunday (it was now
Friday) was appointed as the day for moving.
Sunday morning came. The regiment was in line at nine
o'clock. Having stood in line for half-an-hour, impatiently'
awaiting orders to move, the orders came, at last, and we
marched from Camp Wilkins toward Pittsburg, where we
were to take the cars. In another hour we stood in one of
the streets of Pittsburg, slowly embarking on the train that
was to convey us to Baltimore. Thousands of spectators,
men, women, and children, thronged the sidewalks, talking
kindly with us, and bidding us "good-by." Many kind
wishes followed us as the locomotive screa^naed, and the
streets of the Smoky City began slowly to glide from beneath
us. We were all aboard, not one left behind, which was
somewhat remarkable. One beautiful creature told me I
must not think of returning without the head of JefiF Davis.
I laughed, and informed her that I should certainly bring
that desirable acquisition, and that if I didn't find him too
unhandy to carry, would bring the individual's entire body.
We were buoyant with the brightest hopes now. Pitts-
burg was soon left behind, and we were whirling along the
Pennsylvania Central in the liveliest manner. Alasl how
majiy of the brave fellows whom that train carried were des-
tined to return no more forever I How many had looked
BALTIMOBE. 45
«
Upon their wives> their children, their fathers, their mothers,
their brothers, sisters, and friends for the last time 1 How
many had bidden a last, long farewell, had received the last
fond caress, the last kiss from those they loved better than
life itself I But I must not anticipate. If yott, gentle reader,
have patience to follow our regiment through the scenes I
shall endeavor to portray, you will readily perceive that we
did not all return I
As I have previously stated, the railroaa lay directly by
Camp Wilkins. We were all anxious to catch a passing
glimpse of our old camp. A rousing cheer greeted the de-
serted sheds as we went thundering by, and many a pair of
eyes looked upon Camp Wilkins for the last time. We all
wondered whether we should ever see the old camp again,
I wondered whether /would, and, with the rest of the boys,
said, "Eabbwbll, Camp Wilkins 1"
CHAPTER in.
BALTIMORE,
"Fire! firel jareT'
Such was the cry, the alarming cry, while the train was
descending the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountains.
It was night, and very dark.
"The ammunition-car — it is on fire I" was Repeated by a
dozen voices.
There was a crowding, and thronging, and Jamming to get
at the windows of the cars to look out. I sat by a window,
and I thrust mjr head out, and, looking forward, saw one of
the oars near tne locomotive blazing up right merrily. It
was a oar that was loaded with ammunition. It had, it seems,
been fired by sparks from tne locomotive. The train was
stopped. What should be done ? It was dangerous to ap-
proach the burning car ; for who could tell at what moment
46 QUE B01?S.
the flames would reacli the powder ? Whenever they should
reach it an explosion must take place, which no one would
like to stand in the way of. Now there was a riverman in
our company, who was a little the biggest and most giantlike
man that I ever saw with soldier-clothes on ; he was called
Fletch Chess. He had been left in a car attached to the am-
munition-car to look after the baggage, and, on being aroused
by the multitude of cries (for he was asleep), he sprang up,
and in a moment comprehended the state of things. ThoughtSy
suggestions, and arguments flit through a man's brain with
great rapidity in moments of danger, and, within the space
of a second, Fletch reasoned with himself, thus :-r
" Now, if I spring from the car and run, I feel sure I will
not be able to get at a safe distance before the explosion
takes place ; but, i)j taking an armful of these blankets and
jumping upon the burning car, I can smother the flames ere
they reach the ammunition."
Seizing half-a-dozen blankets, he acted upon his wise con-
. elusion ; he sprang from the car he occupied to the burning
one, and soon succeeded in putting out the fire. He was highly
lauded for this brave and daring act; which daring act, how-
ever, he had been compelled to resort to, aa the only pro-
bable means of saving his life.
This little affair reminds me most forcibly of a good story
a man read, and noted down in his memoranda, as follows : —
"Mem : — Scene in school.
Somebody whistled.
Master calls up big boy on suspicion.
* Hold out your hand, sir.'
Big boy holds out his hand to be feruled.
Noble little boy steps up ; holds out hie hand.
' It was / who whistled, sir.'
Master forgives noble little boy."
Now this was all very good, but the whole thing was spoilt
by the addition of another sentence, namely: "Noble little
boy thought master wouldn't )jhip him if he confessed, but
he knew big boy would lick him if he didn't."
Thus with Chess : he thbught he could extinguish the fire
in time to save his life, but he felt sure he'd be blown up
BALTIMORE. 47
before he could get away if he didn't put it out. Many dar-
ing deeds, as well as many noble ones, are performed as a
matter either of prudence or necessity.
After much delay, the train moved on; I fell asleep.
When I awoke it was morning ; the train was not in motion.
I looked out, and perceived that we were at some town ; on in-
quiry I learned that it was Duncannon, twenty miles west of
Harrisburg. The kindness and hospitality of the citizens of
this place deserve a word of praise. They no sooner knew
that a train of soldiers was standing near the town, than they
thronged around us with pies, cakes, bread-and-butter, milk,
and other like refreshments. Very acceptable, too, were the
refreshments thus gratuitously bestowed upon us, and we did
ample justice to them, for we had not been supplied with pro-
visions, except a few crackers. At length we moved on, and
after an hour found ourselves at Harrisburg. Here w& re-
mained till near evening, while various equipments were
being dealt out. We received knapsacks, haversacks, can-
teens, and cartridge-boxes. We remained in the cars during
all this time, or, at least, near them. Some of the boys, how-
ever, took a " cruise about" during the course of the day.
There was. fat Craft, who went out to a neighboring house
and formed the acquaintance of a " dear angel," w}t>h. whom
he fell desperately in " love at first sight," and with whom
he afterward corresponded.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon before the train moved
on ; then we went flying, and soon arrived at Little York.
Here a. piece of sad news greeted us; it was of the battle
of BuU'Eun, and the rout of the Federal army, which had
taken place on the previous day (the twenty-first of July,
1861). Printed telegrams were afloat, stating that our troops
had been defeated and routed, that they were flying toward
Washington in wild disorder, pursued by the victorious
rebels, who would probablv follow them right into the Capi-
tal, that all was confusion there, and Congress had adjourned
to meet in Philadelphia. It was said that it would be dan-
gerous for us to pass through Baltimore now, that the seces-
sionists there Were growing very bold since our defeat. We
moved on. Night found us still in the cars.
48 OUR BOTS.
As we neared Baltimore, Captain Conner passed through
our car and said —
"Men, load your pieces; we may have some trouble in
Baltimore. Be very careful not to let any of your pieces
go off here."
Having thus cautioned us, he passed on. This was the
first time we loaded our muskets, and it would have been
strange if some awkward fellow had not accidentally dis-
charged his piece in the operation, notwithstanding the strict
injunction of the captain.
Accordingly, Sergeant Blake, of our company, being intoxi-
cated, anyhow, after loading his musket in the most careless
style, was placing a cap on the tube, let the hapimer come
down on it pretty hard, and bang went the gun, the charge
going through the window.
" Who was that ?" demanded the captain, returning hastily
from the adjoining car.
No one spoke. Sergeant Blake was extremely quiefc
The captain probably suspected who the offender was, and
said —
" I warned you all, men, as I passed through, and should
such a thing occur again, I will find out the offender and
have hinj tied for the remainder of this trip, I care not who
he is."
We reached Baltimore during the night, and the train
stopped ; we remained in the cars till morning. It was now
discovered that we were to stay at Baltimore for a day or
two, and we disembarked and formed line to march through
the city for a place of encampment beyond. Before we
started. Colonel Hayes addressed us thus —
" Boys, let us pass through the city in a quiet and respect-
ful manner. Offer no insults — disturb no one. You all
have your pieces loaded, and if we are assaulted, defend
yourselves. I have no fear that you will not do your
duty."
We marched through the city unmolested, though many
a black scowl was cast upon us. Some of the citizens, how-
ever, looked pleasantly on, and welcomed us. It was evident
that Baltimore was quite a mixture of Union and Secession.
BA^TIMOBE. 49
One man came to the window, an upper one, and called out
to a friend at the opposite side of the street —
" I say, Wilson, they'll never get bacfk, the d— d Yankee
cusses !"
At a point a few steps further, a beautiful young lady
stood at her door, waving a small copy of the stars and
stripes. Having marched through the city, we repaired to
a hill beyond, and encamped. Tents were issued to us, the
article known as the " wedge tent." We were totally igno-
rant as to pitching them, but Captain Conner instructed us,
• and we finally succeeded admirably. He also taught us the
mode of packing a knapsack, of which, at first, we had as
much of an idea as a pig would have of making a watch.
Our tents were calculated to accommodate six ; but on the
first night eight occupied the one I slept in. It was rather
more warm than comfortable. Next day an additional num-
ber was received, and two left ours. Our mess then consisted
of six, namely — WiU Mitchel, George Scott, James Troth
— ^a queer genius, who already began to regret that he had
" gone for a soldier" — George Wagner, his son Oliver, and
myself. Except George Wagner, who was forty years of
age, we were all quite young. On this, our second day at
Baltimore, I was walking past a group of OUR BOYS, when I
perceived that they were talking about something* in an
excited manner. I stopped, and beard one of them say —
" I'll tell you what it is, I'd hate to eat or drink anything
I'd get in Baltimore ; I knew somebody would get poisoned
yet."
" What ! is any one poisoned ?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Any of our regiment ?"
"Why, yes — no — or I guess so. There is one dead in that
regiment on the other side of the hill. One of our regiment
is awful sick, and he says he got a drink of ale in the city."
" And do you think he is poisoned ?"
"I think so."
" What company does he belong to ?"
"Company 'G.'"
As I was perfectly at leisure, I thought I might easily
4 ■
60 OUR Boys.
ascertain whether there were any truths in the«e reports. I
walked first to Company G, and accosted the first one I
met, with — •
" How is that fellow of yours getting ?"
" What fellow ?" he asked.
" The one that was poisoned by drinking that ale."
"Poisoned!"
" Yes, I was told that one of your boys had been poisoned
by drinking ale in Baltimore."
" Ha, ha 1 There's nothing of it. One of our fellows tvas
a little sick, but it was the result of his eating some, green
apples, which he stole from an orchard not far oflf. But he
is better now."
" Then it's all— "
"A mistake."
I now walked to the camp "on the other side of the hill,"
where it was reported one fellow had died from poison.
" Hilloa !" said I, to one of the sentinels, " what regiment
is this?"
" The — th Maine," he replied.
" How came that man of your regiment to get poisoned ?"
"Poisoned! Whatman?"
" Why, I understood that one of your fellows had been
poisoned by some secessionists in Baltimore."
" Well, there's nothing of it, you may depend.
" How long have you been encamped here ?"
" Three or four weeks."
" Do you ever buy anything to eat or drink in Baltimore ?"
"Yes, often."
" Do they never attempt to poison you ?"
"No, they're afraid; they know very well that should
they try that on, we'd burn the city."
" That we would," said I, and I returned to camp fully
satisfied that the officers had started these stories to prevent
the men from going to the city and getting intoxicated.
On entering camp, I met Mitchel, who said —
" Let us go over into that field ; there is a battery of fly-
ing artillery there, and they are going to drill."
" I have no objections," said I ; and W7 were soon there
BALTIMOBB. .51
looking at the drill, which was truly delighfiil. It was
astonjlshing to see with what rapidity each manoeuvre was
executed by the artillerymen, who had evidently had some
experience. Many Spectators, citizens of Baltimore, were
present. Among them were a reasonable number of " defence-
lesses," as usual.
At one tinae during the drill, the battery was flying past
at some little distance from us, when, at a note of the bugle,
they suddenly turned at right angles, and appeared to be
coming right down upon us.
" Mercy I" screamed the women.
" Oh — oh, dear !" shrieked the children.
"Fire and fury !" ejaculated the men.
" Thunderation 1" exclaimed Mitchel.
" They'll turn — they'll hardly ride us down," I suggested.
Howbeit, the crowd surged and swayed backward, and
the pushing, and shoving, and trying to get behind one ano-
ther that ensued was quite amusing. One old gentleman,
his hat having crawled down over his eyes in the confusion,
started to run — ^he didn't know where — and went plump into
a gravel-pilf fourteen feet deep, at the bottom of which was
about eighteen inches of muddy water. Splash! Poor old
fellow. He wasn't hurt, it is true ; but then he was dread-
fully frightened, and his clothes ruined. After feeling forty
ways for the ground, he finally succeeded in setting himself
upon his legs : theti producing a handkerchief, which, how-
ever, was as completely satti rated as his clothes or himself,
he endeavored to wipe the water from his face, especially
from his eyes. Then he managed to crawl up the opposite
bank, which was not so steep as the one lie had fallen over,
and having gained the level of the earth once more, he
straightened himself up to his full height, expanded his chest,
opened wide his mouth, drew a long breath and exclaimed —
"Well, I declare."
Meanwhile, the flying artillery, instead of bearing right
down upon us, suddenly swerved to the right, at another
note of the bugle, and in another moment were two hundred
Jards distant. . The drill was over and the crowd dispersed,
Ktchel and I returning to camp.
54 OUB BOTS.
"Puflf! puff!" replied the locomotive.
He screamed — yelled.
"Puffl puff! puffl"
Troth grew desperate, and, for the first time in his life (1
suppose), he actually ran, shouting at the top of his voice as
he did so.
The engine mocked him: "Puffl puffl Chu-chu, chu
chu!"
" Oh, golly I" exclaimed Troth ; " I'll have to walk clear
to Washington ; oh, oh 1"
As the idea occurred to him, he made one more desperate
effort after the retreating train. Waving his cap in one
hand and a bunch of blackberries in the other, again he
shouted : —
"Hilloal ho! Stop! eh— he— oh!"
'* Ohu-chu, chu-chu, chu — " answered the engine.
" Oh, oh ; faith ! Oh, gosh !" screamed Troth.
The puffing of the iron-horse and the rumbling of the cars
sounded mockingly in his ears. He grew more desperate —
ran more violently after the now fast-receding train. Could
he catch the train ? oh, thunder ! could he ? or must he walk
to Washington ? It might be a hundred miles, for all he
knew to the contrary. His struggles were vain, his voice
failed him, and huge drops of sweat chased each other down
his cheeks. He gave it up. But, just then, when the pros-
pect was darkest, an accident occurred to relieve him — one
that once relieved me — the train parted near the centre, and
the whole thing halted. While the cars were being re-coupled
Troth arrived, and succeeded in getting aboard. Having
done so, he wiped the sweat from his brow, brought a long
sigh, and exclaimed : —
"Oh, my!"
So saying, he took a seat upon his knapsack, panted like a
weary cur, and presently remarked: —
"Well, I never did— "
"Why, Troth, what's the matter?" asked Will. MitcheL
" Why I— the train— I—"
" Exactly," said Mitchel.
"Yes, that's it," said Troth.
WASHINGTON. 66
" But what's this I heard about you ?"
"What?"
" I understood that you had been pulling against the loco-
motive, trying to stop the train ; that's what broke it apart."
"No, no I I just— "
" Yes ; I understand you."
''But—"
'' Just so ; that is — "
"Yes, I—"
"Yes."
And thus ended the interesting dialogue.
Again we moved forward. Plantations, groups of darkeys,
houses, woods, and small towns flew past us. At last the
dome of the Capitol appeared to view.
" There's Washington !" was exclaimed on all sides.
Yes, there was Washington city, the great capital of our
country. We were delighted at having arrived, at last. In
the course of an hour we were standing in line near that
mighty structure called the* Capitol. After waiting impa-
tiently for some time, we were ordered to proceed to Me-
ridian Hill, which lies about three miles north of the city.
We marched through the city and out Seventh Street, find-
ing ourselves on the hill near sunset ; we pitched our tents
at once. This was the first march during which we carried
on our backs that gentle lump called a knapsack. Our backa
and shoulders gave evidence of anything but approbation.
The march had been but a short one, it is true, but wo felt
very tired ; and I remember thinking how delightful it must
be to march thirty miles in one's harness.
We passed, on our way to Meridian Hill, many encamp-
ments of regiments, and were often greeted with : —
" Hilloa 1 What regiment is that ?"
" Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves," was the reply.
" Were you over at the horse-race last Sunday ?" would
be the next question.
"The— what?"
" The horse-race ; that's what we call it."
"Call what?"
"The Ball Run fight."
56 OUBBOYS.
"Oh, is that it? No, we were not there. We hare jus^
come from Baltimore."
" Well, you needn't be sorry that you missed it ; it was no
fun."
"We presume not; though we would have been glad to
help you."
Many regiments engaged at Bull Eun had been marched
to the northeast side of the Potomac, and were encamped in
our vicinity. Many came from these regiments to talk with
us, and many were the stories they related of the very nn-
brotherly disposition of the rebels. They told many inci-
dents connected with the battle, all going to prove that the
rebels were no cowards and that to fight them was no sport.
It was growing late, and I was just thinking of retiring,
when Dave Winder walked by my tent, and I accosted him
with : —
" Hilloa, Winder I Have you been talking with any of
these Bull Bun fellows ?"
" Yes," he replied, stopping and turning toward me with
his accustomed grin. I knew that something was coming :
he always did grin in that peculiar way when on the point
of "telling one."
" Did they tell you any stories of those desperate South-
erners ?" I asked.
"Yes," said Winder, and the ominous grin broadened a
little ; " there was a cavalryman telling me something of a
story, just now."
"Let us hear it."
" Well, it's this : he said, that during a hand-to-hand con-
flict in which he took part, he and a rebel Zouave had it for
a spell, but he was too much for Mr. Eeb., and at last clipped
his head clean square off with his sabre. Now, one would
think tlwLt ought to settle any man; but—"
" What V' I interrupted, " you don't mean to say that it
didrCt settle him ?"
" Yes, so the cavalryman told me ; he said, that no sooner
had he cut the fellow's head off, than the invincible reb.
threw down his gun, picked up his owii head with both
hands, and ran right at him. Well, such a thing as that wiU
WASHINGTON. 57
try any man's nerves, and our hero turned his horse about
and retreated. A kind of superstitious horror seized him,
and the acephalous rebel, seeing that he could not overtake
him, actually flung his head after him, then laid quietly
down and kicked the bucket."
•' I think that must be one of your little romances. Win-
der," said I, after he had finished.
" Well, it's founded on fact ; for the fellow did say he saw
a rebel get his head cut off;"
*' Oh, that's coming down, a little," I said.
Dave grinned, and walked toward his tent; remarking,
as he did so, that it " looked like rain."
This was true. Strange as it may seem, Winder had told
the truth,/or once. How he came to do so is a mystery to me.
I have thought much on the subject, and the only reasonable
conclusion I can come to regarding the matter, is — that he
spbke without thinking.
My messmates had already " sought a soldier's bed," and
feeling weary, I determined to retire at once. Heavy dark
clouds were banking up in the wq^t, and it was evident it
would rain. George Wagner quietly suggested the propriety
of digging a drain around our tent, so that in case of rain,
the water might not run in upon us. The suggestion was
prudent ; but I was a young soldier, I felt weary and thought
more of the present than of the future. So I replied —
" Oh, I don't think it is worth while just for to-night."
" But suppose it should rain."
" I suppose it will have to rain, for we can't stop it. I am
most confoundedly sleepy, and not a little tired. Don't those
knapsacks pull at a fellow's shoulders, George? Well, I
must go to bed." .
George admitted that the knapsacks did pull at one's
houlders. In another minute I was wrapped in a sleep too
deep for dreams.
It was impossible for me to know how long I had slept,
when aroused by the most lively shaking at the hands of
some one. It was George Wagner.
"Jump up 1" he exclaimed ; " you'll be drowned in another
mmute."
58 OUR BOYS.
The rain was beating upon the tent, the wind was blowing,
the lightning flashing, and the thunder rolling. I at once
saw the state of things, and sprang up. I can scarcely say
saWf either ; for, except that now and then a bright flash of
lightning made everything discernible, the darkness was
intense. The boys were all awake and standing up in order
to keep out of the water, a delightful little stream of which
was winding its way comfortably through our tent.
" Oh, ye Fates I" I exclaimed, " I would give worlds to have
my nap out."
But with all that water running under me, the thing was
impossible. As I arose, rubbing my eyes, I discovered that
for six of us to stand upright in that small tent without
touching it, was a thing impossible ; and t<3 touch the canvas
of a tent within while it is raining is sure to cause a leak.
£)onsequently, it was not many minutes till the water was
dropping upon us from all sides, making it as uncomfortable
as possible. Wishing to impart a lesson to me on the subject
of procrastination, George Wagner said —
" You see now that I was right, that a drain had better
been dug."
" Yes," I replied, " but I was so tired and sleepy that I
could have laid down in a snowstorm and slept very readily."
" We'll remember it next time, at least," remarked Mitchel,
and Scott, Troth, and Oliver Wagner all agreed that we
would remember it next time.
It was yet severaL hours before morning dawn, and we
spent those several hours as uncomfortably as might be>
standing there huddled together, trying to make ourselves
as small as possible, and looking altogether like an equal
number of drowned rats. When morning, came and the rain
was over, we did dig a drain about our tent; which was,
figuratively speaking, "locking the stable after the horse
was stolen."
We had been encamped on Meridian Hill for several days,
when we received our first pay, about a month's pay, which
was due us from the State. As many of our boys had
actually run short of change, they were happy to have their
WASHINGTON. 69
purses once more replenished ; in proof of which a reason-
able number went to Washington and got " on a spree."
Mitchel and I concluded that as we had not yet taken a
good look about the city, it would be well to pay it a visit,
and we did so. We wire not long in reaching the city,
which we entered by Seventh street, and began at once to
look about us for sights.
Independently of the public buildings in Washington, it
is far from being an attractive city. But once remove from
it the Capitol, the White House, the Treasury Building, the.
War and Navy Departments, the Post Office, and the Smith-
sonian Institution, and Washington would be a very common
place ; in fact, as it is often expressed, "just no place at all."
Having wandered about the city, viewing the wonders
and eating ice-cream every ten minutes till near evening; we
made up our minds to return to camp. This we supposed
would be an easy matter ; that is, we supposed that all' we
had to do was to walk deliberately back to camp by the
road we had come. We had heard of such things as patrols,
provost-guards, etc., but we never thought of encountering
any of them. We did, however, encounter a small squad
ofpatrolmen, whose business it was to " take up" all soldiers
found in the city without a pass. We were just scaling a
fence at the outskirts of the city, in order to take a little
nearer cut for camp, when we were greeted with : —
** I say, you fellows there 1"
Glancing in the direction from whence the voioe pro-
ceeded, we saw four men and a sergeant approaching us ;
they were armed with Sharp's rifles. We readily compre-
hended our danger of being arrested, and springing into the
field '* broke" at once for camp. •
"Halt I Stop, I say 1" shouted the sergeant of the patrol
We hurried on.
"Have you passes?" he demanded.
We were now forty or fifty paces distant from the patrol
and not feeling much alarmed we went on.
"I tell you to haltl" shouted the sergeant.
"Yell a little louder," answered Mitchel.
"If you don't halt, we'll fire on you."
60 OUR B0Y8.
'We don't care," I shouted back in reply; and Mijchel
and I quickened to a pace that would Jiave done no discredit
to a common horse.
Bangl Bang! went two rifles, and a couple of bullets
whistled ten feet above our heads/ I felt sure they had not
'ntended to hit us, and was confirmed in the belief by hear-
ing the sergeant immediately sing out —
*'If you dont stop, we will shoot you next time."
But we didn't stop ; we concluded to risk another pair <rf
bullets. But, to our surprise, no more were sent after us,
and we never looked behind to see why. We "Reached camp
almost breathless, at five o'clock, and found the regiment in
line.
" I wonder what's up ?"
"Hard to say— marching orders, perhaps — ^there's the cap-
tain calling to us — we'll soon know what's the "matter." '
The captain told us to fall in, that the regiment was about
to be sworn into the service of the United States ; we at once
obeyed. Three of our boys — I am sorry to call them of
" our boys" — refused to take the oath, and that night denerted,
notwithstanding that they had been sworn into the State
service. Their names were Victory Jones, Kobert Campbell,
and Thomas Grace. Thus you will perceive, kind reader,
that Victory was ours no more, that our Caiml (Campbell)
had run away from us, and that Grace was no more present
with us. •
Pardon me for punning ; but the names — they are the real
names of the gentlemen — ^present a temptation not to /be
resisted.
On the following morning I was informed by the first
sergeant that I was "for guard," that day. The guard was
mounted ; I was on the second relief, and went on duty at
ten o'clock. Orders were very strict that day ; for it gene-
rally depended on who the officer of the day was whether
the orders were strict or not. We were to allow no one, not
even an officer, to go out, unless he should be passed by the
officer of the day. The beat next the one I occupied was
guarded by one of OUR boys, whose name was Haman Jef-
friea. I wish you to notice him. \(iT5 ^jaTticularly, for he id
WASmNGTOK. 61
not, by any means, the least interesting character connected
with this narrative. He was a large and powerful man of
eight-and-twenty — his complexion light, his eyes giay — and
he possessed a heart that feared nothing ; and let him suppose
that he was right in anything, in any argument or matter of
contest, and he was the most stubborn unbending man I ever
knew. He was indeed a spldier. There was a- lieutenant
in the regiment whose name was Carter. H6 was somewhat
arrogant in his ways, and imbued with the sublime idea that
an officer certainly was better than a private — oh yes, a great
deall Well, Haman was quietly walking on his beat, when
this same Lieutenant Carter came forth from his quarters,
and was walking right out of camp in the very face of Ha-
man without so much as saying, " With your leave."
"Haiti" said Haman.
" What do you mean, sir ?" demanded Carter.
"I mean stop when I say hall; my orders are to allow no
one to pass out."
" But I am an officer."
" Can't help it." •
" You'd better be careful," said Carter, warningly.
" I am careful, as you certainly see."
"Now look ye," said Carter, in a tone that seemed to set
aside all further trifling about the matter, "I. am going out
to yonder little bank to fire the charges from my 'revolver,"
and he held the revolver up to view, " so you had better not
interrupt me."
"But I mil interrupt you I Yoxx shall not pass out over
my beat, unless the officer of the day come and order me to
let you pass."
"To leimeP
'*Yea, to let your
" But I luill go." And, suiting the action to the word, he
tamed to walk out.
Haman cocked his piece, and the " click" caused by this
little operation grated unpleasantly on Carter's ear, causing
him to bring up abruptly in his walk, and turning he looked
Into the eye of the guard. He saw determination there, and
62 OUB BOYS.
he did the wisest thing he could do ; namely, turn back; go
into camp and get the ofllcer of the day to pass him out.
Another of ouB boys detailed for guard that day, was Jake
Archibald, one of the " Perry Boys." Being on the second
relief, we went on post at ten in the morning, four in the
evening, and ten at night. That night, between the hours
of eleven and twelve, the oificer of the day went the " grand
rounds," as usual, to see that the sentinels were attentive to
their duty. Hgiving, with the usual ceremony, passed the
posts of Haman and myself, he approached Archibald, who,
it. seems, had just set himself down with his back against a
tree, and was having a quiet nap. The oflScerof the day saw
the condition of things, although it was rather dark, walked
stealthily up to the slumberer, and, seizing his musket, bawled
out —
"Ha! How's this?"
Jake sprang up, frightened almost out of his wits.
** You rascal 1" exclaimed the oflBcer of the day — but just
then an idea struck him, and he acted upon it.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked:
"Oh, dear— no I"
'Well, I'm a Secesh officer."
" Oh, bless me 1" exclaimed Jake, upon hearing the astound-
ing disclosure.
" You need blessing,''^ suggested the officer in a significant
tone.
" Why ?" asked Jake.
" Because, you're a dead man."
"A— a— what?"
" A dead man," repeated the officer, coolly.
"Oh, no, I'm not I"
"But I'm going to kill you," he explained.
" Oh, don't 1 I never did not" " "
nothin' to nobody I"
' But you've come out to fight against me,*^ argued the
officer.
This was a stunner ; and Jake could say nothing.
" Come along with me," said the officer.
«Ohlohr
Jake followed the officer, with agonizing reluctance, and
WASmNGTON. 68
was conducted right through the encampment, toward th«
head-quarters of the guard ; and it looked to Jake like a very
bold proceeding on the part of a rebel officer. A lantern
was burning at the gate, and they were no sooner near enough
for its rays to fall upon them, than Jake comprehended the
trick that was being practiced upon him. With a sudden
energy he seized his musket, wrested it from the hands of
the officer, and, springing away, was at his post in a moment,
the most wakeful of sentinels.
This was no' doubt the wisest plan he could have adopted,
for the officer of the day, who had intended to punish him,
seeing that he was now at his post, all right, and thinking
that he had been already sufficiently punished by fright,
concluded to let the matter drop.
We Were relieved at twelve, and posted again at four ; the
remaining two hours of guard duty passing off without event.
A new guard was mounted at eight in the morning, and I
was released from duty. I was walking toward my tent,
my musket on my shoulder, when I met Winder, who
asked —
" Are you fond of apples ?"
" Oh, yes ! I am very partial to that species of fruit," I
replied ; "but why do you ask?"
" Because there's an orchard right across the hill, yonder,
and it is full of ripe apples as big as your head."
"How very gentle," I remarked; for having lost sleep
during the night, my head felt very large. just then.
"Suppose we go over," suggested Winder *:V'
"Oh, no, I—"
" Come," he urged, " the orchard belongs to a secessionist,
and is to be confiscated ; we are at perfect liberty to go and
help ourselves."
"And how have you discovered that so soon?" I asked.
"Oh, I've befen cruising around," said he with a grin.
" But I have not forgotten that little strawberry affair of
Camp Wright," said I, insinuatingly.
" But I'm telling the truth— I'll swear I am I" and Winder
grinned more earnestly.
64 OUBBOYS.
" All right ; wait till I put my musket awiiy, and I'll go.
with you. A walk won't hurt me."
Having placed my musket within my tent> I joined "Winder,
and we walked about a mile " across that hill, yonder," before
we arrived at the orchard containing those ponderous apples.
Of course it required a little manoeuvring on our part to get
out of camp ; but we managed that. We entered the orchard
full of the liveliest hopes.
And what kind of apples did we find there ? Not great
yellow, mellow ones as large as pumpkins ; but little, hard,
knotty, green ones, not fit for even a soldier to eat. Aye,
and I verily believe that all the apples in the orchard, put
together, would not have constituted one " as large as my
head," as Winder had asserted.
" And is this the orchard, Dave ?" said !•
" Yes, certainly," he replied with a grin.
" Then where are the magnificent apples you spoke of?"
" Don't know — guess somebody's took 'em all."
" Confound you 1 You ought — "
" Ha, you fellows there 1 You are intruding on private
property — did you know it ?"
Looking in the direction from whence these words pro-
ceeded, we beheld a youth of seventeen, attired in a gay
uniform, rushing toward us, and flourishing a revolver in
his hand. Winder split for it; and such running as he exe-
cuted was delightful to witness. In a moment he had cleared
the fence, and was making toward camp for dear life. I
stood still.
" What are you doing here ?" asked the youthful soldier
as he came up.
'* Eeally, young man, I came here for th§ purpose of getting
some apples; having been erroneously informed that the
fruit grew here in great abundance, to the size of a man's
head."
" But what right would you have to them, even allowing
that they were as large as you were informed ?"
" What right have you to ask ?" I inquired.
"I belong to a company of the — th New York regiment,
placed her^Muard this property; it belongs to a good
WASHINGTON. 06
Union man. My orders are to arrest every man found on
the premises, and take him before the officer of the guard.
I must trouble you to go with me."
" That I don't mind doing, especially as you have a revol-
ver." And I accompanied the young man, and soon found
myself in the august presence of the officer of the guard,
feeling rather small at the idea of having been arrested by
that little imp. Nevertheless, I was not conscious of having
done anything criminal,, and did not feel at all alarmed.
On reaching the officer of the guard, I said —
" Lieutenant, I have been found in this orchard and ar-
rested by this daring young man — what are you going to do
with me?"
" You should have kept out," he remarked.
" But I was not aware of it."
"How so?"
" I was told that it was public property -" and I explained
the circumstances.
My captor corroborated my statement that another fellow
was with me, but on his appearance, had " fun like Satan."
" Very well," said the officer of the guard, " you can return
to . your camp. Be careful, however, to intrude here no
more."
" I will, thank you. Good day, sir."
''Good day."
And away I went, resolved that Winder should get me
into no more scrapes after that.
On entering camp, the first persons I saw were Mitchel
and Scott: and they were conversing in an earnest manner
on some unusual topic.
" What's up, boys ?" I asked.
" Marching orders 1" was the reply
" Ah I I wonder where we are going ?"
"Hard to say."
"Do you know when?"
" Yes — ^in the morning."
Yes, we had marching orders. We were to hold ourselves
in readiness to march on the following morning—our tents
struck, and our knapsacks packed.
5
66 OUR B0Y3.
Next morning vre struck our tents and placed them in thd
baggage wagons, then formed the regiment for a march — our
knapsacks and other accoutrements hanging heavilj upon
our shoulders. It was indeed amusing to hear the manj
suggestions as to our destination (for no one knew where
we were going). Some said we were going to move to the
opposite side of the Potomac, and join the main army;
while others, less hopeful, expressed it as their belief that we
were going back toward Baltimore to guard the railroad.
**/ know where we are going," said Winder, with a grin ;
"there is a strong rebel redoubt beyond the river, not far
from the Chain Bridge, and we are detailed to go over and
take it ; I heard Greneral Scott say so. He says the Eighth
regiment is the best regiment in the service."
•' Eight— /ace. Forward — march /" interrupted the colonel,
at this moment ; and we faced to the right, filed from our
camping-ground, and were led by the colonel — toward Wash-
ington.
CHAPTEE V.
TENALLYTOWN.
The day was an exceedingly hot one — it was the second
of August — and the thermometer stood, I think, at ninety-
seven degrees in the shade. On arriving at Pennsylvania
Avenue, we turned to the right and followed that street
directly through Georgetown. At the suburbs we came to
a halt, to await orders. While there we sat down in groups
on the pavement or curbstones, while the sun poured down
his scorching rays without mercy ; for, owing to the time of
day and the position of the street we were lying in, there
was no " shady side." There was a corpulent man in our
company, whose name was William Kegg. This gentleman
being very fond of what the poets call
ll^ Something to warm within,"
TENALLYtOWK. 67
liad, on tliifl occasion, taken a drop too mucb, and tbe conse
qoence was, that we had no sooner halted than he lay right
down in the street, crosswise, and fell into a delicious drunken
sleep. The order to " fall in," when it came, found him still
asleep.
" Fall in 1 Fall in T was reiterated on all sides ; but Bill
didn't hear.
" I say, Bill, get up. ' We're going to move 1" shouted his
friend and partner, Putty Stewart, in his ear ; at the same
time he shook him in the most spirited manner.
But Bill lay still. The regiment was about to move,
nearly all being in their places, and he still remained as one
dead. Just at this critical moment Major Clark rode up,
and seeing poor Bill stretched out in the manner described,
he roared out —
'* What's this? What are you about there, you fellows?
Why, I do believe you're drunk !" At the same time he
was, himseU^ about as drunk as Bill.
"He's not drunk, major," ventured Putty Stewart; "he
was on guard last night, and he is a little drowsy— come,
Billy, get up ! We're going to start 1"
But " Billy" wouldn't get up ; and the major stormed and
raved, and swore till his florid complexion became still red-
der, and his red whiskers stood out stiff and inflexible, like
hogs' bristles.
At last, by dint of rubbing, pinching, shaking, kicking,
and pulling hair. Bill was restored to consciousness ; then
the major said —
" You low, drunken rascal I I'll put a ball and chain to
your leg for three months."
This unfriendly suggestion had the effect of sobering Bill
just enough to impart to him the free use of his tongue,
without improving his temper; and without thinking to
whom he was talking, or perhaps not caring, he gruffly re-
plied —
"Theh— 11 you Willi" t
« Wh — wh — wh — d — d — you — y — I'll go right to the
colonel and have you arrested instanter I Why, how dare
you — ^you — " stammered the major, in a towering rage ; and
!
■■■ >
68 OUB BOYS.
■; oflf he rode to inform the colonel of the affair. But he M
j so inebriated, that he had not gone a dozen steps till he f
got all about it, and began to wonder whom he was looki
f for.
Bill sullenly got up and joined the ranks.
We marched on. After leaving Georgetown, we tool
road which led directly northward. We suffered much frc
, the heat. Indeed, many sank down by the way, sunstruc
i^ji ■ il This was the first trying march we were called upon to j
if 5 J complish. Though the distance was not great, but ten mil
i "!' yet tKe heat was so intense (and encumbered as we w€
"i L . with our knapsacks) we felt its effects very sensibly.
W,|r We arrived at Tenallytown, a small village near t
northern margin of the District of Columbia, at two o'clo
in the afternoon. We pitched our tents on the summit of
high hill which was covered with luxuriant clover; it ^
the most elevated point for miles around. Our camp -w
called Camp Tenally. It was not many days ere the wh<
division known as the "Pennsylvania Eeserves" arrive
regiment by regiment, and encamped in the vicinity. Th
• for the first time, our division was together. It consisted
twelve regiments of infantry, a rifle regiment (the Penns;
vania " Bucktails"), one regiment of cavalry, and one of"i
tillery. We numbered about fifteen thousand men, and W(
commanded by General George A. McCall.
We were not yet brigaded.
It sounded quite martial when the various bands stru
up the reveille at early morn, in the surrounding camps.
On the evening of our arrival at Camp Tenally, it \^
our lot to perform our first picket duty. It was still si
posed that Beauregard meditated an attack on Washingtt
that his intentions were to cross the* Potomac either at
above the Chain Bridge, and bear down upon the city
way of Georgetown ; hence McClellan, who had now tak
command, ordered us to Tenallytown, and, I doubt not, t
plans of Beauregard were there]|y frustrated ; for so clos(
watch did McClellan keep upon the tipper Potomac, tl
any attempt of the former to effect a crossing must ha
been immediately communicated to him, in which case '
TENALLTTOWN. 69
were in a position to march advantageously to any threatened
point in this direction to repel the would-be invaders.
Earthworks, too, were speedily constructed, and had Beau-
regard even succeeded in crossing the river at any point
above us, his endeavors to capture Washington must have
been vain. But pardon me ; I do not wish to. make myself
a "committee on the 'conduct of the war." Suffice it to say,
that when going on duty that evening, as pickets, we had.
every reason to suppose there was danger north of us, and
that the greatest vigilance was' necessary. The night, though
clear and starlight, was still rather dark ; for there was no
moon — ^that is, we couldn't see any.
A squad, of which I was one, .was placed in a road lead-
ing to Eockville.' Our position ^vas about half a mile from
the village. We were divided into three reliefs, and as I
was on the third, I lay down on the grass at the road-side,
to rest till my turn should come to go on post. I was almost
asleep, when suddenly aroused to perfect wakefulness by
the following circumstance. John Snyder, of Camp Wright
notoriety, was one of our squad, and being on the first relief,
was already on post, having been placed there with strict
injunctions to watchfulness. Being of a somewhat nervous
temperament, he was prone to be very suspicious of any
object he might chance to see moving. What aroused me
was John's voice, as I heard him call out, in a peremptory
manner : —
" Ho— ha 1 Halt ! Who comes there ?"
At the same moment I heard the sharp clkh of the fire-
lock, as John cocked his musket. John then continued, in
the same tone : —
" Look out ! Beware ! What did you blow out your lantern
for? Come here and give the countersign, or, by blazes, I'll
Bhootl"
" What's the matter, Snyder ?" asked the captain, who had
heard the row.
"Why, captain I" exclaimed John, in an excited manner^
" I saw some one coming toward me with a lantern in his
hand, and when I challenged him, he blowed his light out^
%0 OUR BOTS.
and— Look there ! He's lit it again I" And John levelled hifl
musket
" Don't fire 1" exclaimed the captain.
"Why?" asked John.
" Because, it is merely a lightning-bug," said the captain,
quietly ; and I am sure that, had it been light enough, a
smile might have been seen on his face.
Poor John! He never heard the last of it; especially
from Gaskill and Putty Stewart, who were exceedingly fond
of a joke.
At twelve o'clock I was placed on post, to guard the road.
Another sentinel was posted, at the same time, at a little dis-
tance out. He was to challenge any approaching object, and,
if necessary, I was to come to his assistance. I had been on
post an hour, when a wagon was heard coming. .
"Halt!" commanded the first sentinel, as the vehicle,
drawn by a single horse, came up.
The driver either did not hear, or did pot heed the chal-
lenge, but drove right on.
*'Halt!" thundered the sentinel.
" Halt 1" I shouted, cocking my piece, and levelling it at
the horse ; for the wagon had now reached me.
This seemed to bring the driver to his senses, for he pulled
up with such sudden energy that the poor animal quite took
a seat upon the hard pike.
** Who comes there ?" I demanded.
'* What ?" was the response. Evidently the traveller was
not familiar with military terms. I then spoke more literally,
and asked : —
" Who are you ?"
"Why — I — m.e— ah — ah— Smith is my — Louis Smith.
Mercy on me 1" And he seemed to be really alarmed.
"You need not be at all alarmed," said I; "we are on
picket, and must examine all who pass ; what is your busi-
ness on the road at this time of night ?"
"I am a farmer going to market," he replied, with that
peculiar manner of sounding the " E," or rather of not sound-
ing it at all, learned from the negroes in the South.
I walked up to the vehicle — a common market wagon.
TBNALLYTOWN. 71
•
and at the same time the captain and several others ap-
proached.
" What have you got in your wagon ?" asked the captain.
" Peaches, pears, and apples," was the reply.
" It is my duty to be sure of it," said the captain ; and he
produced a lantern and lighted it.
The rays of the lantern fell upon a number of baskets
containing the most tempting fruit imaginable.
"All right," said the captain; "you may go now."
The farmer was so glad to get off with his life (for the
" military " was, as yet, something new in those parts), that
he opened his heart, and handed out a basket of peaches, say-
ing, as ho did so : —
" Gentlemen, there is some peaches as you may have."
"We do not wish to rob you," said the captain ; "and if
you give us some peaches, it is voluntary on your part —
thank you."
"To be certainly 1" said the farmer; "I see as you're
Union men, and so am I. You are welcome to help your-
selves."
We did help ourselves, and the farmer drove on toward
Washington, whistling an air that appeared to be a strange
mixture of "Old Hundred" aud "Yankee Doodle."
We encountered many similar customers before morning ;
market wagons were passing continually. We e^^amined
all ; for who could say that a spy was not concealed in one.
The honest and unlearned Maryland farmers could not com-
prehend that " picket business" at first, but after a little ex-
planation on our part, they could not but admit that it was
all reasonable and " on the square."
When morning came, we sent to camp for coffee and other
breakfastables, and on their arrival regaled ourselves with
great eagerness. We remained on duty till evening, when
we were relieved by the Third regiment, which took our
place ; we then returned to camp.
Frequent and numerous were the rumors afloat concerning
the movements of General Beauregard. One day rumor
even had it that he had actually crossed the Potomac at
the Great Falls, about eighteen miles above Washington,
72 OUR BOYS.
with Qfi army of seventy-five thousand men. Thus a
week passed quietly away, when at the end of thi? time
an event worthy of note occurred. Our company, on
leaving Brownsville, had been presented with a beautiful
flag, by the ladies of the place. Well, at the time I am
about to speak of, Fletch Chess, who, by the way, had been
promoted to corporal, in consequence of his brave conduct
in saving the ammunition car, took it into his head that it
would be very nice to have a beautiful, straight pole with a
green top, raised near the company's head-quarters, for the
flag. Accordingly, he and Will Baker, one of our boys,
went forth in quest of the article. After a long search, in
which they travelled over a large portion of the District of
Columbia, they found one which exactly answered the pur-
pose. It was not a very tall one, it is true, but it was tall
enough. Then it had such a beautiful green top, and having
been trimmed off to within two feet of this, it was a nice,
straight, smooth affair. They then carried it into camp —
Corporal Chess taking the big end — and laid it down for
general admiration. While the brave corporal was expatiat-
ing on its peculiar qualities, what was his surprise, his as-
tonishment, his amazement, his consternation, and indignation
— what was the surprise of all of us, when Major Clark,
. drunk as usual, appeared upon the scene, drew his sword,
and deliberately chopped off that beautiful top. Now, cor>
poral Chess was no coward ; of his giant size, I have already
spoken. For the space of a minute he stood stock still, look-
ing most witheringly right into the eye of the major, who
looked back with a haughty, impudent stare, that plainly
said— "/'m Major Clark."
"What do you mean, sir?" Fletch at length broke forth,
in a towering passion.
" Be careful how you speak to me, sir," replied the major,
laying a strong emphasis on the personal pronoun me.
Fletch turned white, and red, and black, and blue, and
yellow by turns, and finally settled down to a hue that might
be termed a mixture of *' dark black and sky-blue-green."
Then, his eyes starting from their sockets, his teeth and hands
TINALLTTOWN. 73
clenched, every vein in his body -swelling almost to burst-
ing — he hissed forth —
" You d — d infernal scoundrel to h — 1 1"
The salutation was accompanied by a look and gesture
that made the redoubtable major tremble in his bcots. But
suddenly remembering that he was an officer, and had been
thus addressed by a low corporal, he turned livid with rage,
raised his sword, and seemed on the point of thrusting .it
right through the man who had thus dared to brave his
power. Fletch did not move a muscle, but stood glaring
upon the major with a look of defiance. The latter hesitated,
wavered, finally lowered the point of his sabre.
When he did so, the corporal turned away, walked straight
into the captain's tent, and presently reappeared with a re-
volver in his hand. The major trembled. What was Cor-
poral Chess going to do ? Surely he was not going to shoot
the major. Oh, no I He would not dare do that. However,
he confronted his adversary again.
"Tyrant," he said, "you raised your sword to me once;
now but dare to raise the point an inch, and I'll blow your
cursed heart out, right on the spot." And Fletch cocked
the revolver, and pointed it at the breast of the major.
There stood the latter, stone still ; afraid to stir, lest Fletch
should take it for a hostile movement, and put his awful
threat into execution. At length he spoke ; he could scarcely
do so either, for his tongue appeared to grow thick and his
lips were dry and parched.
" Now — come — my — good — fellow — I — did n't — think — ^lo
— offend — ^you," he stammered out.
"Didn't think to offend me," said Fletch', sneeringly;
"didn't mean to oftend me; you didnH care! You thought,
because you wore shoulder-straps, that you could trample
upon us common soldiers with impunity. But you can't
trample upon me I You perceived that I had been at some
trouble to get a pole for our flag ; you saw that it afforded
me pleasure ; you saw that I was especially proud of the
green top, and you couldn't bear to see a soldier who was
under you enjoying himself; so you came up with your
74 OUR BOYS.
I
d d old sword" (here Jletch began to look particularly
fierce), " and you — ^you — "
At this moment Captain Conner appeared upon the scene ;
the major, thinking that the captain would, as a matter of
course, side with him, began to grow bold again, and ^id : —
"Now, no more! WeVe heard enough. Captain, here's an
impudent fellow, who— he— "
" Major," said the captain, who appeared to comprehend
the true state of things; "if my men do anything wrong,
report them to me; I'll not have tbem abused by any oneT
The major, seeing that the captain was no reinforcement
for Am, thought best to endeavor to work himself into a
show of good humor ; he extended his hand to Fletch, and
said: —
" Well, well, my good fellow, its foolish to quarrel about
so small a thing ; let us make it up."
Fletch could not refuse the proffered hand; he took it, and
said: —
" Well, major, its all over -now, and may rest as it is ;
but if you ever attempt to bully me again, one of us musi
dier
" Then you are willing to let the matter drop — to let the
past be forgotten, are you?" asked the major; for he felt
some slight misgivings lest Corporal Chess should yet wreak
some terrible vengeance on him.
"Yes," replied Chess, "youVe got my hand on it; and
nobody that knows Fletch Chess can say that he ever told a
lie or broke his word."
This satisfied the major, and he walked away looking
very sheepish^ after being cowed in this manner.
This affair did not entirely break his tyrannical spirit;
but certain it is that he never afterward attempted to come
any of his games over Fletch — or even any of Company " D.**
He had learned, among other things, that our captain was a
man who, though his inferior in rank, was vastly his superior
in courage and manliness, and an officer who would stand
up boldly for the rights of his men. OUR boys all congratu-
lated Corporal Chess on his brilliant achievement in "cooling
down " Major Clark. We were not a little pleased to see it^
TKNALLtTOWN. 75
for there was scarcely one of us who had not, at some time
or other, been the object of his tyranny.
Another week elapsed. General McClellan, the President,
and Governor Ourtin were to review us. As yet, we had not
learned to love McClellan. We had only heard his name ;
we knew he had command of the army. We also knew
that he was.the man who had so nobly acquitted himself in
West Virginia.
The day and hour came, and we were arranged in a large
field by^ Captain Biddle, General McCall's aid-de-camp.
We were just ready, when a body of mounted men and a
long array of carriages hove in sight. At the head of the
cavalcade rode General McClellan ; and at the head of the
long row of carriages was one in which were seated President
Lincoln and Governor Curtin.
When they were near enough, all eyes sought the features
of our new commander. We expected to see a man of stern,.
hard features, wearing a look of conscious importance. But
instead of anything like this, we saw just the pleasantest
countenance I ever beheld. Nothing of arrogance was written
there ! Nothing of pomp or show I He was the very beau
ideal of,
" A Dobleman of Nature's own."
Reader, he needs no description from me I Suffice it to
say, that we at once learned to love, were indeed irresistibly
drawn toward him. But there are many who have never
seen him — many who have never been within hearing of the
hostile cannon, who- take great pleasure in censuring him,
and in condemning his every action! But why speak of
them ?
When the review was over, all the commissioned officers
of the division assembled at a point in front of our lines
where they received a few general instructions from General
McClellan. Every word he spoke was to the point, and
as though he were addressing men whom he looked upon in
the light of equals. He even told them that if they desired
information on any particular point, to name it, and he would
be happy to impart any instructions in his power.
76 OUB BOYS.
He appeared much pleased with the Pennsylvania Reseires^
informed the President that we were a fine body of men.
On this occasion, Governor Curtin presented to each regi-
ment of our division, a beautiful silk flag. This ceremony
over, we formed column of divisions,* and passed in review;
that is, we marched by the general who sat upon his horsa
and watched us passing. We then marched from the field,,
and returned to camp.
Being drawn up in line in front of our camp previous to
dismissal, Lieutenant- Colonel Oliphant doffed his cap, raised
his voice, and thus addressed us: —
" Eighth regiment, you have this day been presented, by
the Governor of your State with a beautiful stand of colors;
will you ever surrender tliem .^"
"Never! Never! No! Never, Never, Neveb!" burst
forth from a thousand throats.
. We kept our word. That same flag, though pierced by
hundreds of bullets, and torn here and there by fragments
of shell, continued to wave over the centre of our regiment
while it was a regiment.
Having obtained a satisfactory response from us, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Oliphant said : —
" Now, boys, three cheers for our governor !"
They were given with a will. He then added : —
" Three cheers for the President of the United States^ whom
you have seen to day !"
Three loud and long cheers were given. Colonel Oliphant
then concluded : —
"Now, three cheers for our new commander, Genebal
McClellan 1"
Then, reader, the cheers our regiment sent forth were wild
and stirring indeed. Three times three cheers rang out;
nor did we stop at that. We continued to shout and yell till
Our lungs were exhausted, and our voices subsided and died
away like the sound of many waters. Thus early we begaa
to love our general. And no wonder.
* When I say " colnmn of divisions," the division referred to oonsSstft
of two companies ; and is commanded \>j the senior captain. Sab-4iirl-
sious might be more appropriate. ^
TENALLYTOWy. 77
Next evening we were to go on picket again. The picket
line had been extended, and was n^w about three miles from
camp. The whole re^ment was to go.
We were standing m line in readiness to start, when one
of the boys of Company " C " seemed to have forgotten some-
thing—his haversack or canteen, perhaps — and he left the
ranks and went to his tetot for the missing article. Having
obtained it, he was returning to the regiment, walking in a
very leisurely manner, too, when Major Clark thought it
would be as well to give him a cursing. Accordingly, he
began — I will leave the oaths out — thus : —
** You low, miserable imp 1 You lazy scoundrel I Hurry
np, or I'll cut you in two T'
The soldier thus addressed didn't "hurry up" a bit; he
walked on at the same deliberate pace. Infuriated beyond
measure at this want of respect for him, in the " low, miser-
able imp," he drew his " bloody old sword," as Chess called
it^ and rode rapidly toward the soldier. The soldier — he
was a mere youth, did not appear to be the least disconcerted,
but as the major reached him, and seemed on the point of
bringing his merciless sword down upon his head, he turned
coolly around, confronted the latter, and came to a " charge
against cavalry" — his bayonet being fixed.
Maddened at this show of defiance. Major Clark drew a
revolver, and levelled it at the head of the offender, who
thereupon, seeing that he was out-flanked, and that the sword
no longer menaced him, came to a " shoulder," faced about,
and walked coolly to his place in the ranks. He knew the
major wouldn't shoot : all had, by this time, discovered that
he was not as dangerous a man as one might think.
In due time we arrived at the picket line, and relieved
the regiment then on duty ; we were scattered along by
squads of three or four at each post. This done, those not
immediately on post proceeded to procure forage to assist
in making up their supper. This they did by going, sans
ceremonie, into the neighboring cornfields, potato-patches,
tomato-patches, etc., and helping themselves to green corn,
fruity and vegetables. An excellent, simple, and convenient
mode of cooking green corn was introduced ; we laid the
78 OUR BOYS.
ears upon the fire, the husks still on, and left them on till
the husks were burned through, when, taking them <^, we
found them done "just right ;" although the seoesh owners
of the provisions thought the whole proceeding neither just
nor right, (For the land-owners of that vicinity were gener*
ally secessionists.)
All went well till near midnight;' when a series of alarroa
disturbed our peace. I was on post, and had a little scare of
my own, in the first place. The wind was blowing and a
slight mist of rain falling, and to protect myself from this
latter article* of weather, I placed my blanket in a slanting
position upon some rails which I leaned against the fence,
(for we had not yet burned all the fence-rails), and took
shelter beneath it. The night was dark; my post was a
lonely one, near a wood ; my comrades were asleep. I sat
down upon a large stone beneath my blanket, and had just
come to the conclusion that things were as unpleasant as
might be, when the edge of my blanket near the ground was
raised as though by some earthly hand. I sprang from
beneath my fragile shelter, and looking at the spot where my
blanket had been raised, I saw, in the imperfect liglit, the
face, form, and figure of a man in a crouching posture. My
blood ran chill ; and, to say the very least of it, I felt queer.
However, the creature did not move, but the face was turned
toward me in the most horrid manner, and I imagined the
eyes were staring at me. But a moment I hesitated. Then,
having regained my equilibrium of mind and courage, I
sprang forward with fearful desperation, and made a savage
thrust, plunging my vengeful bayonet right through a dislo-
cated branch of some sycamore tree, which had been moved
along by the wind till it came in contact with my blanket
A number of broad leaves being on it — ^the white side of
one of them being turned upward, to represent the face — it
very much resembled a human figure ; especiallv to ray keen
imagination. It was the wind which had raised the edge of
my blanket.
A few minutes after this occurrence. Corporal Dee went
rushing wildly from post to post, exclaiming in an exoited
manner —
TKNALLYTOWN 76
"Rally on the reserve! We're attacked! Se — cesh —
cavalry!" •
All was confusion ; the boys aroused their sleeping com-
rades, and left their posts to rally in force. Daddy Brown
(whom I have previously introduced to the reader) was act-
ing corporal of a certain squad near a wood ; he was not with
tliem at this time, and on being told by Corporal Dee to
hasten to his squad and alarm them ; he did so, literally.
Hare was on post at the time, and hearing Daddy Brown
come tearing up (but he did not know who it was), he pre-
sented his piece, according to instructions, and cried out —
"Halt!"
Daddy Brown thinking that under the circumstances, dis-
cipline was out of place, had the hardihood to knock Hare's
musket aside, at his peril, and rush right by, in order to
alarm the rest, exclaiming, as he did so —
"Never mind the countersign — it's me! Rally on the
reserve ! The foe !"
Had Hare adhered implicitly td his instructions, he must
have shot Daddy Brown, or run him through with his bayo-
net ; but recognizing the voice, he forbore. The whole com-
pany was soon alarmed ; and it might have extended from
post to post, throughout the whole picket line, and even the
camps, but for Captain Conner, who being informed by Cor-
porsd Dee where he had seen the rebel cavalry — at the mar-
gin of an adjacent wood — walked fearlessly to the designated
spot> and found a dozen solemn old co^vs lounging lazily
about beneath a wide-spreading tree. Poor Corporal Dee I
Poor Daddy Brown! The boys nearly bored the life out of
them after this event. " Rally on the reserve," and, ^ Never
mind the countersign — ^it's me," became by-words among
OUB BOYS, and for many months scarcely a day passed that
these salutations did not greet Corporal Dee and Daddy
Brown. To get frightened at a few harmless inoffensive
cows, arid to alarm the picket line in consequence — oh, it
was too good. We were very watchful during the remainder
of the night. One, a Dutchman, named Heinrich Rouschen-
Bchwaker, having returned to his post after the alair^, ^\\\L
felt ill at ease. Ha could not altogether drive faom. '\i\^ tcCw^^
80 • OUR BOYS.
the fright he had beeu treated to. By-and-by^ he detected
a white object slowly and cautiously approaching him. He
supposed it to be some deadly foe ; for, of coursei a spy or
prowler would dress in white (?)
• " BLalt, you, dere !" commanded Eouschenschwaker.
The object didn't halt ; but, in a hoarse, gruflf voice re-
torted —
"Oh-ho!"
This sounded like defiance and mockery, and our Datbh
friend yelled out, savagely : —
'* Who compsh dere ?"
No reply. The daring object came nearer.
"You't petter mindtl" said Eouschenschwacker warn-
ingly.
But the white thing didn't " mindt ;" it advanced till within
a few steps of Eouschenschwacker, who made a desperate
rush upon it, accompanied by a more desperate lunge.
"Boo — hoo! Boo — oo — boo — boo!" And the big hog
— for it was a hog — went flying through the weeds, making
a mad, rushing, and tearing sound, similar to that made by a
cavalry charge through a thick wood. Eouschenschwacker
sullenly returned to his post, exclaiming: —
" Ob, te pig prute I"
Next evening we were relieved by the Seventh Eegiment^
and we returned tp camp, through a drenching rain. The
sun had risen in a clear sky that morning, notwithstanding
the misty rain of the previous night, and the heat throughout
the day had been oppressive. Now that we were relieved
and on our way to camp, a tremendous rain came up (or
rather down), which lasted us all the way.
Next day. Corporal Dee felt out of sorts. The ducking
of the previous evening, and the everlasting disgrace which
he had incurred on the night before that, had the effect of
dampening his spirits not a little. It occurred to him that
if he could go to Washington and have a spree, he might for
a time bury his little perplexities. How should he get there ?
No passes were now granted, save to those who had unavoid-
able business to transact. Let him see — wasn't Corporal
Chair to go to the city in one of the regimental wagons that
TENALLYTOWN. 81
day, for supplies ? Yes, lie believed so. Then let him get
into the wagon and accompany Corporal Chair ; that was the
ticket ! Once in the city, he feared no patrol ; they couldn't
catch him. Moreover, didn't he wear corporal's stripes. on
his arm 7 certainly !
Well, he and Corporal Chair got into one of the wagons,
and succeeded in passing all guards, and getting into the
city without interruption. Corporal Chair was authorized
to transact some business connected with the commissary's
department. JTc, therefore, had a pass; but Corporal Dee
hadn't. Leaving Corporal Chair at some commissary depot,
Corporal Dee sallied forth to have a stroll about the city.
Having satisfied his eyes with "sights," and his stomach
with something inspiriting, he was returning leisurely to the
Elace at which he had left the wagon, and was just congratu-
iting himself on having so successfully eluded all danger,
when he suddenly ran plump against a sergeant of patrol,
who, with a squad of men, marched around a corner, coming
from a street running at right angles.
" Hilloa ! soldier, eh ? Have you a pass ?" asked the ser-
geant>
The corporal turned pale; for dark visions of "guard-
house," "court-martial," etc., flitted athwart his brain. He
couldn't speak.
"Have you a pass?" again demanded the sergeant.
" Why, I'm — I — that — I — " stammered Corporal Dee.
"But have you a pass ? That's the question."
" I just — ^I came — "
" But have you a PASS ?"
"No sir; but—"
" Then, men," interrupted the sergeant, who, no doubt, was
troubled with many such customers ; " take charge of this
man, and put him in that lower room of the guard-liouse,
where the three drunken fellows are ; the other rooms are
all full."
"Oh, dear, Mr. Sergeant, you're only in fun, aint you?
Oh, don't !" expostulated the terrified Corporal Dee.
" Take him along," said the sergeant.
" But I'm a corporal" said the former.
6
82 OUB BOYS.
" Can't help it," was the unfeeling reply
" But the captain thinks so much of me."
"No matter."
" But he'll lose all respect for me if he hears that I
put in the — "
" Never mind. Take him along, men."
" Mercy on me !"
He was about to be lugged oflf when the wagon he had
come in drove by ; Corporal Chair was in it. With a des-
perate attempt at self-possession. Corporal Dee exclaimed : —
" Oh, there's the wagon I came in ! I say, sergeant, I was
sent to the city on business, and I came in that wagon;
there's Corporal Chair — he'll tell you so."
Corporal Chair heard the voice, looked, and at once saw
how matters stood. Therefore, he said : —
" Yes, sergeant, he came down with me ; we came on busi-
ness for the Quartermaster."
" Is that true ?" asked the sergeant, half in doubt.
"Yes."
" Then," said he, "why didn't you tell me so?"
" Why, I don't know— oh, yes ! I forgot it I Or — "
" You were scared too badly," suggested the sergeant, ex-
plaining it for him.
"Yes— that is— "
Corporal Chair laughed ; but Corporal Dee couldn't. He
got into the wagon, which, of course, had come to a stand
still, and they moved on toward Camp Tenally.
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Corporal Chair, as the wagon
moved on.
"What are you laughing at?" demanded Corporal Dee,
"Oh, you were so jolly frightened? Ha! ha!"
"I wasn't !" said Corporal Dee. But his lips were still dry
nd his cheeks pale.
He was very sober and quiet during the remainder of the
journey ; no wonder. For oh, horror I What an escape he
had made. What if he had been taken to that miserable
guard-house. He, a corporal with two stripes on his arm,
to be arrested, yes arrested, taken and confined in some dirty
TKNALLYTOWN. 8ft
room, with threi© drunken rowdies. Oh, 'twas most horrible.
He could never have gotten over it — no, never.
A few days after this occurrence, the sound of the cannon
was heard beyond the Potomac. A crowd was soon collected
on the parade-ground, in front of our camp, from which
Sosition we could see over many miles of v irginia. Evi-
ently a fight was in progress, for the firing became more
harried and frequent. From our situation we could see the
flash and smoke burst from the cannon, at every discharge ;
and ever and anon a shell could be seen to explode in the
air. Here and there clouds of dust could, be seen ; no doubt
they arose from the moving of bodies of cavalry. Some of
OUR BOYS imagined that they could even see the cavalry. One,
Mr. Dave Cease, of our company, went so far as to assert —
aye, and persist in it — that he distinctly saw a shell strike a
cavalryman at the stomach and explode, tearing him to
atoms. A-hem, the distance was no less than eight miles
Now, I do not wish to cast reflections upon the veracity
of Mr. Cease ; but if he did witness this incident as stated,
tf he did, it certainly speaks well for his eyesight. For au
hour we stood gazing across into rebeldom, watching, with
the most absorbing interest, the battle. It seemed to be a
close contest, neither side changed position.
"I wonder if we won't be called upon yet," said one of our
BOYS.
" Hope so I" exclaimed half-a-dozen ; for we all felt anxious
to try our hand.
Just at this moment the " long roll" sounded on all sides,
in all the surrounding camps. It was the call — to arms. .
"Hurrah! hurrah I" And with a wild shout we rushed
to our quarters, buckled on our cartridge-boxes, and seized
our muskets.
"Fall in! Fall in!" cried the captain, who made his
appearance in our company street, his sword at his side.
in fifteen minutes we were all in line, and the whole
division, artillery and all, was en route for the Chain Bridge.
"We were nearly wild with delight. Could it be that we
should yet have opportunity to try our hand ? The prospect
certainly was favorable. The cannonading conlmvxadL, Q^^w.-
84 OUR BOYS.
eral McCall rode along, was cheered lustily, and was soon at
the head of the column. But oh, confusion! The firing
suddenly ceased, and we were ordered to halt when near
the Chain Bridge. We were told that the rebels had been
defeated and had fled precipitately. How provoking ! "We
really wished that they had proved too much for our fellows,
that we might have had a chance at them. But there was no
chance now ; the fight was over, and we were ordered to
return to Camp Tenally, which we did, but certainly not so
quickly as we had marched from it to the Chain Bridge.
The distance was about four miles.
About this time a "signal corps" was organized to ac-
company Burnside's Expedition (though, as yet, we knew
nothing of the intended expedition). The corps was to be
made up of men detailed from various regiments ; and two
were detached from our company— Craft and Baker. They
left us and went to Georgetown, where a school was estab-
lished for the instruction of the signal corps ; and when the
*' Burnside Expedition" sailed, they sailed ; and we saw them
no more.
Meanwhile a strong redoubt was thrown up on the hill
we occupied, and it was called " Fort Pennsylvania," for our
division did the work. I am sure / worked half a day on
it ; it was on Sunday, too.
Day after day passed. Every day it was reported that the
big fight — the fight that was to terminate the war — would
come off " within the next forty-eight hours." But it wasn't
destined to come off just yet, and the month of August
passed away.
A regiment was constantly kept at the Great Falls, doin^
picket duty, for it was yet apprehended that the rebels would
attempt to cross there. This duty was performed by the
Pennsylvania Eeserves, each regiment in its turn remaining
on duty a week.
A FIGHTING DAT. 86
CHAPTEE VI.
APIGHTINGDAY.
Apteb a long season of peace and quiet, a season of sorae-
tbing neither peaceful nor quiet is apt to come. There is
no surer sign of a storm than a long-continued calm ; and
when, after a calm of long duration, the storm does come,
it is sure to be one of considerable magnitude.
For a long time we had not had a single civil fight.
What I mean by " civil fight," is, a fight among ourselves,
entirely to ourselves — in our own company. We had been
at perfect peace ever since the fight of Corporal Chair and
John G. Graham, which occurred in Camp Wilkins. As
misfortunes never come singly, neither are fights apt to;
and they did not come singly on the occasion of which I
am about to speak.
When two men do not like each other, that is, when there
is a feeling of animosity existing between them, it is truly
astonishing how trifling a circumstance will lead to a "coming
together."
Now, there was a feud existing between Sergeant Cue
and Sergeant Zee, of our company. I know not from what
cause the bitter feeling arose, unless from envy ; but I do
know that just the smallest matter in the world was sufficient
to lead to a row between them, notwithstanding that they
were non-commissioned officers ; and it is highly improper
for officers, either commissioned or non-commissioned, so far
to forget their dignity as to indulge in a vulgar knock-down.
But on this occasion, dignity, position, and all else were for-
gotten — all save hate. But I will proceed in due form to
relate the incident.
It was near noon. Groups were collected here and there
in the company street, engaged in discussing the probability
of the .war's being over by Christmas. Sergeant Cue acci-
88 OUB B0T3.
. dentally dropped his cap ; it fell in the dust, and the blue
cloth was slightly, but not permanently soiled. Sergeant
Zee, who was standing by, smiled.
"What are you laughing for?" demanded Sergeant Cue;
for he could not bear to see Sergeant Zee smiling at his little
perplexities.
Sergeant Zee extended his smile to'a laugh — a disdainful,
taunting laugh.
" Rascal 1" exclaimed Sergeant Cue ; for it was useless for
him to attempt to conceal his vexation and wrath.
Sergeant Zee couldn't bear to hear himself openly termed
a rascal, by his old enemy ; and he quickly removed all
traces of mirth from his face, frowned darkly, and retorted—
" Scoundrel !"
" Miscreant !" shouted Sergeant Cue.
" Demon !" shrieked Sergeant Zee
''V Villain r.
"Cuss I" .
"What! you black—"
"Youyaller— "
"You low—"
"You vile— "
"You beggarly, thieving — ^"
"You sneaking, cringing — "
"You—"
"You-"
"D— d— d— "
"Gug— g— gsh— "
At it they went, for they could stand it no longer ; their
war of words had become too fierce.
" Fight I Fight !" was the cry.
They were both tall young fellows, and they stood straight
up, about three feet distant from each other, shut their eyea
and began to strike out for each other's " mugs" in the " most
approved style." Having continued this interesting course
of procedure for the space of a minute, neither seeming to
gain any advantage, they suddealy changed their modus
operandi, and being near the wooi-pile, both, as though by
mutual agreement, stopped and seized a weapon in the shape
A FIGHTING DAY. 87
of half a rail; with the highly laudable and generous intention
o^ as thev expressed it, " smashing" each other.
" Part 'em I Part 'em I" was then echoed on all sides, and
the boys interfered, in order to prevent further bloodshed.
"I'll smash him I" shouted Sergeant Cue, boiling over with
wrath, and almost out of breath.
"I'll crush him I" yelled Sergeant Zee, also rather scarce
of breath.
"I'll murder him I" screamed Sergeant Cue.
"I'll kill him I" hissed Sergeant Zee.
" I'll tear— "
"I'll-"
"I—
They suddenly hushed ; and why ? Who was that officer
standing but a few paces from the combatants, calmly
quietly looking on ? Ah, it was Captain Conner ! The eyes
of the two sergeants met his. He did not speak ; but his
manly face grew eloquent, and he cast upon them such a
thrilling, withering look of reproach, that a blush of shame
flowed profusely over their faces, and they shrank awav to
their quarters to hide from his gaze. It was indeed
mortifying to witness their unutterable shame and confusion.
What would the captain do now ? Would he have them
court-martialed, and reduced to the ranks ? They feared he
would. Oh, how disgraceful that would be. What 1 They,
two respectable sergeants, reduced to the rank and station of
a private soldier I What would their friends — what would
their friends in Brownsville say? Eeduced to the ranks,
and that for fighting I Oh, 'twere intolerable 1 Oh, would
the captain put the matter through? But no. Captain
Conner was a man who could take no pleasure in bringing
any one to shame. Therefore, he concluded that they had
already suffered sufficiently for their conduct, and he let the
affair rest.
An hour after the circumstances above detailed, I was sit-
ting quietly within my tent, discussing in my own mind the
propriety of taking a little ramble as far as a neighboring
peach-orchard, when I was suddenly interrupted in my cogita-
tions by voices without in hot dispute.
88 OUR BOYS.
What now? Could it be another fight? I hurried out
of my tent, when I saw Corporal Chess and Corporal Chair
rush at one another. I have previously alluded to the
immense size of the former ; well, the latter was almost as
large, and I had even believed him to be the " best man."
Howbeit, Chess hit him an awful welt "side o' the head,"
and down he went, big Fletch becoming entangled and fall-
ing down upon him. Then there was a struggle — and such
a struggle! Why,, they fairly made the earth tremble I
The great point at issue was, who should first regain his
feet ? They both scrambled desperately for it, their hands
entangled among each other's hair; each endeavoring to
keep the other down, while he should get up. But, as both
were toiling for the same end, nothing was gained on either
side; and they at last arose together, still struggling — still
locked in each other's warm embrace. A number of OUR
BOYS now interposed, and the powerful antagonists were
separated. There they stood, glaring defiance at one another
in a truly fiendish manner.
" The coufounded whelp I" vociferated Fletch.
"The big, overgrown brute I" said Corporal Chair, in a
guttural tone.
"Oh, let me at him I" begged Fletch
"Oh, do I" said Corporal Chair, also in a pleading tone.
They seemed to agree on that point, at least.
The captain, having heard the disturbance, now came from
his quarters, and approached the spot. Corporal Chess did
not say much then, but Corporal Chair did, and continued to
do so.
" Oh, the big scoundrel ! To go and pitch into me when
1 wasn't looking I But / can tan him I Oh, I wish they
had left us bin I"
" Let me hear no more of this," said the captain, decidedly.
" But the big, overgrown scamp — "
" But I tell you to drop the matter !"
"The big—"
" Do you hear ?"
"Well, he— "
" Can you whip him ?"
A FIGHTING DAT. 89
*
''Yes."
" Very well, then, if you are not satisfied, step right out to
the parade-ground, and fight him fairly ; that will end it,"
said the captain, who evidently understood human nature,
and knew the best mode of settling such a dispute.
*' Come on," said Fletch, invitingly.
" W — w — well." Corporal Chair hesitated.
"Are you coming?" asked the captain.
" Ye— y — the great big — "
" Are you going out to fight him fairly ?" demanded the
captain.
" I — I — " stammered Corporal Chair.
" Exactly ; I see you don't relish the idea. Now let me
hear no more of it, from either of you." And the captain
returned to his quarters — the bloody antagonists to theirs.
Within the same tent in which dwelt Dave Cease — the
man remarkable for possessing good eyesight, or else not
remarkable for telling the truth — there dwelt, also, a short,
stout youth, who was a native of Galveston, Texas. Putty
Stewart had given him the name of Oalvesti; which sounds
like a mixture of Russian, Spanish, and French. Galvesti
was the only name he was known by in the company. On
the day in question, half an hour after the fight of Corporals
Chess and Chair, Galvesti having invited one of his friends
into his tent, they were sitting on an out-spread blanket^
enjoying a quiet game of "old sledge." The cards were
scattered about, occupying a great deal of room, when Cease
thinking to better the matter, at length broke forth : —
" By thunder 1 I'd thank you fellers for to go some place
else, and play your darned cards I"
" This tent's as much mine as 'tis your'n 1" retorted Gal-
vesti ; which was a fact.
I happened to be passing at the moment, and stopped.
" Well, confound me if I'll have it," said Cease, decidedly.
" Won't you ?" asked Galvesti.
"No I Be darned if I Willi"
"How are you going to help it?" asked Galvesti, with
evident curiosity.
His curiosity was soon satisfied; for Cease seized the
V
^
90 OUR BOYS.
cards, and dashed them violently from the tent, scattering
them most grievously over the company street. At the
same time, he exclaimed —
" That air's the way I'll help it, by gosh 1"
Galvesti's wrath knew no bounds, and looking npir-he
was still in a sitting posture — grinding his teeth, he hissed-
" Confound you ! I'll kill you !"
Cease, who was standing at the time, sprang right down
upon the devoted Texan " like a thousand of bricks," crush-
ing him to the earth, and straightening him out to a nice
horizontal position. He then went to hammering away at
poor Galvesti's head, like mad, at the same time roaring out
between blows —
" Oh, you Texas rascal ! TouHl kill me, will you 7 I've
fit before to-day I Oh, you cuss I Tou^ll kill me I Ha I ha I
You tarnally darnation rowdy ! Fll show you 1 Fll learn
you how to kill people !" And he continued to pelt away
at Galvesti's head for a full minute; then he stopped for
want of breath.
Cease was a large, powerful fellow, and a mountaineer;
the reader may have inferred this latter fact from his lan-
guage. And what was Galvesti doing during all this time?
Why, nothing — simply nothing. Now, taking advantage
of this cessation of hostilities on the part of Cease, that he
might be heard, he very coolly requested that gentleman to
'* climb off o' him, now." Cease was undecided as to whether
to grant this polite request, or "go to work" again; but
after some deliberation on the subject, he concluded to be
polite, and " climb oftl" When he had done so, Galvesti
arose to a sitting posture, not appearing to be in the least
flurried, and, after brushing the dust from his clothes, «nd
arranging his hair with his hand, so that it did not fall over
his eyes, he proceeded deliberately to tie his shoe.
Such cool conduct, I thought^ must be ominous of some-
thing. Perhaps he meditated some terrible revenge, to bo
consummated at a time when his adversary should least
expect it. But such was not the case. The fact was, while
Cease had been pounding away at him with such energy, he
had held his hands and Arms in such positions that Cease
A nGHTING DAY. 91
conld not hit him fairly nor hnrt him ; and all that time he
had been l3ring there, laughing at Cease's mountain talk.
Thus ended the celebrated affair of Cease versus Galvesti.
Hoping that we might have no more rows, during that day
at least, I went to my tent and took a nap.
But the fighting was not over yet. in a tent adjoining
mine dwelt Philip Trump, of the village called Cookstow^ ,
and Estep Williams, one of the "Perry Boys." The former
gentleman was not proof against little insinuations, such as
the mischievous are wont to throw out ; and on the present
occasion, Mr. Williams thought to amuse himself awhile
by teasing poor Phil about his " gal," " what lived to Cooks-
town," where Williams was also slightly acquainted. Trump,
after bearing it for a reasonable length of time, at last became
qnite angry; and he warned Estep "as how he'd better
mind out who he was, teasing him that way." Williams
did not desist, but teased him the more. Trump became
more wroth ; still Williams tose on.
"Ill knock thunder out o' youl" exclaimed Trump,
thoroughly aroused.
"Bah I You wouldn't do that, now," replied Williams,
grinning provokingly.
"But I wouH though," said Trump, savagely.
" Oh, now, my poorty fellow — " began Williams, taunt-
ingly-
"Now, look here, I — "
" Ha I ha 1 ha I" laughed Williams, interrupting Trump.
Bif 1 he got it, right over the mouth, and it made that
article feel all mashed up, like.
" Oh — oo— ngh I" he mumbled, at the same time hitting
Trump a stunning pelt at the " butt o' the ear."
Then they had it. They clinched at once, and commenced
a series of hostile operations, such as pulling hair, scratch-
ing faces, gouging eyes, smashing noses, and feeling for
throttles, generally. They were both strong young fellows,
and, for awhile, it was nip and tuck ; but at last — the fates o'
war so willed it — poor Trump's thumb managed to work its
way into Estep's mouth.
Estep laid hold of, and went to chewing that thumb des-
92 OUR BOYS.
perately. To see him at it was enough to lead one to snppoBe
that he hadn't had anything to eat for a month. But he had,
though ; for, with all his faults, Estep was ever punctually
at his meals. Therefore, it could not have been hunger that
induced him to " go to work " on that thumb with such ap-
parent, relish. But it is not to be supposed, that any man
would allow his thumb to be chewed, very long at a time,
without endeavoring to prevent it. Accordingly, Trump
laid back, and took a dead pull ; but all to no purpose — he
couldn't fetch it ; for Williams had it above the joint. Then
there remained but one plan of saving his thumb ; and he
resorted to it.
"Nuflfl" he yelled.
This was an acknowledgment that he was defeated, and
several of the boys interfered ; after some difficulty, they per-
suaded Williams to let go, by forcing apart his jaws. The
fight was over. Trump grinned and looked pitifully at his
"chawed thumb;" while Williams spit out a mouthful of
blood, and grinned too. All hands then grinned ; and the
affair ended with a grin.
" Well, it seems that all our fights come together," remarked
one, as he contemplated the singular fact.
" Oh, just wait till we meet the rebels," said Putty Stewart^
" and they'll get enough of fighting ; they won't be so fond
of fighting then. Hah ! hah I hoo !"
There was a rowdy little fellow in our company whose
name was Jim Smith. He was about the size of Hare, and
in many respects resembled that worthy. Near evening, of
this same day, he went to Goens, the cook, and requested that
gentleman to furnish him with a piece of pork to grease his
gun.
" Havn't got any," was Goens' reply.
" But I know you have," persisted Smith.
" It's no such ting 1"
" You're a liar, you d — d nigger I"
Goens had an old rusty saw in his hand, and rap 1 he took
Smith with it right over the back. Smith hustled out of the
way but Goens pursued. Crack! crack I crack I Rap I
rap! he got it. Smith turned with a show of fight; but
A FIGHTING DAY. 98
S-oens drew the saw upon him as though he were about to
ose it like a sword, and strike with it, edgewise. Smith
thought he was a goner, for Goens seemed to be aiming for
bis neck. Goens end not strike, however. Hare now came
up, and said : —
"Smith, why didn't you kill the d — d n — ^n — ^nigger?"
** I will yet," answered Smith.
" You^d better try it," suggested Goens, addressing Hare.
"You infernal black scoundrel! PU k— k — ^k^ you, if
foxk t — ^t — talk to m — me !"
And Hare seized what he termed a " rock," and threatened,
therewith, to knock Goens' " b— b — black, woolly head " oflf.
S^oens seized a fierce-looking butcher-knife, and told Hare
if he dared throw, he'd manufacture mince-meat of him.
rhereupon Ben Hoffman, a stout fellow of our company,
3ei2sed an axe, flourished it above his head, and said : —
" You dare to raise that knife to that boy, and off goes
jovlt head, cat-fish 1"
At the same moment Hare blazed away with a stone he
bad picked up, and it just grazed the head of Goens, and was
aear striking that of Corporal Chess, who stood in the back-
ground. Hoffman told him to desist, or Ae'rf kick him ; that
it wasn't his idea to stand there and menace the " nigger "
with an axe, while another should stone him.
"What's all this about?" demanded the captain, approach-
ing at that moment.
Hare endeavored to explain it all according to his views ;
emd he began : —
"Why, G — G — Goens to— t — ^took a saw a — a — and was
g — ^g — goin' t — ^t — t — "
" Go to your quarters, all of you," said the captain, in a
tone that admitted of no parley.
The crowd dispersed.
Thus ended a day, celebrated in the history of our boys,
fc^j rows.
M OUB BOTS.
CHAPTER VIL
THE GREAT FALLS.
The order of exercises had been changed ; guard-mount
was now jperformed at six o'clock in the evening instead of
eight in Uie morning. On the evening of the day so cele-
brated for tights, as reported in the last chapter, I was detailed
for camp guard. I chanced to be on the third relief — which
was to go on duty at ten. The officer of the guard was a
severe, strict man ; he was Lieutenant Kent, of Company ''I.**
On this occasion he ordered, in the most explicit tern[iSy that
those of the guard who were not immediately on post shoald
remain at the gate.
When ten o'clock came, the third relief was called up, and
formed, and the corporal proceeded to march us around the
camp, from post to post, relieving each sentinel then on duty,
d la militaire. It so happened that I was the last man on
the relief, and I was obliged to march almost around the
entire camp before reaching the post which I was to guard.
This beat was a lonely one beyond the earthwork (for our
line of guards extended also around the fortification). The
sentinels, when relieved, had been allowed to return to the
gate by any route they chose. All save the last one having
been relieved, the corporal and I bent our steps in that direc-
tion, for the purpose of relieving the remaining one. As wo
neared the spot, it was a somewhat remarkable thing that
we were not challenged. What could be the matter? Ah,
perhaps the sentinel had challenged us, and we had -not
heard ; he might now be preparing to fire. We halted —
listened. All was still ; the silence was solemn — death-like.
No slow, steady, measured tramp of a sentinel could be
heard. What could it mean ? We advanced a few steps.
Ah, what object was that, stretched out at full length upon
the ground ? Surely it was the body of some human being;
lying pron^Don the green-sward. Was it the form of the
THS GBKAT FALLS. 96
eentinel ? Yes. There, a few paces from Lim, lay his mus-
ket, but dimly visible in the imperfect light of the night.
Oh, horror I Could he have been murdered — murdered
while at his post, doing his duty with perfect faithfulness ?
Had some stealthy prowler been crouching among those low
bushes there; and had he sprung upon the unsuspecting
sentinel, with relentless dagger ? Nary time ! A little in-
vestigation disclosed the interesting fact, ifcat the faithful (?^
sentinel had deliberately laid his gun upon the ground, then
composed himself for a quiet snooze ; now he was having it ;
he was snoring delightfully.
The corporal bent over him and tried to arouse him in the
usual way, by shaking him roughly, aud poking him on the
ribs. His slumber was deep. Morpheus had a firm hold,
and was loth to let go. But he did let go at last, however
r^u^^^^^^y* What then did the faithful sentinel do ? He
sprang up ydth sudden energy, seized his gun and exclaimed :
" Oh dear I I wasn't asleep I"
"Not asleep I" exclaimed the corporal ; " do you mean to
say that you were not asleep ?"
" I'll swear I wasn't asleep I"
" But what were you doing down — ?
" I was tying my shoe," interrupted the sentinel eagerly.
This was rather too good, and I whispered to the corporal :
"That is such a good joke, that if I were you, I would not
report him to the officer of the guard."
" But," said he, " if I don't, some one may report Tne."
" No fear of that," I replied ; " no one knows it but we
three ; Fm sure Ac'K say nothing about it ; and still surer
that PU not mention it."
"Very well," said the corporal, turning to the sentinel;
"you have been caught asleep on post, but I will not report
you this time if you promise to be guilty of it nb more."
"I'll promise," he exclaimed, earnestly; forgetting that
he was thereby literally acknowledging to what he had just
80 stoutly denied. #
The corporal observed this, and laughing, said —
" But only a moment ago you denied being asleep — said
that you were tying your shoe."
96 OUB BOTS.
"I know," replied the delinquent, good-humoredly ; "but
when I said tliat, I forgot that I had boots on." This was a
fact — he had boots on.
The corporal laughed, and said : —
"All right, I'll say nothing about it; but if I were to
report you to Lieutenant Kent, it would go very hard with
you."
The sentinel agteed that it would. Having given me the
countersign, they left me, with the injunction : —
" Don't you go to sleep."
My two hours wore slowly away, and I was at last relieved ;
whereupon I proceeded to the gate, as instructed. I leaned •
my musket against a stack of the article ; but I had scaroely
done so, when the stirring sound of the " long roll " burst
upon the night air. In another moment, officers came
hastily from their tents, buckling on their swords, and cas-
ing out : —
" Fall in, men I Quickly — quickly I"
A moment later, men were rushing from their tents, cart-
ridge boxes buckled on — muskets in hand.
"Not one of the guards must leave the gate without
further orders," said Lieutenant Kent, decidedly ; for some
one had asked him whether the guards should go.
That was pleasant. Perhaps the enemy was- coming, and
our regiment — our division, perhaps — going out to do battle;
and there I was, subject to the orders of that stern Lieutenant
Kent, and these were not to leave. I wouldn't stand it, that
was the amount of it; and with a wild emotion, bordering
on frenzy, I seized my musket, rushed from the gate in the
darkness, flew to my company, and joined the now swiftly-
forming ranks. The company was soon formed; also the
regiment. Colonel Hayes, mounted upon his black charger,
was at our head in a moment. Facing us to the right, he
led us to a point in front of the earthwork, halted us, faced
us to the front, then said : —
"It is repoi*i that the rebels are advancing upon us in
force ; having probably crossed the Potomac at the Falls, in
spite of the Seventh Eegiment, which is now there. We are
ordered to form here on this hill, and defend it to the last."
THE aBSAT FALLS. 97
Bnt at that moment a messenger from General McCall
rode up to the colonel, and said : —
"Colonel, it is ascertained that there is no immediate
danger — let the regiment return to quarters, prepare haver-
sacks, etc., and be in readiness to tarn out at a moment's
warning."
We then returned to quarters, and were dismissed. I re-
turned to the gate with some misgivings; but Lieutenant
Kent had not discovered my absence. I determined, though,
should another alarm occur, to do just as I had done before;
though at the imminent risk of being court-martialed. The
night wore slowly away ; and at four in the morning I again
took my lonely post. I was ill at ease during the two hours
which intervened between four and six ; for should an alarm
be sounded, I had resolved to leave my post, and join the
regiment — which would have been a very grievous offence
indeed. But, to my great satisfaction, those two hours wore
quietly away, and I was relieved. The morning began to
wear away ; and ten o'clock had nearly come.
•' Third relief — fall in 1" called out the officer of the guard.
I had but laid my hands upon my musket, in obedience
to the call, when a prolonged roll of the drum broke suddenly
upon my ears. I started ; it was the " long roll."
Our boys began to pour forth from their tents, and the
ranks were now swiftly forming.
"Fall in, guards!" cried Lieutenant Kent. "We must
stand in line, and present arms to the regiment as it marches
from camp." He was somewhat inclined to pageantry.
Catch me falling in 1 Catch me standing there like a fool,
presenting arms to our brave boys as they marched forth to
meet the enemy, perhaps 1 I darted from the gate, uij per-
ceived by the officer of the guard, joined the ranks, and was
soon marching from camp, with our boys, to the good old tune
of "Yankee Doodle," played by our "Brass Band." There
was no halting, nor hesitating; but taking a northwest road,
we marched away, and Camp Tenally and the village were
soon lefk far — far behind.
Not to make a mystery of it, reader, I will briefly tell
7
98 OUR BOYS.
you what " was up." As I have previously stated, a regi-
ment was kept constantly posted at the Great Falls, for the
purpose of watching, and checking, if found necessary, the
movements of the rebels at that point. At the time of which
I write, the Seventh Eegiment, Pennsylvania Keserves, being
on diity there, the rebels on the opposite side of the river
took a queer notion into their heads to give said regiment a
profound shelling. Accordingly, they opened a field battery
upon the devoted Seventh, with great earnestness. As we
had no artillery there at the time, the colonel of the Seventh
felt greatly alarmed, and dispatched a courier to General
McCall, with the startling message that the rebels were
about to force their way across the Potomac — that they
numbered something less than a hundred thousand. This
accounts for the long roll affair of the night before; also, of
our marching orders of the time now in question. We were
ordered to the Falls to reinforce the Seventh ; if necessary,
the whole division was to follow. Thither we bent pur steps ;
although'we had not the most distant idea as to whither we
were going, till we actually arrived at the " Great Falls of
the Potomac ;" which we did near evening, after a somewhat
roundabout march of fifteen miles. On this march we did
not carry our knapsacks ; they were left behind, to be con-
veyed after us by our baggage- wagons.
Night came before our knapsacks did, and the prospect
of spending it in an open field, without a blanket, stared us
unpleasantly in the face. The boys of the Seventh regiment
had many fearful stories to relate, regarding that shelling;
and they even exhibited to our admiring eyes sundry little
curiosities in the shape of shell, cannon balls, and small shot^
which had been most bountifully presented, in a somewhat
precipitate manner, by the obliging rebels.
Our company was ordered to repair to a certain road a
few miles above, and a mile from the river, to form an out-
post for the night. Eight or ten sentinels were posted at'a
time, while the remainder of the company slept. Said sleep-
ing was done (and it was the first time for tis) in tl^e absence
of that very desirable little article known as a blanket. It
was very uncomfortable, too, for only a thin blouse constituted
THE GREAT FALLS. ' 99
onr vesture. Yes, and it rained immoderately, mal Ing the
matter altogether very unpleasant.
When morning came, we arose, took a few ears ( I green
com from an adjacent cornfield, which, with om coffee,
pork, and crackers, made quite a breakfast. This done,
we returned to the regiment, and found our knapsacks await-
ing us.
Hard by the canal we found a large building, once con-
structed for the accommodation of laborers on the Washing-
ton Aqueduct, and we took up our abode within it. By the
way, it was perforated in about one hundred and twenty-one
places, the result of the shelling previously alluded to.
It is a fact not universally known, that an aqueduct is in
course of construction, from the Great Falls to Washington ;
the end in view being the supplying of the latter-named
S)lace with water. There being a descent of seveaty-five
feet at the Great Falls, the water will readily flow into
the aqueduct from the river above, and to WasLington,
without the aid of machinery. A monstrous well is con-
structed to first receive the water, and from thence it flows
through the aqueduct, which is six or eight feet in diameter.
A stone edifice is erected over the well, and on a marble sl'tb,
fixed in the wall, is the motto —
"Dei Gratia est perpetua."
A very appropriate motto ; for the stream which is there clear
and cool, has never yet failed. Nor is it likely to, being
fed by hundreds of mountain springs many miles above.
At this point there is an intervening space about three
hundred yards in width, between the canal and the river. It
is somewhat marshy in places, and is covered with a thick
growth of trees and underbrush.
It was considered dangerous to venture to the shore of the
river, for it was known that rebel sharpshooters were con-
stantly on the lookout, on the opposite side, and ever ready
and willing to blaze away at any luckless man in blue, who
might expose himself to view. Our ideas ran in the €ame
channel. A battery had accompanied us to the Falls, and
was now posted on the hill behind us. We expected, by
100 OUB BOYS.
boldly exposing ourselves in the vicinity of the building
aforementioned, to draw the fire of the rebel batteries on the
opposite hills, in order that our battery might discover their
position, and open on them accordingly, ^ut it was no go.
The rebels wouldn't fire. We offered every temptation,
standing in line for a long time in the most exposed manner.
But they wouldn't see us. They must have been aware of
the arrival of our artillery ; an article of wMch they have
ever hai*bored a wholesome dread.
After we had broken ranks and established our quarters
within the building, I was standing at one of the doors, just
thinking it would be nice to go over to the shore of the river,
if, perchance, one might get a shot at a rebel, when my
ruminations were interrupted by Winder, who approached
and culled out —
" How'd ye sleep last night, old boy?"
" Well enough — till I discovered that it was raining ; after
making that discovery, I did not sleep much. But how did
you make out ?"
" Me ? I had a rather remarkable dream, for one thing."
'* Then you must have slept some ?"
"Yes."
" But let me hear your dream."
" Well, you see, I laid down on my right side and fell into
a sound sleep, before the rain came up; at last (I dopt
know how long it was) I got to dreaming. I imagined I
fired at a rebel beyond the river ; I saw him fall — I saw his
gun as it fell from his hand, and it was a Sharpens rifle^
beautifully ornamented with gold; I thought I (nust have
it — I plunged into the river, at some distance above the
waterfall, and struck out for the purpose of swimmiag across;
all went well — I made excellent progress, till— oh hor-
ror—!"
"What?" I asked, as Winder hesitated.
" I found myself in some particular current, and it began
to carry me right down toward the falls ; I struggle 1, but in
vain— I screamed, but the roaring waters mocked me, and
away* I went, right over the dreadful precipice."
'' Horribl&ii^^xclaimed.
" I say, you bloody rebels over there, come out and show your-
selves!" — Upper Potomac, p. 101.
THE GREAT FALLS. 101
"Yes," he continued, "I could distinctly hear the grim
waters bubbling in my ears ; I was drowning. But just then
I awoke ; it was raining like thunder, and — my left ear was
level full of rain-water, and it had just begun to run over on
my cheek."
At the commencement of this thrilling narration, Winder
looked unusually sober and thoughtful ; but as he finished
he clothed his face with his accustomed grin.
" Suppose we walk over to the river," I suggested.
"Me? I wouldn't go over there for a million dollars;
we'd be shot, that's certain."
"Come on, then," said I; for since he had so earnestly
declared that he would not go, I felt sure he would. And
he did, too.
We took our muskets, and after winding our way among .
the bushes for some time, we reached the high, rocky shore
of the river. We were very cautious not to expose ourselves
to view, and we took our positions among the rocks, and
watched for a long time in hopes that some hapless rebel
might make his appearance ; but in vain. At last. Winder
appeared to throw aside his native timidity, and boldly
mounting a high rock, and standing upon its summit, fully
exposed, he waved his cap toward the wild-looking shore
beyond, and called out —
" I say, you d — d rebels over there, come out and show
yourselves 1"
" Winder," said 1, "just imagine a minie ball taking you
about at the second button of your blouse ; no doubt there is
a rebel sharpshooter among those bushes over there, taking
a cool aim at you, at this very moment."
The idea seemed to strike Winder with some force, for he
suddenly made a mighty spring from the rock on which he
stood, and came down among the smaller rocks, with an
agility that would have done honor to a cat. I laughed, and
he didn't half like it. We returned to quarters.
Near evening the regiment was ordered to a point at some
distance above the Falls, for the purpose of strengthening
the picket line, which was extended along the tow-path of the
canal. We marched several miles along t\iQ caxv^, ^\A\i'^<5ftw
102 OUR BOYS.
at one of the locks. A house stood here, at which we estab-
lished our head-quarters. It was night when we reaohed
the place, and men were posted at various points in that
vicinity. Lieutenant Clark was sent, with a squad of OUB
BOYS, to a point at some distance up the river; and it
occurred to him that if he might take a gun along, he might
get a shot at a rebel. He borrowed one from one of the
boys, and, buckling on a cartridge-box, was about to starts
when he said to me —
" A cartridge-box feels rather odd."
" I don't think ?50," I replied.
" It seems so to W2€," he persisted.
" Perhaps you haven't got it on aright," I suggested,
*' Oh, yes I have," he said confidently.
''Let me see — " and I drew near and examined it; "why,
you have got it on upside down !"
"What?"
" You have it on wrong side up," said I, njaking a slight
change in my language, but not in iny meaning.
" Now, is that so ?" he asked.
"It is," I replied.
He unbuckled the strap, removed the box, and discovered
that he had, in the darkness, succeeded in getting it on in an
inverted position ; and he no sooner observed it than he ex-
claimed : —
"Well, that's ridiculous! I guess the boys have not
noticed it — don't tell it on me."
I did not promise to keep the afiair to myself, for I thought
it rather too good a joke to be lost.
It was my lot to remain at the lock during the night ; and
I performed several turns of guard duty.
The night passed away without event, save that an odd
shot was exchanged now and then across the Potomac.
When morning came the various squads which had been
distributed on the previous evening were called in, and the
regiment was formed. The colonel informed us that, after
all, no immediate danger was to be apprehended, and that
we were about to return to Camp Tenally. We marched
along the path of the canal, toward the Falls, leaving still
THE GREAT FALLS. 108
quite a number of stragglers behind. Most of tbi.m, on
arriving at the lock and finding the regiment gone, decided
to wait at that place for the first canal boat that should come
down, that they might ride.
We had marched a mile, perhaps, when, looking back, we
saw a boat coming, drawn by two mules, which were getting
over the ground at a brisk trot. A number of stragglers
were on the boat ; and it really did look like a more plea-
sant way of getting back, than that of marching and carrying
knapsacks. This idea seemed to occur to the mind of lazy
Troth, in a forcible manner ; for he exclaimed : —
'^By jolly I I'd like to be onto that boat ; 'twould be a
good 'eal nicer'n marchin'."
"You might manage to get aboard," suggested Will
Mitchel.
" How ? Will they stop till I get on ?"
" No — but you can get one of those fellows to throw out a
plank while the boat is in motion ; you can run up it quickly
enough."
" But my gun and knapsack — "
'* They're easily managed."
" How ?"
" You can first toss them across to the boat, and some of
the boys will catch them ; then they can throw out the plank,
and as soon as the end touches the bank, you can run up,
you know."
This plan did look reasonable, and Troth said : —
" I will try it, I believe — hilloa, fellers, I'd like to como
aboard 1"
•' They won't stop for you," replied one of the boys on the
boat.
" But can't I run up the board, if you throw out one end V'
" Why, yes — you might."
" Well, take my gun." •
" No load in it, is there ?"
"No ] fired it this morning."
" Over with it, then — that's the touch ;" and Troth's musket
landed safely in the hands of a brother soldier. Troth, mean-
while, was trotting along, keeping pace with the boat.
104 OUB BOYS.
" Now your knapsack."
Troth tossed bis knapsack in the direction of the boat, but
not with sufficient force to carry it to the deck and it struck
the side. One of the boys, however, seized the strap quickly,
and rescued it from a watery grave. A plank was then
brought to the edge of the boat, and one of the boys called
out: —
"Now be ready."
" I am ready," said Troth, with a desperate attempt at firm-
ness.
In a moment one end of the plank was thrust from the
boat, and landed upon the bank, while the other end stiU
rested on the gunwale.
"Now run for it," came from the boat.
"Run. Troth, run!" shouted Mitchel.
"Run, old feller! run! hurrah!" was echoed from one
end of the regiment to the other.
Troth made a desperate rush up the slanting board ; but
the thought that the eyes of the whol^ regiment were watch-
ing him, together with a consciousness of the awful import-
ance of the point at issue, rendered him nervous ; and to add
to his trepidation, a dozen mischievous fellows cried out : —
" He'll fall ! he'll drown ! he's a goner ! he's a dead man !"
and the consequence was that Troth made a slight misstep,
and ere he could reach the boat, the end of the plank, in
consequence of the boat's being in motion, slipped from the
bank, turned edgewise, and splash went poor Troth into the
angry waters of the canal. Here then was a quandary;
Troth couldn't swim. In his youth he had neglected this
important branch of education. The water at this point wa»
eight feet deep, while Troth's height was but five feet siic,
and the result was that he went down. Yes, poor fellow,
down he went, and the grim waters closed over him. He
began to think that his time had come ; he could hear the
dismal rush of water as his ears began to fill. But would
he give up life without a struggle ? No, though he was no
swimmer, he determined to have another look upon the fair
world before leaving forever. Placing his toes upon the
bottom, he bnuht a heave with such fearful energy that he
THE GREAT FALLS. 105
popped half-length out of water. The boat had now stopped,
and a rope was thrown out to the drowning man, and he
grasped it with an eagerness that was delightful to witness.
He was then hauled toward the boat— it had floated some
distance — and at length lifted to the deck. Then such
coughing, and sneezing, and choking, and strangling. " Bank
— bauk — blist — fist — oo — choo — flist — blur-r-r — fist-fist —
bauk — ^bauk," he went on for a considerable length of time.
At last, having so far recovered as to find utterance, he simply-
said —
"Merciful man 1"
Poor Troth I It did not do him any lasting injury — that
ducking; but Putty Stewart, Gaskill, and others almost
worried the life out of him, rallying and teasing him about
it; and as he didn't like teasing, that's why they did it.
Without further event we arrived at our rendezvous,
near the Falls ; then, after an hour, we set out for Tenally-
town.
We returned by a nearer and better ro\ite than that by
which we had come ; for we now took a level road which
follows the river, and beneath which the aqueduct is con-
structed.
Strict order is seldom observed during a march ; and men
can leave the ranks at almost any time, provided the eye of
an officer is not immediately on them. Consequently, it
being about peach time of year— and soldiers are generally
fond of peaches — ^by the time we had reached Camp Tenally
fully one-half the men of the regiment had strayed away,
favoring all the peach orchards within any reasonable distance
of our course, with visits. Stragglers continued to arrive in
camp one by one, or in small squads, during the remaining
portion of the day and the early part of the night. Now,
there was a youth of about my size, and in fact resembling
me in every respect, who got to musing and meditating, as
the regiment marched into camp, and he wondered, en passant,
what the officer of the guard — that stern Lieutenant Kent —
«rould do with him for running oflf from guard, and accom-
panying the regiment from camp, in direct opposition to, and
lisregard of the most explicit orders. The case was a plain
106 OUR BDYS.
one. I bad been on the list of guards, subject to any order
of the officer thereof; that officer had commanded that all
the guards must remain at the gate, that not one must think
of leaving. I had left the gate, had left it clandestinely, had
run offf had left camp, accompanying the regiment a number
of miles from it ; now, what would the officer of the guard
do with me ? He did nothing. He considered that in leav-
ing my duty at camp, I had voluntarily undertaken a more
arduous, a more dangerous one, and I got off without
even a word of censure. I felt relieved, too, when I discovered
that no punishment awaited me ; for I didn't know how far
the thing might be carried. Aye, vague, unpleasant ideas
of "guard house for thirty days," or "ball and chain for the
space of two weeks," had already begun to intrude them-
selves upon my brain. But now it was all right ; yes, all
right.
CHAPTER Vni.
IN CAMP AGAIN.
It was evening. The shades of night were beginning to
hang over the earth, and to thicken into a gloom. We were
once more in Camp Tenally — we were at home.
Our boys were collected in our company street, amusing
themselves by various gymnastic performances. Here might
be seen a group gathered about a level part of the ground
which was marked out for leaping; there another turning
summersaults or handsprings ; but the one to which I will
call the attention of the reader was collected on the softest
part of the street, engaged in practicing the stirring art of
wrestling. The hero — the champion of this group — was a
young man commonly called " Juggie." He was a stout-built^
powerful fellow, about five feet eight inches in height ; bis
age was twenty-one. He was very active; his physical
IN CAMP AGAIN. 107
q["aalities far exceeding any others he possessed either moral,
or mental. He threw with remarkable quickness, every one
who possessed the hardihood to try him.
/tried tim, for one; but my heels went higher than my
head in less than a second. Many others tried him, but down
they went. None could match Juggie. At last he began
bo feel important ; and to express, in simple words, the very
sxalted opinion he entertained of his prowess.
"I'll bet I can throw any two in the crowd," said he,
banteringly.
No one responded.
" I never was thrown in my life," he continued.
No one disputed it.
"I'm a reg'lar little boss," he went on.
It struck me that he resembled a less attractive animal
than a horse, just then ; but I said nothing.
"I'd like to git thro wed oncet," he continued, in the spirit
rf braggadocio ; " I'd jist like to know how a feller feels when
be gits throwed." Evidently, he believed that he couldrUt he
' throwed," as he expressed it.
At this interesting moment a soldier of Company "I" — ^he
was about the age of Juggie, but smaller — walked carelessly
up to him, and said : —
" Partner, I'll try you once or twice."
Juggie looked upon the new comer, and smiled — laughed.
" Now you aint in earnest, are you ?"
" Certainly !" and he proceeded to doff his coat.
" Well," said Juggie, " I'm afraid I might throw you so
hard as to hurt you ; but I'll try and let you fall as easy as
I kin."
"You're very obliging," said the man of Company "I,"
whose name was Franks.
They took " fair holts," as Juggie expressed it.
" Are you ready ?" asked Juggie.
"Yes, ready," was the reply.
"Then here goes," said Juggie, confidently; for he ex
pected to throw Franks in half a second.
But " here" didn't " go." There was a struggle of about
ten seconds' duration, when Juggie was suddenly lifted from
108 OUR BOYS.
the earth, to about the height of his head, and hurled savagely
against it again — up-side down.
Juggie arose slowly, rubbing his head. What I " throwed?"
Surely it could not have been fairly done ; it must have been
an accident — he would try it again. The boys were giving
way to the most boisterous mirth at his expense — oh I he
fyiu^t redeem his character I
"I only slipped 1" he exclaimed; "I'll try it again.**
" Certainly I" replied the accommodating Franks — ^he was
perfectly willing to try it again.
Once more they were locked in each other's arms.
"Eeady?"
"Yes."
Another struggle ensued ; lasting, now, but five seconds.
At the lapse of that time, Juggie was again lifted from the
ground, whirled above Franks' head like a " shelalah" in the
hand of a skilful Hibernian, and dashed with vengeful foroe
against old mother earth, to the great amusement of the
spectators.
Krauks stood still, calmly, quietly, and collectedly waiting
for Juggie to get up.
Juggie did so, but rather more slowly than before. Now
there was no longer any room to doubt that he had encoun«
tered at least his equal. However, he would try it again; ."
he might throw Franks once. Could he do this, his reputa-
tion as a wrestler would be in a measure regained. Again
they embraced. This time the struggle lasted but two and
a half seconds, till Juggie was again whirled in mid air and
brought to the earth with a shock that nearly " busted" him. J
" Ugh !" he grunted.
The merriest laugh I had heard for many a day now broke
upon the solemn air of night. Juggie arose, brushed the
dust from his " sky-blues," and said he guessed he wouldn't
try it any more " to-night," as he hadn't felt well that whole
day. And he retired. .
It was now Aearly time for roll-call — nine o'clock. Strange
that, at such an hour, the idea should enter my head that I
could eat a watermelon, if I had one ; yet it is no less true.
I imparted the stray tbougkit.lo'WiiA'et^'^h.o happened to
IK CAMP AGAIN. 109
be near me, informing him that I knew of a watermelon-
patch not a mile distant, belonging to a rich old secessionist.
Winder grinned.
" Suppose we slip out of camp after roll-call, and honor
the old gentleman's garden with a visit," I suggested.
" Agreed I" he exclaimed, eagerly.
"Wh — wh — what are you t — t — talkin' about?" asked
Hare, as he and Jim Smith approached.
" We are talking of going out on a watermelon expedition,
after roll-call ; will you go along ?"
" D — d — don't care if I do," replied Hare, ever ready for
mischief; "will yow go a-1 — 1 — long. Smith?"
*' Oh, yes I" replied Smith, for he too was always ready for
iilventure.
The roll was called in due time, and we, instead of going
to our quarters like good honest soldiers, proceeded to slip
^itealthily past the guard, and out of camp. Being favored
by the darkness, we succeeded perfectly, doing the thing up
in the most systematic order. Finding ourselves without
the camp, we breathed more freely, and at once struck off in
the direction of that watermelon garden.
We, prowlers that we were, soon reached our destination.
As the melon garden lay beyond the house, we made a cir-
cuit, to avoid any troublesome dogs which might chance to
lurk about, and came bravely up in the rear. No opposition
was offered, simply because there was no one to offer it, the
owner being, at that time, "sound asleep." Without any
tiresome or unnecessary form or ceremony, we took posses-
sion.
" Let us gather what we can carry, and take them to the
clover-field adjoining, where we can devour them without
interruption," I suggested.
"Th—th— that's the thing," said Hare.
Acting upon this hint, we each took two melons unde*
each arm, and as the house-dog at that moment set up an
unearthly howling, we made for the design^tted clover-field
with admirable precipitancy.
" These melons appear to be rather green," I TG\xv^xk^^^%S3^
we arrived at a convenient spot
110 OUR BOYS,
"That's the nature o' the beast," said Smith. A fact, too;
melons — that is, watermelons — are green.
. " I have one here that I do believe is a cannon ball," said
Winder.
At that moment our attention was attracted toward Hare^
who had set down upon the ground, and was proceeding to
cut one of the melons. His manner was full of surprise, and
liis stuttering was heightened, as he exclaimed —
" Wh—wh — wh — goo — goo — g — gosh ! This ain't n—
n—no w — w — watermelon! It — tit — tits a p — p — punk —
unkin."
" Bloodhounds and bullfrogs I" exclaimed Dave Winder.
" Blisters and brickbats 1" exclaimed Smith.
" Can it be possible that they are all pumpkins ?" I said,
half inquiringly.
" We'll soon see," said Smith ; and he set about seetng as
well as the darkness would allow.
And he did see. Yes, to our chagrin (though not unmixed
with amusement), they were all pumpkins — all save one, and
it was a very large specimen of that delicious fruit known
as a cucumber.
" We've been d — d — done for !" exclaimed Hare.
"Beautifully I" I said.
" Sweetly!" said Winder ; for as there was nothing sweet
about it, it stood him in hand to say sweetly.
A moment we stood in mute silence. It \vas broken by
Smith, who said —
" Well, I know one thing."
" What is that. Smith ?"
' There are some peach-trees at a house not far from here^
and they bear peaches as big as pum'kiuB,"
" We'll go there !" was exclaimed.
" That's it," said Smith ; " but we must be careful how we
go about it."
"Why, Smith?"
" Because the owner keeps a sharp look-out ; he's a wicked
old fellow, and shoots."
" Oh, he is in his bed, and fast asleep ere this time," said L
^'Certainly, h — h — he is," sa\dB.^TQ.
IN CAMP AGAIK. Ill
We started for the peach-orchard referred to by Smith.
The clover-field we were in was a large one, and it was neces-
sary for us to cross it. We had proceeded but a few steps,
when " something white" sprang up before us, and ran away
with great swiftness. Inspired by curiosity, we gave chase ;
when it ran the faster, making no noise in its movements.
Could it be a cat ? It was about the size of that animal.
But DO, a cat could soon have distanced us in a trial of speed ;
as it was, we kept pace with the flying object. What could
it be ? Was it a pig ? Now was it ? Scarcely. If a pig,
would it not have squealed ? Could it have run so noise-
lessly ?
" I'll shoot it," said I, finding it impossible to- overtake the
object, and bringing my pistol to bear upon it.
" No, wait till I throw this stone," said Smith, who had
picked up one for the purpose.
" Throw, then," said I, "and if that don't stop it, I'll Wtize
away."
Chug I went the stone, right against the poor " white thing."
An unearthly squeal told but too plainly what the object of
our chase was ; a pig, and nothing else. And here we had
been chasing the poor frightened animal all over the* field.
We abruptly gave up the hunt, and the pig trotted ofi:* ^vith
many a miniature grunt.
We now made for the peach-trees without delay. They
stood immediately in rear of the owner's house, and very
near the most distant corner of the field we were in. I hap-
pened to be in advance, and on arriving beneath the tree, I
saw, among the branches, the figure of a man held out in bold
relief against the starry *sky; while a revolver was held out
in bold relief in his hand. It was bold, but there wasn't
much relief about it to me.
It has been discovered, at some remote period, that the
mind is yery active when its possessor is placed in a
critical position, as I was on this interesting occasion. 1
knew that I was under one of the trees alluded to by Smith ;
and had no doubt that the gentleman now among the branches
was the individual he had been pleased to teim" o\dL^<sJ^^\?
In a significant tone, I called out : —
112 OUB BOYS.
"Boys, if you know what's best, you'll dome this way—"
aud as I spoke, to the surprise of the trio, I walked straiffht
on toward the road, which was near at hand. But had I
said no more than this, it must have led the man in the tree
to suppose that I bad seen him, and that our intention had
been to steal his fruit. Wishing him to think otherwise, I
accordingly added : —
" For rm sure this road will take us to camp."
The first part of my sentence resulted in drawing the boys
directly after me, for it sounded mysterious ; the latter part>
no doubt, induced the Marylander to suppose that we were
a party who had been " on a tramp," and were now making
the best of our way to camp, happening by mere chance
to pass by his peach-orchard. I walked straight to the road
— it was fifty paces distant — and soon placed myself in it by
scaling the fence. The interesting trio which constituted
my companions followed without a word; the mysterious
language I had uttered, and the meaning tone in which I
had uttered it, led them to suppose that the "old feller" was
somewhere about. They little dreamed, however, that he
was in the tree — that we all passed literally under him.
When we were comfortably over the fence and in the road,
Winder asked : — ' .
"What's up?"
" I saw a man in that big peach-tree," I replied.
" Suppose you did," said he, coolly, " why didn't you blaze
away at him r"
" You don't presume that I would shoot the man for his
peaches, do you ?"
" Certainly, / would in a minute.'-'
"Just so ; I thought you would agree with me," said I ; for
ivhen Winder said he would, I knew he wouldnH,
After some consultation, it was decided to return to camp,
ivhich we did, our expedition having proved entirely fruit-
less. As we were nearing camp, I said —
" I presume it will not be the easiest matter in the world
to get into camp at this time of night; it must be near
twelve b'clofl]^
IN CAMP AQAIK. 113
" We'll t — t— rtry," said Hare ; and we were all of the same
opinion.
" The point at which we can most easily run the guard ia
near the earthwork," I suggested.
They assented, and we were soon standing near the south-
east corner, awaiting a favorable moment to slip by the sen-
tinel, who was slowly pacing the prescribed line to and fro.
"We hesitated, for it was obvious that, unless something
should attract his attention for a moment at the far end of
the beat, he would return to our end before we could get to
the tents in safety.
" Boys," said I, " I am going to throw a stone down there
among those weeds, and while the guard's attention is attracted
in that direction, we must hurry into camp."
" All right," whispered Smith.
" All r— r — ^r — " stuttered Hare ; and I took up a large
stone and landed it as desired.
The sentinel hastened thither, calling out —
" Who comes there ?"
"Now is our time," I whispered, and we glided across the
line.
We had but done so, when Hare struck his foot against
some obstacle and fell prostrate, makitig as much noise as a
drove of cattle on a charge.
" Hilloa I halt I who's that ?" exclaimed the sentinel, turn-
ing toward us.
Hare sprang up, and we ran rapidly in the direction of
out tents.
"Haiti" shouted the sentinel.
We didn't halt, but ran the faster.
"Halt, or I'll fire I" he cried, and we heard the sharp click
of his firelock, as the hammer was set.
" If you do," I shouted back in reply, " you will be sur
to kill some one in one of the tents." For we were between
the encampment and the sentinel.
This argument caused him to hesitate, and we arrived in
safety within our company street. .
He did not fire, but he alarmed the whole guard, and the
word was passed around to the gate that a squad of men luid
8
114 OUR BOYS.
clandestinely entered camp, and that it was not known
whether they belonged to the regiment or not. The officer
of the guard took several files of men and searched the camp,
but without effect ; for, of course, we were sound asleep when
he came round our way.
Next day orders were issued requiring ail the first-ser^
geants to examine their roll-books, find out who were absent
on the previous evening, and report the same tx> the colonel.
By this process, this alarming fact was disclosed — ^that more
than one hundred of the men of the regiment had not answered
to their names at the nine o'clock roll-call of the evening
before. They were all summoned to appear before Colonel
Hayes, when they were qucvstioned as to where they had been
at the time in question. But they, one and all, declared
that they had not " felt well," and had retired early accord-
ingly. So nothing was made of the affair, and it was dropped.
As evening began to draw near once more, we were told
to " get ready for picket," and we obeyed with cheerfulness,
for we liked to go on picket in Maryland — always had fun.
The regiment was formed, and, in due time, we arrived at
the picket line, and relieved the ones then on duty, three or
four being left at every post, to relieve each other by turns^
after which we set about getting supper in the usual style.
Soon after our arrival, a small boy and a girl, who lived in
a house near by, came along the line, with pies for sale.
" How do ye sell yer pies ?" asked one of OUR boys, whose
name was Dennis.
" Nine cents ; if we can't get nine, we'll take eight, that's"
what mother told us," replied the boy, with genuine childlike
simplicity.
The little girl, who was a more discreet merchant, whispered
-* Hush — sh — sh," and addressing us said —
"Nine cents is the price."
"But I'll not give more nor eight," said Dennis.
'But I want nine," persisted the girl, who was, perhaps^
ten years old — two years older than' the boy, her brother.
" I can't afford to give it," said Dennis decidedly,
'* Then you may take one for eight," said the girl, after
IN CAMP AGAIN. 116
some apparent hesitatioD. And so the bargain was consam
mated.
At eleven o'clock that night, Captain Gallop, a man of
haughty mien, rode along the picket line, doing the duty of
" grand rounds." Pennis was on post at the time.
" Halt !" said Dennis, as the equestrian neared his post.
Captain Gallop did not hear, it seems, and he rode right
on as though to pass by.
" Halt !" repeated Dennis, cocking his gun.
Captain Gallop heard the " click," and brought up abruptly,
exclaiming : —
"You careless scoundrel I HavVt you been instructed to
challenge any approaching object before it reaches you?"
" Who comes there ?" demanded Dennis, proceeding to
carry out the usual form, without at all noticing the officer's
tongue.
" The grand rounds ; but you —
" Grand rounds, give the countersign 1"
''Austerlitz. Bm you— "
''Correct!"
" Now, sir," said Captain Gallop, " I have given you the
countersign, and I want to know why you didn't challenge
me sooner, according to instructions ?"
'a did; but—"
"No, you didn't!" interrupted the captain, vehemently. .
"But I did, though ; I—"
"Not a word, sir — I know you did notP^
"Not a word, sir — but I know I rfic/," said Dennis, imita-
tively.
"What?"
"I say I did challenge ye sooner — whether ye was hearin'
me or not."
" How dare you—"
"How dare yow?"
" What ! You impertinenfr^-what's your name ?
"Terrence McGlifferty."
"Then, sir, to-morrow you shall sniffer for your impu-
dence."
"Exa<5tlj."
116 OUB BOYS.
"What?"
"Yis, sir."
" You infernal rascal I I have a mind to shoot you."
"Fvejist bin thinkin' o' shootin' you," said Dennis, 8Ug<
gestively; "for I'm ordered not to allow anjr kind o' dis-
turbance on the line ; and sure yeVe bin makin' a plenty."
This introduced a new idea into the mind of Captain GalloR
and he rode on, swearing, as he did so, that he would have
that man court-martialedand shot.
Next day, an order was issued for the arrest of one priyate
McGlifferty, on charge of threatening Ihe life of Captain
Gallop ; but of course no such man could be found, and the
captain was deprived of the pleasure of having a man court-
martialed and shot.
On returning to camp, it was discovered that his majesty,
King Whiskey, had made his way into our midst ; and many
of the boys were very happy and equally noisy — ^among
them, John G. Graham, our literary friend.
Night closed in, and all had become quiet — when a terrible
shouting was heard in our company street. Some on© was
crying out, in a tone of impatience : —
" I say, come on — hurry up ; I want to be relieved I Hero
I've been on post for six hours — corporal of the guard I Are
you not coming ? Captain, captain, can you not have me
relieved ?"
It was Mr. Graham. There he stood, in the centre of the
street, at the hour of midnight— cartridge-box on — musket
in hand, and bayonet fixed. He had arisen under the in-
fluence of " that whiskey," and imagined he was on guard —
on picket.
His shouting at length brought forth the captain, who
demanded : —
" What is the meaning of all this ?"
"Til tell you," replied Graham, with the air of one who
felt himself to be an injured man, " here I've been, on thiB
lonely post for the last six hours. Now, I don't think it is
right ; I want to be relieved."
The captain at once saw how matters stood, and said:—-
WILD SCENES. ' 117
" Well, go to your quarters ; a sentinel is not particularly
needed at this post."
"Do you suppose I am going to leave my post in that
manner I No I I must see another man guarding this beat
before I leave it."
Thereupon the captain called up one of the boys, Charley
Brawley, and ordered him to relieve Graham. Charley, too,
comprehended the affair, and obeyed with mock solemnity;
then Graham retired, fully satisfied that he had done his duty,
and that he was a " faithful sentinel."
CHAPTEE IX.
WILD SCENES.
About the middle of September, it came our turn to go to
the Falls, for the purpose of doing picket duty for a week.
Accordingly, one hot Monday, we marched to the place ;
nothing of special interest occurring by the way. On arriv-
ing at the Falls, the regiment was divided into two detach-
ments ; the first to go on duty at once, the second to relieve
them on the following day. Thus, each division would
remain for twenty-four hours at a time, when it would be
relieved by the other, and so on. Our company was of the
second detachment, and we were not to go on till the next
day. For some reason we did not at once occupy the large
building, and we began to look about us for a comfortable
place to bivouac. This being arranged, it was very natu-
ral that we should begin to look about us for amusement ; for-
tune favored us. A large blacksnake was captured by some of
CUB BOYS, who, being aware of GaskilFs blacksnake proclivi-
ties, at once delivered the gentle creature into his hand. It was
amusing to see how he proceeded with it. He was very
cautious at first, holding it in such a position that it was
impossible for it to bite him. After staring at it for some
118 OUR BOYS.
time, he, with mock gravity, informed it that he had duly
considered its case, and that, after mature deliberation, he
had decided that it was highly expedient to remove its teeth.
He then placed the thumb and finger of his left hand
about the neck of the reptile, and gradually tightened his
grasp till it opened its mouth, gasping for breath, I suppose,
then with the thumb and forefinger of his right hand he
extracted the teeth, one after another, in a style anything
but dental or surgical. Having completed this interesting
operation, he slightly relaxed his grasp on the neck, upon
which the reptile, being in a manner restored to presence of
mind, protruded its forked tongue toward Gaskill in the
most unfriendly manner. Gaskill, thereupon, quickly clasped
its jaws together, catching its tongue between them, so that
it could not " haul it in" again ; then, holding it to .his mouth,
he proceeded to bite its tongue off and spit it out with per-
fect composure.
By this time quite a crowd was collected around him,
several negro servants among the rest. Now was the time
for fun. So, grasping the snake by the middle until it reared
its head aloft in genuine snake-like style, he rushed impetu-
ously at Bob Daffy, our half-grown assistant nigger cook.
Bob fled in confusion. Gaskill pursued in perfect order,
maintaining an unbroken line. Bob increased his speed.
Gaskill increased his^ and gained on Bob. Bob screamed.
Gaskill yelled. Bob turned blue. Oh, how could he get
away? Surely Gaskill would catcK him. There appeared
to the mind of Bob to be but a single avenue of escape ; he
would jump into the canal, and he ran toward it. It was
about a hundred yards distant ; the intervening space was
very rough; being covered with bushes, heaps of brush,
logs, trees, stumps, gullies, and rocks. Then there was a race.
The spectators cheered. " Run, Bob, run I" shouted some ;
while others shouted, " Catch him, Gaskill," " Bite him, snake,"
etc. Away went Bob, impelled by fear, bouncing over logs,
stumps, and brush-heaps, and across gullies; away went
Gaskill in pursuit, impelled by fun, getting over the ground
as a clown only knows how. Slowly, steadily he gained on
Bob. Boh neared the canal. It. vraa hard, even to get a
WILD SCENES. 115
ducking, but then it was his only hope. His pursuer pressed
him closely — was almost near enough to touch the back of
Bob's woolly knot, with the snake's head. Bob reached the
shore of the canal, and plunged unhesitatingly in — ker-sowze I
Gaskill dashed the snake -after him. Bob went under at
first, but now came to the surface of the water, floundering
desperately. But horror of horrors I He arose exactly at
the point where the snake was floating, and he found it sud-
denly around his neck. It was perfectly harmless of course,
hut I never saw anything equal to poor Bob's terror. His
eyes seemed about to pop out of his head ; his wool for a
moment became stiff and straight, like hogs' bristles, while
his face took that peculiar shade of color commonly called
" grizzly gray."
But Bob happened to be a swimmer, and he began to put
his accomplishments in that line to use. He struck out for
shore, reached it easily, then rushing up the bank to where
Gaskill stood, he pleaded most earnestly —
" Oo — oo — 00 — take him oflfl"
Gaskill humanely complied, removed the creature and
kissed it ; while Bob took the back track to look for his hat,
which he had dropped among the busheiB, during the chase.
Gaskill returned to the admiring crowd, which, during all
this time, had cheered him enthusiastically ; but where was
the snake— his much-loved pet? It was not visible.
" Why, Gaskill, where is your snake ?" was asked.
" It's gone up," he replied.
Yes, it had '*gone up;" but where? Why, up his sleeve,
where he had put it ; and it was a sleeveful, too.
Presently, Gaskill approached a big, fat, greasy cook of
CJompany " F" — a gentleman of pure African blood He was
standing with his hands in his pockets, grinning d la Afrique.
" How are you, old feller ?"* said Gaskill, drawing near and
resting his arm familiarly on Sambo's shoulder
" Pooty well, sah," replied Sam.
" Hot day, old coon," suggested Gaskill.
"Yes, sah, awfuU'
" Had a good old tramp."
''Yes, sah — 00 — oo — muddah! — oo — "
120 OUR BOYS.
Tbe cause of these exclamations of terror was no less a
fact than this — that the snake at that moment came slowly
crawling from GaskilPs sleeve, and its head almost touched
Sambo's black nose.
At this moment Colonel Hayes approached; he did not
appear to be aware of what was going on. Gaskill hastily
thrust the serpent into his sleeve again, and went to meet
him.
*' How do you do, colonel ? — hot day," said Gaskill, hold-
ing out his hand as if to execute that frienSly greeting with
the colonel, known as " shaking hands."
"How are you, Gaskill?" and the colonel extended his
hand.
But, oh, horror I as he did so, the black, shiny head of
the serpent — and its eyes were staring right into his fece— ^
protruded from Gaskill's sleeve, and touched the colonel's
hand.
"Oh!" the colonel almost screamed! "Fire and fury I
You d— d rascal ! What do you mean.?"
" Only an accident, colonel ; I didn't think it could get out.
My gracious ! It might a' bit you !"
" Confound you 1" exclaimed the colonel, as the idea was
thus forcibly presented to his mind ; " has it got teeth ?"
" Yes, a whole mouthful."
" Oh, you — you — y — Gaskill, I want you to have a care
how you act; I like fun, but you musn't go too far," said the
colonel, cooling down.
" All right," said Gaskill, in a business-like way ; " I'll pull
its teeth out before I shake hands with you again."
"You'd better pull 2^ out, too."
" I will "next time, if it's necessary ; but it wasn't necessary
this time, colonel."
"Why so?"
" Because — wasn't it able to crawl out ?"
" I know ; but I don't want you to offer me your hand
again with a snake in your sleeve."
" I won't colonel, I'll hold it in my hand."
The colonel was walking away, and Gaskill called out :—
''Ob, say, colonel, what have yoM m your canteen there?"
WILD SCENES. 121
• " Water," replied the colonel, about to stop.
'* Oh, never mind ; I thought it was whiskey," said Gaskill.
The colonel walked away, muttering : —
" Well, of all the fellows I ever saw, that cuss of a Gaskill
goes ahead!"
There was a gentleman of foreign birth, belonging to Com-
pany " F," whose name was Jimmy "Shields. By some means,
the redoubtable Jimmy had procured '* something," and was,
on this occasion, " tight as a brick."
"Lit me look at yer sarpint," said Jimmy, approaching
Gaskill.
" Well, look at it," said Gaskill.
" But lit me have it in me hands," explained Jimmy.
" I can't trust you with it, Jimmy."
"But I laill have it," said Jimmy.
"But you won'C
" We'll sa about it," said Jimmy, who was a great power-
ful fellow.
" We will sa about it," replied Gaskill, not at all alarmed.
Jimmy then seized the snake by both head and tail, whilo
Gaskill held it by the middle ; he certainly had the advan-
tage in hold. There was a slight struggle for it, when Gas-
kill suddenly executed a jerk which caused the object
contested for to slip greasily from Jimmy's hands. Then
whirling it above his head, he gave Jimmy a wipe across
the face with it, which cracked like a coach-whip.
"Och ! Ye divill" exclaimed Jimmy, rubbing his face.
" Didn't go to do it, Jimmy," said Gaskill, provokingly.
"Ye did,' ye baste. I'll smash ye into smithereens I" ^
" Oh, now, Jimmy, don't ; I didn't go to do it," said Gas
kill, mockingly.
" I'll murther ye I" exclaimed Jimmy.
" Come, Jimmy, let's make it up."
" I'll make ye up, ye bktherin' cuss 1"
" Come, now, Jimmy, you know / don't need making up :
I am very well put together now."
"If ye wasn't so much littler nor me, I'd knock off the
bloody head o' ye," said Jimmy, coming down to that,
" Well, I know h, Jimmy ; come, let \xa take ?). ^\\\^?
122 OUR BOYS.
" Have ye got anything ?" asked Jimmy. lie felt mticb.
better now.
" No, but you have ; that will do as well."
"Divil the drap o' my whiskey ye'U git!" exclaimed
Jimmy, vehemently.
" Oh, yes, come on, Jimmy. I*m going out after a canteen
ful to-night," said Gaskill, coaxingly.
" An' do ye know where to git it ?"
" Yes ; I'll take'you along after we drink yours."
Off they started ; it was now " made up," Jimmy leading
the way to a lonely spot in an adjacent wood, where he had
a large bottle concealed. The bottle was uncorked, and
Gaskill took a pull, and so did Jimmy. Then Jimmy took
a pull, and so did Gaskill, and thus they continued till
Jimmy was so inebriated that he couldn't navigate, and Gas-
kill was moderately " how come ye so."
During all this time Gaskill had kept the snake about
him ; now he thought it time to dispose of it. He coolly cut
its head off with the same knife he generally used to cut his
tobacco with, then skinned it, placing the hide in his pocket
with the remark that he intended to " keep it for a neck-tie."
Next morning we were informed that we were at liberty
to establish our quarters within the large building previously
alluded to, and we at once removed our effects to the house.
Having set everything to rights, we began to prepare for
picket, and ere long were on our way up the canal, relieving,
as we proceeded, the men who went on duty on the after-
noon of the previous day.
^ It was noon when we (Company "D") arrived at the place
allotted to us, which was about three miles up the river.
. We reached it by travelling the only practicable route — the
tow-path of the canal.
We were favored with a tremendous rain during the after-
noon, which lasted for several hours. This was anything
but pleasant, for, aside from getting wet to the skin during
the rain, when night came, the ground became so muddy,
we had no dry place to sleep.
My messmate, Scott, to overcome this evil, so far at leaJst
as he was oaMBfid, procured a tail, and placing it with the
WILD SCENES. • 128
flattest side upward, each end resting upon 'a forked stick
driven into the ground for the purpose, he lay down upon
It, facing the zenith. He thus found himself raised about
two feet from the wet, uncomfortable ground, and was highly
pleased at his success.
" Scott," said I, " are you not afraid of rolling off that rail
and falling into the mud ?"
" Not a bit," replied Scott ; " when I get to sleep, once, I
lie as still as a log."
''Bat a log wouldn't lie on that rail," I argued.
** Because it don't understand how."
"Then you do?" . '>
''Oh, yes." v '
" Yery well. Good night, and pleasant dreams." ^
"Good night 1" he replied, and, closing his eyes, he was
soon snoring away right merrily.
Darkness came on, and it was darkness, too ; the kind of
darkness novelists have so often described as being felt. I
laid my knapsack in the mud by a tree, and sat upon it ; it
was not yet my turn to go on post. A drowsiness crept over
me, and 1 sank into an unpleasant, half- waking sleep. Pre-
sently I was aroused by a singular sound near me. Chuck 1
it went. I turned in the direction, and with great difficulty
, siade out the form and figure of poor Scott. Yes, he bad-
rolled oflf his rail and fallen plump into the mud.
I expected, as a matter of course, to see him spring up;
but he lay perfectly still. So deep was his slumber, that the
sudden transition from rail to mud did not arouse him.
" Scott I Scott !" I exclaimed, shaking him, '* get up I You
have fallen into the mud."
A groan was the reply. •
"I say, Scott," and I gave him an additional shake, accom-
panied with a poke on the ribs, "you'll be drowned! Get
npl"
At last he became conscious. Then he slowly arose, and
with a yawn said —
" Oh, what in thunder did you wake me for ?"
" Wake you for I Do you suppose I would allow a fellow
creature — yes, and a messmate, too, to lie t\\CTe \\\ OcwvX, tc\\\\T''
124 OUR BOYS. •
" But T was sleeping so nicely."
"I should call it anything but nicely."
At that moment my relief was called upon, and I wail
soon on post. The post adjoining mine was occupied by
John Snyder. At the hour of eleven, John and I meeting
in our walk, where our beats joined, halted for a while and
were having a bit of a talk, when an officer came riding
along, and, after being challenged and giving the countersign
in due form, he informed us that two men had been seen
among the bushes between the canal and the river, and that
it was incumbent upon us to keep the strictest watch.
He had but passed on, when we were somewhat startled
by hearing a rustling among the bushes within a few paces
of us. At that time we were standing several yards apart,
and John was nearer the spot from whence the sound pro-
ceeded than I was. He accordingly demanded : —
" Who comes there ?"
He had but uttered the words when a man sprang up
within ten feet of him, and rushed deeper into the bushes.
*' Halt r* shouted John, cocking his piece.
John had seen the man, but I had only heard him. All
was now still. I was beside John in a moment. We listened:
Nothing but our own suppressed breathing could be heard
Could the prowler have stopped ?
" Who are you ?" I asked, raising my voice.
No reply.
" Come out, I say."
All was still.
"John," said I, "why didn't you fire/"
"Why, I— I— I didn't think."
" Oh, I vrtsh I had seen him I I think I would . have
plugged him."
We now sent word along the line that a man had been
seen ; and the captain soon came to our post and asked for
the particulars.. We explained all. He then took a squad
of men and went into the thicket ; but it was so dark they
dare not venture to scatter much. Their search was fruitless,
and they returned ; all was quiet once more. Scarcely ten
minutes later, John and I heard, a little further up the canal.
WILl; SCENES. . 126
a sound similar to that caused by the breaking of a twig.
We hurried to the spot, and were just in time to hear some
one rushing away through the bushes at the rate of two-
forty. Bang! bang I went our muskets; but the footsteps
were still heard, and continued to be till they died away in
the distance^ The sound of our muskets soon brought the
captain to the spot.
" Have you seen him again ?" he asked,
" No, but we've heard him."
" Confound him, we must find him I"
Another search was made, but in vain ; 410 one could bo
found, and the hunt was given up.
The night wore unpleasantly away. When morning came,
every nook and corner of the thickets was searched ; but no
one could be found. Tracks were to be seen, however, and
evidently some one had been there — a spy fVom beyond the
river, no doubt. How he had managed to get across the
river was a mystery.
During the search of the morning— I participated in it — I
was at one time standing by the river gazing across at the .
opposite shore^ — the wooded shore of Virginia — when I saw
a man glide suddenly from one tree to anothqr.
Bang I went my musket, and a ball and three buckshot
went flying across toward the gentleman. Its echoes had
not yet died away when a small wreath of blue smoke burst
from among the bushes beyond the river, and the next
instant a bullet struck the surface of the water a little to my
left and front. I reloaded, took my position behind a tree,
and watched for a long time, in hopes to again see the smoke
of the rebel's gun. But in vain. Nothing but trees and
bushes could be seen on the opposite shore. Near eleven
o'clock we were relieved by the first division of the. regi-
ment, and we marched down the river to our place of
rendezvous.
That night was a night of general carousing within the
building ; for a quantity of whiskey had found its way into
our niidst, and any' number of the boys were gloriously tight.
The performances were opened by an interesting rough-and-
cumble fight between Bob Young and one of our sergeants
126 OUR UOYS.
— Sergeant Moth. Now it is bad enough for two sergeants
to fight, but just twice as bad for a sergeant to step down
and have a knock with a private soldier ; for a non-oommifl*
sioned officer should set an example of orderly conduct to
be followed by the men.
However, Bob commenced it. He was a very quarrel-
some man at the best ; but when under the stirring influence
of intoxicating drink, he was truly savage. Fight seemed
to be a kind of second nature of his — part of him, in fact
As Sergeant Moth was slightly inebriated on this occasion^
and was by no gieans the most mild-tempered man in exist-
ence, it is not to be wondered at that they got "at it."
Bob's tongue was going at a great rate, when Seirgeant
Moth, with ill-concealed vexation, though he tried to appear
calm, remarked that he wished Bob would be kind enough
to make a little less noise. Bob retorted that he wouldn't —
not he— and, what was more, that Sergeant Moth couldnt
make him keep quiet, "nor any other man;" "that was what
was the matter."
' If you don't stop, I'll try it, at least," said the sergeant
" Ye'd better try that on," said Bob, sneeringly ; he was
nearly twice as large as the sergeant.
•* I will try it on," said the latter.
"Will you, though?" And Bob rushed dead at him.
They grabbed each other ; there was a struggle of half a
minute's duration, when they both came down upon the floor
with a force that shook the building — the sergeant upper-
most.
" 0-ho 1" he exclaimed, exultingly.
" No, you don't," said Bob, attempting to whirl him under.
'* Yes, I do," said Sergeant Moth ; and he firmly held Bob
o it.
" Ye bloody swelt, hi'U tear your heyes hout !" exclaimed
Bob, who, as the reader will readily infer, was of cocknej
birth — a native of London.
" Oh, I've sTot vou," said the sergeant.
" 'Ave ye, t'l ^ i\\ ? Hif hi get 'old hof your 'air, hi'll fix
you."
By a desM[^^eflfort he did svicci^^d. voi getting " 'old" of
WILD SCENES. 12/
Sergeant Moth's "'air," and having done so, he drew him
close to him, holding him there not very tenderly. Unfor-
tunately, the sergeant had long hair, and his efiforts to disen-
gage himself were fruitless.
" 'Ave ye got henough ?" asked Bob.
The sergeant did not reply; disliking to give it up so
soon.
" Hi'U 'old ye 'ere till doomsday," suggested Bob, violently.
To the sergeant this appeared like a long time to remain
m a position so irksome, and he said —
" Pull him oflF, boys."
We thought it a rather difficult task to pull Bob off, when
he was underneath ; so we just pulled him " out from under."
He was then persuaded to release his hold upon the sergeant's
hair, and he arose, looking the very image of victory.
"Hare ye defeated?" he asked.
The only reply was a malignant scowl.
Bob, now that his hand was in, proceeded to get up a little
row with one John Swearer, whom he did not seem to like.
This he did, sans ceremonies by pitching right into him and
giving him a black eye. A number of others now got at it,
and had any one stood without, listening, and not knowing
just how things were, he might have imagined that ten
thousand fiends had been turned loose, and were having a
nice little time to themselves within.
It is impossible to say how long such conduct might have
been carried on, had not the officer of the guard given us a
call, and made several arrests. After that, all became quiet,
and we fell asleep.
Next day we went on picket again — this time going down
the river instead of up.
The scene was a wild, a picturesque one. Such a one as
Nature — only Nature — is capable of producing. The river
there is but eighty yards in width. The shores are of equal
height, and consist of ragged walls of rock which rise one
hundred and fifty feet above the surface of the stream. At
the base flow the waters of the Potomac through a channel
which, while it is but eighty yards wide, is sixty-five feQ,\» m
128 OUB BOYS.
The water appeared to be of a dark green hue, and from
its great depth flows so slowly that it can scarcely be seen
to move at all. The surface is generally^smooth and unbroken
as a mirror. On the brink of the rocky walls, which are
perpendicular, a few dwarf pines and c^ars are growing;
while here and there tufts of yellow moss are carelessly
spread over the rocky surface by Nature's hand. It is
generally silent there ; all is seclusion — all the wildest lone-
liness.
There the rocky waUs are of wildnoBB rare ;
And the towering cliffs are nearly bare,
Though the yellow^ moss is growing there.
And the stunted pines and the cedars grow
On the rugged heights ; while, far below,
The dark-greon waters silently flow.
There scarcely a sound is ever heard,
Save the wildest note of some lonely bird—
Of a hawk, or a crow, that may sail above.
Or the plaintive " coo" of the turtle-dove.
#
Or, at dead of night, when they are stiU,
The startling cry of the whip-poor-will ;
Or the chirp of a cricket, which, free from cart.
May lurk in some lonely crevice there.
During the night which followed, several shots were fired
on both sides; but those of the rebels struck harmlessly
against the rocks. It was prudent on our part to conceal
our persons as much as possible, for to expose them to view
was to run the risk of " catching it."
Next morning, an hour after sunrise, a group of ns was
collected near a large rock, watching for the appearance of
some indiscreet rebel, when one of OUR BOYS remarked —
" I guess they are afraid to show themselves ; well not get
a shot at — "
At that moment a voice, evidently proceeding from the
opposite rocky shore, was heard to call out — ,
"H-i-l-l-o-ar
For a moment we were silent, and presently the call was
repeated.
O £ of 01(^30 YS, answered \t with —
J .
WILD SCENES. 129
^HaUool"
**Do you see me ?" asked the voice.
''No," was answered.
**I see yoM," came from the other shore.
We could see no one, and were silent. The voice con-
tinued —
"Are you not afraid I'll shoot you ?"
No answer.
Again the persevering voice was heard.
" u I come out and show myself to have a talk, will you
shoot me?"
"No. Come out."
"Honor bright?"
" Have no fear ; we are men who can act honorably, even
with our enemies."
" Here I am, then," and the owner of the voice — a rebel
officer — stepped boldly from a clump of cedars, and stood
exposed to view on the brink of the rocky precipice beyond
the channel.
All fears were now removed, and we all stepped unhesitat-
ingly from our place of concealment, and stood upon the
bare rocks, where we could be plainly seen.
" To what regiment do you belong ?" asked the rebel offi-
cer, by way of opening the conversation.
"Eighth Pennsylvania Eeserves," was the reply.
" What part are you from ?" *
"Pittsburg."
" What is your coloners name ?"
"George S. Hayes."
"Tour captain's?"
"Conner."
" Well, gentlemen, I should like to establish an armistice
at this point, for to-day at least ; are you willing ?"
"Tes— ohyesl"
" Then ve will not shoot at each other to-day ?"
"No. We will not violate the truce."
" Now, gentlemen, we can have a talk. Of course, we need
not disclose anything of importance."
"Bight, sir — may we ask what regiment yo\]L\^\oTL^\*oT
*^
130 OUR BOYS.
" Tliirteenth Virginia Cavalry."
•'You are one of its officers?"
" Yes, I am captain of Company " C ;" my name is AnirtfW
L. Pitner."
To repeat all the conversation that followed would be a
task, indeed. The war was talked of, the soldier's life was
discussed, jokes were perpetrated freely ; but one little cir-
cumstance occurred, during the conversation, which made an
impression on my mind that time can never efface. It was
as follows : —
One of our boys held up a pack of cards, and called out—
" Do you know what this is ?"
Several other rebels had, by this time, joined the officer,
who acted as spokesman, and continued to carry on the
conversation.
" I cannot see what it is at this distance," he replied.
" I'll tell you," said the owner.
"What?"
" The ' history of the four kings'*,''^ was the significant reply.
" Oh, yes — ^that's — yes, I understand now — cards, I believer
"Yes."
"May I show you the history /read?" asked the rebel
"Yes, sir, if you please."
Placing his hand to his breast, the rebel officer drew from
a side pocket the most blessed of all books, a small BIBLE.
Ah, what a reproach !' Not that it was meant as a reproach,
for it was done with the innocence and simplicity of a child;
but to witness such an exhibition of superior morals in one'
upon whom we looked as being a rebel — an insurgent— was
truly abasing. Surely, that man believed he was fighting
on the right side! How I should like to know whether he
is yet living ! Many, on our side, who came to the rocky
brink and conversed with him on that day of armistice, have
passed away forever.
I do not remember who the soldier was that exhibited the
pack of cards to the rebel officer ; but there is one thing I
do remember ; and that is, that he felt the reproof so sensibly^
that, after standing for a moment gazing vacantly upon the
cards as he held them m \i\s \i2L\id, and listlessly twisting
WILD SCENES. 181
omers, lie threw them over the brink, and away they
sailing and flattering as they slowly descended to the
I waters many a fathom below.
' and by one of the rebel soldiers asked : —
P I swim over to you, will you allow me to return ?"
!'es, certainly I" was the reply.
'hen I'll come," said he ; and, walking to a point a little
er down the stream, he climbed over the precipice — ^it
lot so steep there — to the water's edge, doffed his cloth-
md plunged in.
i was a good swimmer, and soon reached the Maryland
I. We also walked down to the point at which he was
Lng, and met him at the water's edge. A great-coat
given him to cast about his shoulders. Then the con-
tion was opened. He told us that they believed their
I was just — ^that had we been born south of the Potomac,
K), had been enlisted in the rebel cause. He expressed
3grets that, in the course of events, Virginia must fight
ist Pennsylvania, her sister State. He would almost as
ght the South Carolinians,* but he thought he was doing
aty by enlisting in the cause of his State,
nong other things, a green-back was shown him,vupon
1 was the President's likeness.
>o you know who that man is ?" was asked,
"es," replied the Virginian, smiling, " and I wish he and
eff. Davis were obliged to come here and do picket duty
; the Potomac ; I don't think the war would last long
it were the case."
would have been the strangest thing in the world if
ier had allowed our " secesh" friend to depart without
relating to him one of his " solemn truths ;" accordingly,
jgan :—
say, partner, are you troubled any with muskeeters over
way at night ?"
Tes," was the reply ; *' we can scarcely sleep for them."
iat's our fix," said Winder. Then, after grinning for a
eiit, he continued : —
lie reader majrbave seen an account of this ciroTimataTice itv aom^ cA
Mo papers, for I know it found ita way to the preda nol \o\\% SL^V.'St.
132 OUR BOYS.
" Would you believe it, sir, they troubled me so, hA
night, that I got some of our boys to turn a Iwge iron kettle
over me ?"
"That kept them away, I suppose?"
"Not a bit of it ; they still came singing around, and alight*
ing on the kettle, they actually stuck their bills clear through
it, although the iron was an inch thick."
" What did you do then ?" asked the rebel, smiling.
"Oh, I just laid there, using my bayonet for a hammer
and clinching their bills on the inside so that they could not
get away."
"You had them nicely, then," remarked the Virginian.
" Why — ^yes — for a while it worked very well ; but by and
by I fastened so many to the kettle that they actually flew
away with it."
Winder finished with a grin, and the rebel laughed
heartily ; soon after, he took his departure, plunged into the
water again, and was soon standing on the Virginia shore,
feeling fully satisfied and convinced that the "Yankees" were
not the most barbarous animals in the world, after all.
Two of OUR BOYS swam over with him, and remained for
half an hour on the Virginia side talking with the rebels ;
after which they returned ad libitum.
Our week passed rapidly away. On the evening of the
following Monday, the Eleventh regiment arrived at the Falls
and relieved us. It was dark by the time this was accom*
plished, and we were informed that we would not start for
Tenallytown till morning. I was about to lie down in a
comer of the apartment we occupied, when Winder, carrying
his knapsack in his hand, approached me and said —
"It's so confounded cold, in here, let us go out under one
of those sheds and sleep."
" I think I will," I replied ; for I was beginning to feel
most forcibly the oppressive heat within the building where
so many were sleeping. Of course it was hot, for didnt
Winder say it was cold?
I gathered my effects together and accompanied him to
the shed. We lay down together beneath it, and were aeon
WILD SCENES. 188
oblivious to all events, save such as ever and anon flitted
across the dreamy imagination.
We had no means of knowing how long we had slept,
when aroused by some one standing over and shaking us
alternately, as though we were anything but eggs.
" Boys I boys I I say, boys I" he called ; and I wondered
how he knew that we were boys there in the dark. We might
have been officers for all he knew to the contrary.
''What's up?" I asked.
"Tow ought to be up," he replied.
"Why?"
" What regimenti do you belong to ?"
''Our regiment — the Eighth, you know."
" Why, that's gone long ago."
"What?"
"The Eighth left at nine o'clock."
" And what time is it now ?
"Two."
" Why, our orders were to be ready to start in the morn-
ing."
"Yes, but your colonel concluded that in order to avoid
the heat of the day he would march to Tenallytown to-night."
"Then you belong to the Eleventh?"
"Yes."
The speaker, who was an oflBicer of the Eleventh, left us,
and we held a consultation, the question at issue being,
whether we should arise and go at once, or sleep on and wait
for morning? After some deliberation we came to the same
wise conclusion that Colonel Hayes did with regard to the
regiment, viz., that by going at once we would avoid the
heat of the coming day.
We packed our knapsacks, buckled on our accoutrements^
and started upon the lone, solitary road leading to Tenally-
town. The regiment we were told had taken the old road,
and not the one by the river. This lay fully two miles up,
but there was at this point a by-road leading to it. We as-
cended the high river hill and sawj to our delight, the full moon
just peeping from behind the eastern horizon. It, '^^^ %ciQi\i
high in the unclouded heavens, and shining \>n^\\^ • ^V<5Cw
134 OUR BOYS.
about' half-way to the main road, we were challenged by »
sentry who, with a sabre in his hand, was slowly walking
his beat by a small encampment. We had not the counter-
sign, but telling him who we were and how we came to be
leTt behind, he was satisfied. He informed us that he belonged
to a battery which had arrived early in the night, and asked
a series of questions relative to what we had seen during our
stay at the Falls. Here, then, was an opportunity for Win-
der, and he began —
" You'll be apt to have some fun with that battery of
yours."
" Why ?" asked the artilleryman.
" Because the rebels on the other side of the river are just
preparing to open out with eighty guns."
" Now, you don't mean it ?"
" Yes, I do. No doubt they will begin to-morrow."
'* But how did you find out about them ?"
" Me ? Didn't I see them ?"
"What! Did you?"
" Yes ; I swam over there last night. Colonel Hayes found
out that I was a good swimmer, and he sent me over W »
spy. It was a long swim.
" Why ? How wide is the river down there ?"
" Haven't you been down, yet ?"
\^' "No."
" Well, it's only a mile and a half."
" And did you see all those guns ?"
"Yes."
" What size are they 7"
" Why, the smallest I saw were about as big as that oa^
there," said Winder, pointing to a brass twelve-pound©^
which stood near, bravely glittering in the moonlight.
" Then some were larger, I suppose ?" ,
" Yes, they had a few that I might crawl into comfortably.
' Merciful Moses I Won't we have a time ?" - '
" That you will."
" All right ; I want to try my hand," said the artilleryman 5
and he really seemed to wish for a fight with the rebels.
^' Come^ on, Dave, let us go,''^ aa\dl,\.o Winder; for he wa^
YIBGDOA. 185
g to tell another, and I knew that if let alone, he
ind there and lie all night.
silked on.
3 the moonlit horizon of the east was melting into
er light of day, we plodded into camp, having
le pickets without difficulty. We felt weary, and at
down to rest.
this time we received an additional number of
that, thereafter, only five men were to occupy each
rnebodymust leave our tent; much against the
►f Scott and Mitchel, I consented to go. I was
solicited by Corporal Dee to come into the one he
I did so, and now found myself in a new mess,
y of Corporal Dee, Dave Hazen, Tom Fenster, and —
id Cease, the gentleman from the mountains, who
shell strike a man in the stomach far over in Vir-
id the same who had the fight with Galvesti. By
the latter gentleman had now left the tent and gone
her.
was nothing very remarkable about the first three
' my mess ; but there was about Cease. He excelled
in the art of lying. This looks incredible, but it is
Winder did once, in an unguarded moment, actually
3 truth ; but it is confidently asserted of Mr. Cease,
10 know him, that he never so far forgot himself.
. CHAPTER X.
VIRGINIA.
P this time our much-esteemed second lieutenant,
/larke, was commissioned second lieutenant in Cap-
ball's battery, in the regular army, and left^ns.
)rry to lose him, we yet rejoiced at his good fortune,
ir began to be evident that we must ^oo\i ercci^ "vki^
186 OUR BOYS.
Potomac, and take up our abode in Virginia. Every day
marching orders were issued for the day following ; but were
as often countermanded. September wore away. We X^ero
dt5stined to go on picket once more in Maryland, and, is
usual, had a nice time of it ; but nothing worthy of note
transpired. On returning to camp, we learned that our divi-
sion was now divided into three brigades. The first brigade
— it consisted of the First, Second, Fifth, and Eighth regi-
ments — was commanded by General John F. Eeynolds;*
the second. General George G. Meade ;t the third, by Gtenend
E. 0. C. Ord4 General George A. McCall, as I have pre-
viously stated, commanded the division.
After returning from picket, we had just " broken ranka^"
when Captain Conner approached me, and said : —
"After you have laid aside your accoutrements, report
yourself to me at my quarters."
" I will," I replied ; and wondered what he wanted with
me.
After divesting myself of a few trifling encumbrances, viz,
knapsack, haversack, canteen, cartridge-box, belt, bayonet-
scabbard, and musket, I repaired to the captain's quarters.
He then explained : —
" Our company has been called upon to furnish an orderly
for General i^^ynolds, who commands our brigade — we are
in the First — if you wish, you may trv it."
"Orderly?"
"Yes."
" That's— that is— what is that ?"
" A man to carry dispatches or orders to the several regi-
ments — it is easy work."
"Well, ril try it." * ,
" Then you may go over to his quarters, those tents on the .r
hill across yonder, and report yourself to Captain Kingsbury,,
aide-de-camp."
* Afterward promoted to major-general, and kiUed at the battle of
Gettysburg.
f Subsequently commander of the Army of the Potomac.
X The '*hero of Drainesville ;'' since promoted to major-general, and
fkppointed to a command in the Western Army.
VIRGINIA. 187
** Thank you;** and I walked over to the tents pointed out
to me by Captain Conner.
"I found Captain Kingsbury in one of them; but the
general was absent. Captain K. informed me that my duty
would be to carry orders, written or verbal, to any of the
regiments of the brigade.
Several times, during the day, I was sent out in this way,
but did not know whether to like it or not. One of our
BOYS who had once been in the regular service, told me that
it was considered a slight honor to be orderly for a general ;
but for the life of me I couldn't see it. To sit or stand all
the time within hearing of the voice of the general or his aid,
and to start at the word, "orderly!" didn't exactly suft
my disposition.
Although about the beginning of October, the day was
extremely hot and sultry. As evening came on, huge, inky
clouds began to make their appearance above the north-
western horizon, banking up and rolling over one another.
No breeze stirred ; the leaves and the branches of the trees
hung motionless. Surely we would have a storm. I was
standing just without the general's tent, gazing abstractedly
upon the mountains of clouds which were boiling up, as it
were, in the northwest, when a low, mumbling noise was
borne to my ears, followed by a moaning sound. Suddenly
the branches of a pine-tree above my head stirred slightly,
and a breeze that felt almost hot touched my cheek as it
crept by. By and by the clouds came nearer, affd the forked
lightning could be seem making paths across them ; the
thunder began to be more distinctly heard, and the breeze,
at first slight, became a gale.
The light of day began to give place to the gloom of night ;
and the heavy clouds made the darkness thick, except when,
at intervals, vivid flashes of lightning held everything out
most glaringly to view. The gale swelled into a perfect
storm ; the thunder began to roll sa»vagely ; the heavy clouds
were approaching, crowding and thronging together as
though the heavens were too small a place to adbommodate
them. On thev came. A terrific clap of thunder followed ;
a brilliant flash of lightning vibrated on the air and shook
188 OUB BOTS.
tlie earth ; then a few heavy drops of rain came pattering
down, and presently a large hailstone struck the vizor of my
cap with a startling " click ;" and I took shelter beneath the
ample canvas of General Eeynolds' tent. The storm now
burst forth in all its terrible grandeur. The rain no longer
dropped or poured, but came down with a continuous splash;
myriads of hailstones came rattling upon the canvas of the
tent ; the angry lightnings kept the earth lighted up with
one continual glare ; the thunders maintained an incessant
roar that made the earth tremble ; the raging winds threatened
to tear everything from the earth — root and branch. I
began to feel alarmed for the stability of the tent which
sheltered me. It flapped ominously in the wind ; it swayed
to and fro. Here a pin was torn from the ground ; while
there a cord was snapped. Certainly it was going to go.
At last the entire side facing the storm was torn from Vne
ground ; the wind puffed in and filled the tent, and it began
to rise. I clung to it with a desperation rarely equalled.
But away it went, lifting me ten feet into the air. In fact,
it was beginning to fly off with me, when, letting go, down I
came to the ground, alighting horizontally in a bed of water
and hail that was four inches deep. Then the hail went to
beating me : slap I slap I crack I crack I bat 1 bat ! It seemed
to me that the hailstones were all falling right where /feU.
I sprang up, and discovered that my cap had come off my
head; and a score of hailstones, about the size, and with
something of the impetuosity of grape-shot, came beating
about my ears. I was almost stunned — bewildered; the
lightning blinded me. I stooped to look for my cap, I
couldn't hokf but, feeling for it, my hand touched the rim.
How fortunate I I wondered that it had not been blown
away. I hastily picked the article up, and placed it on my
head, with a quart of water inside. But where now should
I go ? I set my wits to work. Oh, yes ! There was another
of the general's tents still standing, in which he kept his
papers. With much difficulty I succeeded in finding my
way thither. I rushed in, more dead than alive, and found
Captain Kingsbury already there.
^'Tbumierationr I breatihle^aly exclaimed. It was very
VISGINIA. 139
appropriate, too, for at that moment a terrific clap of thunder
pealed forth as though it were in the very tent, and a tree
standing ten or fifteen paces off was shivered to splinters.
The storm raged fearfully for an hour, then rolled away
toward the southeast, teavingthe ground coated with hail to
the thickness of three or four inches. The clouds floated
slowly away ; the stars one by one peeped out ; the air be-
came cool, and the night turned out clear and pleasant.
General Reynolds soon rode up, gave his horse into the
care of a darkey, and entered the tent. He was somewhat
above the medium height, well-formed, but rather slight in
build — had a stern face with black whiskers and moustaches,
from which a set of beautiful white teeth now and then peeped
forth — black hair, and dark, piercing, penetrating eyes. His
look and manner denoted uncommon coolness, and he spoke
not unpleasantly. His countenance was one not likely to
encourage familiarity ; his age, perhaps, thirty-eight.
At ten o'clock he told me that I was at liberty to go to
my quarters ; but that I must report next morning at eight.
On reaching the camp of the regiment, I found about one-
half the tents non est, in fact, gone up. Fortunately, my own
had stood firm, and I at once entered, wet and cold as I was,
and was soon asleep, dreaming of being thrown into the
Atlantic Ocean, near the middle, with liberty to swim either
to Europe or America as I might choose.
Next day I was sent about seven times to each regiment
in the brigade, and about four times with documents to
division head-quarters, which, being reckoned up, amounts to
thirty-two little journeys. I got off at nine o'clock on that
evening, and on arriving in our camp the captain asked me
how I liked it "over there." I replied that I liked "over
there" ve^ well, but that I wasn't there a minute at a tim
without being sent elsewhere, which was peculiarly unplea-
sant. He then informed me that, if I desired, he would, the
next morning, send another in my ^tead, for which I thanked
him, and thus ended my experience as a " general's orderly."
The first week of October had passed away, and we were
standing in groups in our company street one evening dis-
140 OUR BOYS.
cussing the prospects of receiving marching orders^ wlea
Captain Conner made his appearance and said —
" Boys, pack up, and strike your tents."
Marching orders ! Marching orders I" was sboated
on all sides ; and we did pack up, add strike our tents vitb
remarkable alacrity.
Soon the bugle sounded the welcome call of the "assemUy"
and the cry of "Fall in!" was reiterated on all sides. We
marched over the Chain Bridge, and at last were in Vlfr
GINIA.
We halted and bivouacked for the night about four mite
out on the Georgetown and Leesburg turnpike. Early the fd-
lowing morning we moved on a mile further, then filed off
the road- into a clover-field on the right, and encamped.
Having pitched our tents, we proceeded to scour the surround-
ing country to see what we could find in the way of beana^
potatoes, fruit, etc. The houses were all deserted ; the in-
habitants having fled upon our approach, leaving fumituTe
and all, fearing, no doubt, that were they to remain, we would
eat them alive, as a matter of course-.-Yankees that we were.
CHAPTER XL
CAMP PIERPONT.
Early on the following morning, before the dawn of day,
we were aroused to go on picket ; it was Sunday*moming;
too. We marched a mile and a half from camp, by the pike,
and halted ; having gained the summit of a long range of
hills running at right angles with the pike. The river, which
ran parallel with the pike, was about a mile from it. Upon
this range of hills our picket line was established — ^the right
resting upon the Potomac, and the left connecting with the
pickets of General Smith's division. We were not fistributed
CAMP PIBBPONT. 141
in squads, as was our wont in Maryland, but each company
was divided into three reliefs, as in camp guard, and a certain
space was allotted to it.
As soon as the first relief was posted, we proceeded to do
(mr butchering, that is, to collect what stray sheep, hogs or
cattle might chance to lurk in that vicinity, and appropriate
them to our own use. This was, perhaps, rather arbitrary,
but it could not be helped, for as the owners had fled to
wcessiondom, it was impossible for us to ask their permission
to deal thus summarily with their unfortunate animals. I
»m sure the reader will not censure us for butchering on the
Sabbath, for had we not secured the valuable steaks, hams,
mutton, etc., somebody else would before the morrow.
George Wagner, my ex-messmate, was a butcher by trade,
sad he superintended the proceeding ; it was done aright,
you may depend. We had just strung up the sixth hapless
animal, in our business-like way, when a body of mounted
TBBm was seen on the right moving toward us. Evidently
some general, accompanied by his staff, was approaching us.
Horror I it would never do for him, whoever it might be, to
see what kind of work was going on. So we hurriedly took
down the bodies of the animals, piled them up in a fence-
comer, and covered them with straw taken from a neighbor-
ing bam. We had but carried out this nice little arrange-
ttentj when the head of the approaching cavalcade passed by.
Who should it be riding in advance but General McClellan,
accompanied by General McCall. A number of staff officers
and a small squad of cavalry followed them, " Little Mac"
J^tuming the salute of each sentinel, in a pleasant way, and
^thout seeming to deem it a condescension ; now and then
lilting for a moment to give a passing word of instruction.
The day wore away, and, although it was supposed that
^c rebels were near, and they certainly were, we were not
disturbed. Night came. I went on post at ten o'clock,
and was relieved at twelve. Then I wrapped my blanket
aiound me and lay down for the purpose of sleeping from
that time till four in the morning, when I should go on post
•pkin. It appeared to me that I had barely closed my eyes,
whea I was arouised bj one of the sergeants \v\l\i —
112 OUB B0T8.
'• Come, get up, Second Belief! — I don't see liow you can
sleep in all this rain."
*' in what ?" I asked in surprise, scarcely knowing whew
I was ; and I removed my blanket and found that it ¥M
raining decently, and that I was wet to the skin. It was i
cold rain, too."
" How long has it been raining?" I asked.
*•' Three hours," replied Sergeant Cue, for it was he.
"Three hours; is it possible ?"
" Not only possible, but probable ; not only probable, but
very certain."
I arose, feeling anything but comfortable, and was soon <m
post. A stiff, cool breeze was blowing, and it caused me to
shiver not a little. But — would you believe it — ^I felt per-
fectly content. I felt that the hardships attending the life
of a soldier had now actually begun, and took pnde in the
thought that I was permitted to suffer for my country;
When morning came, we returned. Our new camp irafl
called " Camp Pierpont," and was situated near the village
of Langley. A stream of water wound its way adown a gentle
valley near its location, and as there were no springs at hand,
we used the pure water from the- " bubbling brook." Several
days had elapsed, when we observed that the water of the
stream, though at first clear and transparent, became rather
whitish — began to put on a milky appearance. We paid no at-
tention to it, however, supposing it to be a peculiarity belong-
ing to the streams of benighted Virginia. We continued to
use the water for a week before we discovered the true cause
Then it came with a startling vengeance. It was simply
that the boys of a regiment encamped further up the stream
had been all this time industriously washing their garmefnU
in it, using a superior quality of rosin soap ;• hence -that
milky appearance. I need not say that springs came into
immediate use, notwithstanding their non -proximity.
About this time an election was held for second lieutenant^
made vacant ty the transfer of Lieutenant Clark to the regular
army. Sol. Krepps, our first-sergeant, was elected.
Que day, not long after our goirg into camp, an order was
issued to have a " brigade diiW" W^ ^qtq to be drilled by
CAMP PIEBPONT. 148
rigadier-General Eeynolds, and were to wear our
cks, containing, at least, our blankets. This was done
5 might become accustomed to wearing them by the
e should engage in active operations.
, for the life of me, I couldn't just see it in the right
I thought it would be time enough for this 8xtra
when necessity should require it. But it wouldn't
bsobey orders, so I packed a quantity of straw in mine,
made it very light, indeed, scarcely heavier than the
ulk of nothing.
packed my knapsack an hour before drill-time, I laid
1 within my tent and walked out. Corporal Dee, who
served the operation, thought that a better opportunity
petrating a practical joke is not in the habit of pre-
itself to mortals. Accordingly, procuring a stone
ig six pounds and five ounces, he slipped it in among
iw. When the call was sounded to fall in, I hurriedly
i on my knapsack, without noticing the generous
Q to its weight. But I must say that, during the drill
followed, I thought '^01 mere straw it pulled rather
• upon my shoulders. At length General Eeynolds
nd for an hour we were carefully instructed in various
vres, many of which were new to us. The colonels
everal regiments were also instrtlcted on many points,
re had brought with us, according to orders, twenty
blank cartridge, in our cartridge-boxes, we were
A in line of battle, before leaving the field, to try our
t firing. This was pretty well done by all hands.
e fired by brigade, then by battalion, then by division,
' company, then by platoon, then by rank, then by file,
me, General Eeynolds informed the colonels that the
15 at an end, and, accompanied by his staff, he rode
16 field. The First, Second, and Fifth regiments were
d off at once by their colonels, but Colonel Hayes
i he would keep his regiment in the field for a short
•r he had taken a fancy to that firing, and wanted to
gain — ^to give his regiment an additional lesson. No
had the other regiments left, than we were ordered ta
Then the colonel commanded —
144 OUB BOYS.
"Battalion — ready— aim — pibb 1" y^^-
Bang I went all our muskets in one volley.
The colonel's horse started slightly, but was quiet ia i
moment. The colonel proceeded —
" Battalion, load at will— foarf /"
A» rattling and singing of rammers followed. He thai
resumed —
"Battalion, fire by file— commence firing!"
All who have ever been in the field are aware of the
tremendous and prolonged rattle caused by " firing by file.**
At first, the colonel's horse started. As the firing continued
the horse began to rear and plunge, as only a horse knows
how, to the great discomfiture of the rider, who with diffi-
culty maintained his seat.
" Cease^firing /" he shouted.
No attention was paid him. The deafening rattle of
musketry continued.
" Cease — firing 1" he screamed.
He was not heard ; he was in rear of us, and was not even
seen. The frightened horse started to run ; the colonel
endeavored to keep his head toward us. Then a struggle e
commenced. I looked around about this time, and beheld a
sight which I shall never forget. The terrified horse was s
standing perfectly upright, executing the most fearful leaps,
one after another ; while poor Colonel Hayes was clinging
on by mane and rein, with truly Spartan-like tenacity. Ever
and anon, as he could spare one of his hands, he would wave
it wildly toward us, still shrieking : —
"Cease firing 1"
At length the line officers ordered us to "cease firing,"
and the colonel rode up, almost breathless, and exclaimed : —
" Why, you are a d — d set of fellows 1"
We doubted it, but did not say so ; and the colonel, having
had quite enough of the firing, set about marchings us to
camp. It so happened that about one-half the muskets of
the regiment still contained a charge, as we had been abruptly
stopped right in the midst of a glorious "blazing away.
We had but right-faced, and were marching toward camp,
CAMP PIERPONT. 146
when one of our boys thought it would be no harm to let his
musket off; so, bang I it went.
. " Stop that firing," said the colonel, turning in his saddle ;
for it made his horse restive.
He had but turned away, when bang! went another
musket. The colonel's horse became somewhat angry, and
the colonel himself far more so ; he turned and broke out : —
" D— n it to h— 11 1 Stop that infernal firing 1"
He rode on again, but the next moment, bang! went
another piece. The colonel turned his horse about, and rode
impetuously toward the left of the regiment from whence
the shot proceeded.
*' Who was that ?" he demanded.
Bang! went another musket; this time near the right.
The colonel turned about; rode rapidly thither, and, with an
oath, commonly called a " sweetener," roared out peremp-
torily : —
" Who the h— 11 fired that gun ?"
Bang! again, this time near the centre. Colonel Hayes
turned in that direction, when bang ! went one immediately
behind him. He again turned him about — his face livid
with vexation and rage — but had barely done so, when bang !
bang 1 bang ! crack ! crack ! bang ! went half-a-dozen, toward
the lefl and centre.
The colonel became so fierce that a reaction took place :
and, with a calmness that was awful, he commanded : —
"Battalion, Aaft/"
The regiment — it had been moving during all this time —
halted.
The colonel then faced the men, and commanded : —
"Front!"
We faced to the front.
"Centre— rfrcss/" continued the colonel.
We soon formed a line.
" Order — arrm /" he went on.
Our muskets came solidly down upon the ground.
"Parade— res^/"
We stood at a " parade-rest." ,
The colonel then rode directly opposite the centre, stood
146 OUR BOT&
straight up in bis stirrups, lifted his right hand solemnly
above his head, and in a slow measured tone, said : —
"Eighth Eegiment, Pennsylvania Reserves, I swear by all
that's terrible, that if another musket is discharged, I'll placQ
every officer in the regiment under arrest and keep them so
till I discover the offender ; and when I do discover him—
d — n him — I'll put him into the guard-house for six montbs
— a ball-and-chain to each ankle — his hands tied behind him
— a three-inch gag in his mouth 1 Mark tlvatl — ^Attention,
battalion !— Shoulder — arms I Right — face I Forward—
march /"
It is needless to say that we reached camp without further
interruption.
I found myself alone in my tent, my messmates having all
gone out, when I began to unpack my knapsack and to re-
move the straw. Imagine my surprise when that delicate
stone placed in it by Corporal Dee presented itself to my
view.
"Ah," I exclaimed; "no wonder I thought it rather
heavy ; I see it all, now !"
I did not know who was the perpetrator of the joke, but
saw plainly that a trick had been practised upon me, and
resolved to find out the guilty party. I quickly removed
the stone, carried it away, and procured a brick, which I
placed in its stead. By and by my messmates were all
assembled within the tent, when, pretending to read for a short
time, I at last feigned to be tired, laid the paper down,
yawned, rubbed my eyes, and carelessly said —
" I guess it's time I was unpacking my knapsack ; I do
believe, boys, that this straw felt as heavy as my blanket
would had I carried it."
I then loosed the straps and emptied out the straw, dis-
playing — not a stone, but a common brick. The desired end
was gained, for Corporal Dee — and his eyes seemed about to
spring from his head, so great was his surprise — unwittingly
exclaimed —
" Why, I put— I didn't put that— 1—1— it was— a—"
"Exactly," said I, with a coolness that astonished him*
^80 it wa^OU who put that stone into my knapsack ?**
CAMP FIERPONT. 147
Corporal Dee saw that he had exposed himself, and his
confusion was so great that he could not even stammer out
a reply, but sat on his knapsack, gashing steadfastly upon the
straw at his feet, as though he momentarily expectea to see
a rat make its appearance.
**No matter, corporal," said I, "no harm done — ^it was a
good trick, but after all I think I played the best trick on
you."
To this he assented, as did the others, for they perceived
ihe plan I had adopted for discovering the perpetrator of the
deed.
A few evenings after this, a little after roll-call, I was
about to retire, when Juggie came rushing into my tent with
an impetuosity that was alarming.
*' What's the matter, Juggie ?" I asked.
" Why," he exclaimed, with energy, " I won't stay in that
tent witn them fellers any more, by gosh ! I'll lay out first."
'^What felleraP I asked, adopting Juggie's beautiful
phraseology.
"The rellers I mess with. Won't you trade with me?
You go into that tent, and I'll come in this — oh, do 1 I'll
give you half a dollar 1
This was a very tempting oflfer.
** Whom do you mess with ?" I quietly asked.
" Dick Shaw, and George Ort, and Haman JeflPries, and that
cussed little Enos- Strawn — oh, I do hate him I K he wasn't
so little, I'd pound the d 1 out of him !"
" What appears to be the difficulty between you and your
messmates?" I asked.
"Oh, they're all the time borin' me about that chap a
throwin' me in Camp Tenally."
" Indeed," said I, " now that's very wrong of them, for they
know that you couldn't help it— it wasn't your fault."
" Ye — ye — ^y — but say, won't you trade ?"
"I don't know, Juggie; wait till morning; I can tell you
better after I have consulted my knapsack."*
* When one wishes a night to consider any question, he says he wiU
oonanlt his piUow, so as I used iny knapsack for this purpose) I ** ^'&S£Q!!i&^
mj knapsaek." '
148 OUR BOYS.
"Well, I'll try and stick it out another night; but I won't
stay any longer, that's swore to," said Juggie.
On the following morning I visited his tent, and inquired
whether it would be agreeable to all hands, were I to take
Juggie'fl place.
" Yes," exclaimed Dick Shaw, " do trade with him, for he
is a nuisance."
"By all means!" exclaimed Enos Strawn.
" Certainly 1" coincided Haman Jeffries.
" Yes, indeed 1" agreed George Ort.
"All right, then, Juggie," said I; "I'll trade."
" Will you ? Good ! Here, I'll give you the half-dollar P
"Never mind, Juggie, /don't want your money. I think
I am making a good trade of it."
And I was making a good exchange. Dick Shaw and
George Ort were splendid young fellows of respectively
twenty-two and twenty, and just the best natured of boys;
Haman I have already described ; also Enos Strawn, one of
the " Perry Boys." It is true the latter was no very desirable
acquaintance ; but still inoffensive. But Haman, and Dick,
and George were, indeed, unexceptionable.
Of course it would have been very unreasonable for us to
be long in our new camp before some little row should occur
among us. Accordingly, on the very morning of my chang-
ing my quarters, Dave Adams, one of OUR boys, whose age
was forty, and Will Haddock managed, with surprising fa-
cility, to disagree on some trifling point, and an argument
occurred, which resulted in Dave's applying the delicate
term liar to Haddock. He had scarcely articulated the
slippery word, when Haddock applied his fist to the side of
his head in a manner anything but delicate. Then they
had it— crack ! slap ! smack ! After dotting each other s
eyes in a literary style, neither gaining a point, one seized
a club about as large as a man's leg, and the other seized an
axe; and they were about to open hostilities on a larger
scale, when they were seized and held by friendly inter-
posers.
^' Let me at him I" cried Haddock, who had the dab.
CAMP PIBRPONT. 149
" Hold him till I kill him I" yelled Adams, whose weapon
was an axe.
But as Haddock was not let at Dave, nor held for Dave
to kill, they cooled down, and soon proceeded to discuss
breakfast in the usual manner.
George Wagner's tent chanced to be pitched immediately
by that of Sergeant Zee. After breakfast on the morning
in question, George was engaged in making some little im-
provement on the ditch around his tent; and during the
operation he managed, either accidentally or carelessly, to
place a quantity of the soil of Virginia in too friendly prox-
imity with Sergeant Zee's tent. The latter emerged there-
from and suggested the propriety of having the dirt removed.
George did not manifest any inclination to do this, remark-
ing that there was no hurry about it ; and worked away at
his drain.
" But there is hurry," said Sergeant Zee, emphatically.
*'But there isn't," persisted George.
"Now, by thunder," said the sergeant, decidedly, "you've
just got to take that dirt away."
" Why — who'll make me ?" asked George, stopping in the
midst of his work and leaning on his spade, awaiting the
reply.
"/will!"
" Your
"Yes— MB!"
"I'd like to see you."
" You will see me, if you don't take that dirt away, and
that soon,^
*'Yov!ll play thunder," sneered Wagner; "You/ You I
You think, because you wear two or three stripes on your
arm, that you can — "
Smack I he got it, right below the left eye. It staggered,
"him a little, but, being a stout fellow, he pitched into Sergeant
Zee with great energy. For a moment they stood blazing
away at each other's countenances, to the evident damage of
the ornaments belonging thereto ; but, becoming more fierce,
they clinched, when there was a desperate struggle for ^
150 OUB BOYi.
moment^ and down they went, all in a heap — George upper-
most.
" Now I'll give it to you I" he exclaimed, with savage
delight.
"No, you won't!" exclaimed Sergeant Zee, who evidently
did not feel inclined to " take it."
He then made spasmodic eflPorts to whirl his more powerfdl
antagonist under, but it was no go ; George stubbornly main-
tained his horizontal position. There was then much in the
way of scratching, biting, pinching, pulling hair, and swearing
going on. A number of our boys presently interfered, and
succeeded in thrusting the twain apart, with some difficulty,
too, for they clung together most tenaciously.
" Let me at him !" cried Sergeant Zee.
" Let me at him /" shouted Wagner.
" Another minute, and I'd a finished him I" screamed the
sergeant.
" You hadn't commenced on me !" shrieked George.
" I had I I was just getting you — "
" It's a lie ! I was just getting you in a fair way."
"You wasn't!"
" I was ! Oh, if they had only left us bin another second,
I'd a knocked daylights out of you !"
" I'd like to see you — oh, do let me at him !"
" Hush !" said one of the boys ; " yonder is Colonel Hayes.
"I don't care for Colonel Hayes, nor any other man,"
shouted Sergeant Zee.
"I don't neither!" vociferated Wagner, who thought he
ought to be saying something.
Then they carried on a war of words which it would be
tiresome to repeat, winding up, at last, by promising to pro-
cure each other's " heart's blood."
But, dear me, it was not a week till they were friendly a»
ever— in fact, more so; for each having discovered that th^
other would fight, it inspired them with a feeling of mutua9
respect.
That same evening I went on guard. It was about th^s
first of Npvember. We had been expecting a brush witfca
the rebeh^fer since our armal «A.\,\i\^ ^kce. In fact, ther"^
CAMP PIERPONT. 151
was a standing order requiring us to be ready at any moment
the "long roll" might be sounded, to turn out in fighting
trim.
The night wore away. Being on the second relief, I went
on post at six, was relieved at eight — went on again at
twelve, and was relieved at two. With the rest, I was per-
mitted to go to my quarters, with strict injunctions to report
' at six. Near this hour I was emerging from my tent, mus-
ket in hand, and was about to proceed to the gate, when the
startling sound of the long roll broke upon the sharp morn-
ing air.
"Confound it if I go to the gate," I exclaimed ; and seeing
.the boys begin to pack their knapsacks and haversacks, and
M into line, I followed their example. I was soon very
unexpectedly relieved from all anxiety relative to reporting,
fcr Juggie happened to have a sore foot, and as he could not
march with the regiment, the captain ordered him to the
gate in my place.
The regiment stood in line on the parade ground. The
light of day was just asserting its superiority over the fast
retiring darkness of the night. The wind was blowing
briskly, and clouds were flying hither and thither in the
most disorderly manner.
"Look! What^s that?" exclaimed one of our boys,
pointing toward Georgetown, at some object in the sky.
We all cast our eyes in that direction, and saw a balloor.
mounting up into the clouded heavens. It was plain that it&
moorings had given away, and it was now bearing its un-
fortunate passengers —
"Above the clouds."*
At length, we filed out of camp and took our position in
the brigade, the brigade in the division ; and the whole, in-
^try, cavalry, and artillery, was soon in motion. We took
, l^e reader may remember reading of tbin drcnmstanoe. It was
donnla balloon reoonnoissauce, about the beginning of November, 1861,
Jb*t some of the cords which held it at a proper height gave way, and the
balloon, being disengaged from the earth, darted suddenly upward, and
disappeared among the clouds with its terrified passenger. Conflicting
™"iors were soon afloat as to whether the man's fate was over ascertalued*
162 OUR BOYS.
the Leesburg pike, and marched slowly forward ; skirmishun
were sent out on all sides as we advanced, and scouts were
sent in advance. Thus we marched, without interruption,
till we reached Drainesville ; a village consisting (or did
then) of a small grocery store, a dwelling house— two fami-
lies occupy it — and a blacksmith shop. A corpulent woman
was standing on the piazza, while a short, stout, green-look-
ing man in his shirt-sleeves was leaning against the closed
door of the grocery establishment.
" I say, old fellow, how far is it to the rebs ?" asked one
of OUR BOYS ; for we halted here for a few minutes.
"You'll find 'em soon enough," retorted the Draines-
villian.
" Arn't you afraid of us Yankees ?" was asked.
" No, not a d — d bit," he replied ; and he stood there and
grinned as though he wasnH afraid.
" Well, you needn't be, for we wouldn't hurt a poor inno-
cent feller like you," said Jim Smith.
" It's very kind of you," said he, sneeringly.
" We're kind folks — we Yankees," said one of our boys.
The division now moved forward again for three or four
miles, when we again halted, filed off the road into a field,
stacked arms in line of battle, and threw out our pickets.
Several hours passed away, and darkness came on, when
an officer rode toward us with great speed, shouting, *'Get
ready to move, boys, as quickly as possible."
Then he sought General McCall, and hurriedly said : —
"General, this will never do! You have come too far I
You are liable to be cut off by the rebels, who can easily
come from Centreville, in force, and intercept you at Draines-
ville. You should not have passed that place — get your
division in motion, and hasten back."
The officer, I believe, was from General McClellan's staf&s-
We were soon returning toward Drainesville; there w^=
took a favorable position, threw out our pickets, and l a^^
lown to rest, for we were weary. We enjoyed undistur bo "
repose till morning. As there were no indications of movin— ^
soon, we began to wander forth, one by one, two by two, cz^
group by a/tj^^ quest of vi\\at vre termed "forage." Ei" m
CAMP PIERPONT. 153
mg; the wood in which we bivouacked was alive with
hickens, turkeys, pigs, calves, and sheep. It was on this
lenaorable occasion that some of our fellows killed and
>utchered a cow belonging to a farmer who lived in the
eighborhood, and actually sold him the hide for a dollar.
Zi didn't know, at the time, that he was purchasing his own
Toperty. No, poor fellow I he little imagined that he was
'Uying the hide of his own departed cow.
On the occasion in question, George Wagner, our practical
'Utcher, had just administered the coup-de-grace to a fine ox,
rhen General Eeynolds suddenly appeared. Perceiving
rhat was going on, he broke out : —
" Why, what the d— 1— how is this?"
No one spoke ; the general, no doubt, saw plainly enough
how it was." .
Captain Conner, who had been asleep, and was not cogni-
ant of the morning's proceedings, awoke at this moment,
nd General Eeynolds asked : —
" Are these your men, captain ?"
"Yes, sir, but— I—"
" Very well — consider yourself under arrest."
«But,^neral, I—"
"You are under arrest, sir."
"But—"
"No more, sir; you are under arrest, and you will lay
your sword aside as soon as you reach camp."
And the general rode away in sore displeasure.
The day wore away, and night found us still in that wood,
J^nns stacked, enjoying our beef, mutton, and poultry. Morn-
/^g came, but the rebels didn't ; and we were ordered to fall
^^, and take our way toward Camp Pierpont; which we
^ched at three o'clock that afternoon.
Ihat same night Lieutenant Jacobs was somewhat startled
y some one thrusting aside the curtains of the tent, and
^"troducing a face; it was Major Clark's. That individual
^red cautiously in, looked very mysterious, and said : —
'^Lieutenantl"
*'Whatisit, major?"
^'Come out here — mind^ be quiet about iC'
tM OUB BOYS.
i^S^rk spoke scarcely above a whisper.
^ Whut^ up, major r" asked the lieutenant.
^ Not too loud," cautioned the major.
The curiosity of the former was now thoroughly arons
\\^ luttl already removed his unmentionables, preparatory
wtidng ; but he replaced them with some dispatch. Tl
)u* donned his coat and cap, walked quietly out and job
tho major.
•* What in the world is the matter ?" he asked, in a whis]
«< — sh — come with me," was the cautious reply ; and
loil the way toward his tent — Jacobs following, all curiosi
What could it mean ? The hour was a late one ; the ni
was dark ; not a star was to be seen, while a cold wind '
singing as 'twere some mournful requiem among the tall tr
They arrived at the tent of the major, then stopped.
" Lieutenant," said he, in a low, solemn, impressive U
" wait here one moment ; and, as you value your life
mine, make no noise"
Then he quietly, cautiously entered his tent. Oh, i«
awful mystery was about to be revealed? Five mini
passed away, and the major came not out. Half an 1
actually crept by.
'* What does this mean ?" began Lieutenant Jacol)s — *
what's that ?"
Sure enough, what was it ? Some sound proceeding f
within attracted his attention. And what sound was
Simply a terrible sneezing ! 'Twas Major Clark. Yes
had gone into his tent, laid down, and was now sleepin]
perfect indifference to all without. And there had stood
lieutenant for nearly an hour, keeping watch over
drunken slumbers.
Wishing Major Clark in China, Jacobs returned to his i
tent, felt his way into it, in the darkness, and began to
dress for bed. Now, Captain Conner, who slept in there,
made his bed upon the floor, and was lying, snoring av
upon his back. The lieutenant, while poised upon one
lost his balance, and fell upon the captain's stomacL
"Oh — oh — ah — excuse me! I beg pardon, capto
iJear in^LI wouldn't for the N^orld — oh, bless me!—
WINTKB QUABTKBS^ *^ 166
gradous goodness! — excuse me — ^I hope jou are not hurt —
oh, dear!"
The captain, aKhough his breath was nearly knocked out
of him, was yet so amused at the confused and promiscuous
"Words of apology, uttered by the lieutenant, that he laughed
Ae affitir off; and he laughed still more when the lieutenaut
idated how he had been bamboozled by Major Clark.
CHAPTER Xn.
WINTBB QUARTBBS.
As November was wearing slowly away, and as there were
JH) indications of a grand movement of the army, it began to
w our policy to erect winter quarters ; for to dwell in tents,
^out fire, too, during the frosts and snows of winter, was
^ very delightful prospect. Just across the soapy stream,
^ch I have mentioned, was an extensive wood — almost a
«>i]e8t Having obtained permission of General Eeynolds to
wfld quarters in the wood, and to remove thither, we at once
*t about erecting rustic habitations, arranging them in the
''^ttal form of an encampment.
The huts we built were eight by ten feet in dimensions;
^ built them of small logs, to the height of four or five
^ and pitched our tents upon the top of the walls, for
'^Verings. A fire-place and chimney adorned a comer of
f^h building, imparting a cheerful, domestic appearance.
*^h were our castles. When they were completed, we
^Oved into them without delay. We now concluded tbljo
^ own cooking, as our fire-places presented every facility ;
J^d we discharged our sable emj^yees, Goens, Fairfax, *nd
H>bert Daflfy-, and they were employed by our company
^cers.
Onco fciirly settled and established in our v;\T\\.eT o^^-^Xct^
I
156 OUB BOTS.
we began to resort to all manner of gSfiik^ mental and gyxn-
uastiC; for amusement. 'd^
In camp, a man who would not steal imn a peddler or
sutler is looked upon, by the soldiers in general, as being very
low, indeed. Any soldier who could have the moral courage
to openly avow his principles as being averse to stealing
from sutlers, would be ridiculed — nay, he would be looked
down upon by his brothers-in-arms, with a contempt that
might be termed sublime I
It is not to be supposed that our excellent friend, Dave
Winder, would so debase himself as to refrain from such
noble deeds as robbing sutlers and peddlers. Well, a short
time after we took possession of our winter quarters, a wagon
entered camp, laden with small sheet-iron stoves; stoves
that were peculiarly adapted to our. huts. A crowd soon
collected about the wagon, some intending to purchase, some
to steal. Mr. David Winder, the most prominent among
the latter class, made his way through the crowd to the
wagon, and putting on his most pleasant grin, said to the
dealer in stoves —
" Partner, you had better watch those fellows at the front *
part of your wagon ; I know one or two there, that wouldn't
be a bit too nice to hook one of your stoves."
"Ahl ni watch! Thank you! Tm glad you told me,"
said the vender of stoves ; ana he crawled over the stoves
to the front of his wagon— it was a covered wagon — and se-
cured a curtain there, so that it would be impossible for any
one to extract a stove without attracting his attention.
While thus engaged, Winder gently lifted a stove from
the hinder part of the wagon, and conveyed it to his quar-
tos. The owner did not miss it, but proceeded to sell hia
aierchandise as fast as he could handle it.
When Winder arrived at his hut with his prize, lie made
the startling discovery that he had entirely forgotten to steal
a pipe for it. Nothing daunted, the brave fellow placed his
stove within, and returned ,to the wagon. Not seeing^ any
very favorable opportunity to extract a pipe clandestinely,
he boldly addressed the man of stoves, and, with the air and
manner of one who felt Vi\rcvad? Xo \>^ ^w vc^vkTed man, said —
WINTER QUARTERS. 157
**Look here, my good fellow, you didn't give me any pipe
fqj: mj stove."
"Didn't I?" said thei peddler in some surprise.
"No, of course not, or I wouldn't say so; I couldn't use
two^ you know."
" Oh, here, take it — ^I don't doubt your word — they are
crowding me so that I may have forgotten it, though I don't
often make a mistake ;"* and he handed Winder a pipe for
the stolen stove, thinking, of course, that he had sold him
one. i-
Winder and his messmates — they were Hare, Smith, May-
horn, and Underwood — had just finished setting up their
stove, when another wagon entered camp; it was loaded
with boots and shoes. Winder was soon aware of the fact,
and he concluded to try his hand in this quarter. He went
to the wagon, and, in an incredibly short space of time, suc-
ceeded in spiriting away a pair of boots. He hoped the fates
would favor him as to the size, and as soon as he found him-
self possessor, he hurried to his house to try them on. But
oh, horror ! they were not mates I One was a nine and the
other an eleven, and both were for the right foot. Very well
— no matter — he would go back and exchange them, he
would pretend to have bought them, and no doubt the boot-
and-shoe-dealer would give him a pair of mates for them.
Certainly ! didn't he come it over the stove man with his
honest grin ? Oh, yes ! He was soon at the wagon again,
when he handed the boots to the proper owner, and said —
"My dear sir, you didn't give me mates."
Now the boot merchant happened to be a little too sharp to
be thus taken in ; he knew that they must have been stolen ;
and to the surprise and chagrin of Winder, and the amusement
of the spectators, he took the boots, coolly placed them in
one of his boxes, and said —
" If you come playing any such games around me, I'll be
gosh-dashed if I don't black both o' your eyes! Then they
"^ill be mates, for certain — you rogue 1"
, «i
* The very thiDg that aU basiness men say ; and thoj make about as
manj misUikett^as ordinary mortals, after all.
158 OUR BOYS.
Winder saw that he was outwitted ; so, he returned to
his domicile, and soon forgot his troubles over a game of
"seven- up."
Drilling was suspended for the winter, but another dutf
was now incumbent upon us ; viz., that of chopping our own
fire-wood and carrying it to our tents. Each day, we turned
out in force to procure fire-wood. I'll never forget my first
experience in this line. We had each carried several loadf^
except Haman, who on this occasion did the chopping (for
one generally, did the chopping, while the others did the
carrying), when I returned for another load. I was about
to shoulder a very light log, when Haman pointed to one
which weighed about two hundred, and said : —
'' Why don't you take that one ?"
" May be you think I can't," I retorted.
"ThsLt'&just what I think," said he.
"Well, we'll see," said I; and I raised the log, thougl
with some difficulty, and soon succeeded in balancing it upob
my left shoulder ; then I started for the street of Company
"D." I had about two hundred yards to carry it, and my
way lay directly through quantities of brush which were
scattered hither and thither. I had accomplished about half
the distance, and was carefully crossing a rather muddy spot^
when my toe caught among some brush, and down I went
in the mud, right on my countenance, the heavy log coming
down upon my back with all the force it could muster,
thrusting me still deeper into the mud. Then it rolled off
me, and, about as much dead as alive, I arose to my feet>
raised the piece of timber to a vertical position, one end rest
ing in the mud ; I turned to see whether Haman had ob-
served me. Yes, sure enough, there he stood leaning on thb
, handle of his axe, laughing at my woe in the liveliest manner.
In much wrath I shouldered the log again, and ran all the
way to my hut with it, just for spite.
I was returning for a last load, when I found a log^ lying
much nearer camp, which had been cut off by some ona
As there was no one near, I supposed that some one had cut
it oS, and afterward concluded that it was too heavy to carry,
and had abandoned it accoTdYagV^'.
WINTER QUARTERS. 159
^ 1 can carry it/' said I to myself; and I placed it upon
ray shoulder, and marched toward camp.
I was just entering our company street, when I heard some
one shouting after me most energetically. The thought
struck me that it was the owner of the log — that, after all, he
had not given it up. But would / give it up now, after
carrying it thus far? No, I rather thought not. So I
walked on, and threw it down by our hut. Immediately
after, Enos Strawn came up with a load, and threw it down
beside the stolen log. In another moment, an old man of
Company " 0," known throughout the regiment by the name
of " Christie," came rushing into our street in a towering not-
in-a- very-good-humor. I had by this time retired to a point
a little way from the wood- pile ; but Enos, who knew nothing
of the state of affairs, was still standing by the stolen log
which I had thrown down.
"Who in thunder took and stole my log?" vociferated
ihe old chap, boiling over with wrath.
No one replied, but he presently descried his log lying
near Enos, and rushing up to that individual, he ex-
daimed: —
•* You thunderin', mean, dirty little scamp I"
Enos thought this a rather rough greeting, and expanding
his optics to an innocent size, he said —
• "Why, what?"
"WhatI Oh, you know what! Aint you ashamed o'
yourself, to go and steal^an old-man-like-me's wood ?"
" Why, I didn't steal nobody's—"
"What? You lyin' scampi Don't tell me that, or I'll
knock your upper jaw offi" and he advanced menacingly
upon Enos, who slowly advanced backward.
" That shows you're guilty I What makes you run ? Oh^
you—"
" I didn't run," said Enos, hesitating, and trying to appear
firm.
"Didn't you? Well, we'll see," said old Christie; and he
made a rush at Enos.
Enos Strawn, Esqujre, influenced by that "first law of
nature" turned him about, and manufactnied. ^iiTiX^n^^'t qS.
160 OUB BOYS.
tracks in rapid succession — the heels all pointing boldly
toward old Christie. The latter would have pursued, but I
interrupted him with : —
" My friend, you are mistaken ; it was I who took your
log, but I supposed it to be abandoned. There it is — ^you
may take it — or, as you are an old man, I will carry it to
your quarters for you."
" Never mind ; you may keep it and be — " and without
finishing his friendly sentence, old Christie walked off in a
pet.
At that moment I heard a loud burst of laughter in the
street of Company " I ;" certainly, some sport was in progresB
there. I went over, still laughing about Enos, and, sure
enough, they were having some sport. A crowd was collected ■
around two pugilists who, with boxing-gloves to protect their
knuckles and prevent them from being barked against each
other^s faces, were batting away at each other's heads most
delightfully. It was amusing to hear the cheers and plaudits
of the crowd.
"Hit him, Jim I" "That's right, knock him, Bill!"
" That's the style, Jim ; another of them swipes I" " Give him
one of them tifters, Bill I" "Another side- wipe, Jim V
Thus they went on, laughing, yelling, and shouting at
every blow.
Eeader, did you ever see two awkward fellows with box-
ing-gloves on ? And did you see them stand and belt away
at each other for five or ten minutes, making a thousand
grotesque and ridiculous motions? If so, you certainly
laughed. / did on the occasion in question.
When this pair of novices got tired — and it wasn't long
till they did — another couple tried it, making, as usual, many
ludicrous motions, and calling forth peal on peal of laughter.
After quite a number had tried it to their satisfaction, the
gloves were at last thrown down, and none seemed willing to
try it any more. Now I just began to think that / would
like to try it once ; and at length I stepped into the ring
and the first words that greeted me were — and from a score
of voices —
''How the blazes did yo'd get so muddy, partner?"
WINTEB QUABTBBS. 191
I had forgotten how mud-covered I was from my fall, or
I should not have ventured within the ring, to become a target
for so many eyes. It was too late now, however, so I replied
that I fell, and putting on a pair of the clumsy gloves, I
looked around and asked —
" Who'll try it with w^ ?"
There was no reply.
"Come on, one of you," I urged; "I'm no boxer, so you
needn't be afraid."
Still no response.
" Now come, somebody, I am as awkward as any of you—
we*ll make a little fun for the crowd."
•* Bill, you go and try him," said one, addressing a short,
stout youth, whose Christian name must have been William.
The youth hesitated.
•* Come on," said I, invitingly ; " I can't hit you — ^I only
want to try it for fun."
"Go on. Bill, dp— go on — go and try it— just for fun,"
orged the crowd in concert.
Thereupon William walked deliberately into the ring, put
<m the remaining pair of gloves, and took a pugilistic "posish"
that alarmed me.
There was a feint, a dodge, a wince, two blows, and a parry.
and my adversary let me have it " aside o' the head" with a
force diat placed me at full length upon the ground, and
exhibited to my startled imagination great bon-fires, and the
flashes of many cannon, and much lightning. I arose; I
looked at' my antagonist — he was grinning heartily. The
crowd, however, did infinitely more than grin ; they burst
into convulsions of laughter.
I had enough of it ; I slowly removed the gloves from my
hands, and said I believed I wouldn't try it any more at j^r^
9erU.
Such were the innocent amusements resorted to in camp.
When the weather would not admit of out-door sports, seven-
up and euchre were resorted to ; but when the weather was
good, we were kept in continual hilarity by a boxing match,
a game of foot-ball, a jumping match, a wrestle, or, perhaps,
a — fight. Well, soldiers will be soldiers, yo\xkao\^*
162 OUR BOYS.
Among other little pastimes, was that of throwing cartridges
down each other's chimneys ; this was generally practised tt
night, as the darkness favored it.
One dark night, a few days after the events just narratect
Winder took it into his head that it would be rare fun to
drop just one package of ten down Colonel Hayes' chimney.
Procuring a package, he groped his way to the coloneFs
cabin, for the purpose of putting his benevolent design into
execution. He reached the cabin in safety, and seeing a
light shining from the window, he neared it and peeped oaa-
tiously in. The colonel was seated by his fire-side, reading
the evening paper. Winder saw that all was right; he left
the window, went to the chimney and climbed to the top-
it was higher than our chimneys. He held tl^e paoluge
exactly over the centre, hesitated a morhent, then let go. It
dropped into the fire below, but the explosion did not take
place at once. The colonel hearing it drop into the fire, bent
over it, exclaiming —
" My gracious I What's that ?"
At that moment the fire touched the powder, and a tro*
mendous pufi' of fire and smoke greeted his countenance.
" Fire and blazes 1" he exclaimed — and right appropriately
— and he rushed from his cabin for the purpose of disco-
vering, if possible, the perpetrator of the irreverent deed, and
ran smack against Hare, who happened at that moineiil
to be passing by, on his way to the sutler's.
The collision knocked him a rod, heels over head, aftei
which he got up, and exclaimed —
" C — c — c — con-f — f— found you I"
"What? Who's that? Who are you confounding ? Go
to your quarters, you scamp; I'll arrest you — " then, raiang
his voice, he cried out — " Corporal of the ^ard I"
Hare thought it prudent to retreat, which he did in tol-
erable order. After getting a little way off he stopped, and
called out —
" I say, old c — c — coon !"
"What? Who are you? How dare you? What il
your name ?"
WINTBB QUABTBBS. 16S
Wouldn't you 1—1 — like to know ?" replied Hare, taunt
ingly.
"Why,
Jf yo^ — you— you-^go to your quarters, you — cor-
poral of the guard I"
" Come, now, old b — ^b — boy, won't you let me k— k — kisa
you, before I go ?"
Boiling over with wrath at this piece of impudeuce, the
colonel rushed into his cabin, seized his cap and came out,
muttering —
ni punish that fallow — I'll go -to Captain Johnson— he's
officer of the day — I'll make him bring out the whole guard,
and hunt up that fellow — oh, the impertinent—"
He then proceeded to the cabin occupied by Captain
Johnson, of Company " B," and when he arrived he uncere-
moniously flung xypen the rough door, and entered.
" Now, it-BO happened that Captain Johnson was not within,
but there were others within, for half-a-dozen darkeys—two
bein^ servants of the captian— were collected around a table,
in his absence, and were having a quiet game of ''poker;"
Qoens Fairfax was among them.
" Out o- this I" began the colonel ; " what are you all doing
here? You black— "
Here the worthy colonel perceived the green-backs which
were scattered over the table, and readily comprehending
what was going on, he drew a long breath, opened his eyes
to their utmost capacity, and exclaimed —
''Great Methuselah I playing cards for money I" and he
made a fearfiil rush at them, and the way those darkeys did
scatter was surprising. One, more discreet than the rest,
scraped off the " pile" and thrust it into his pocket; As for
Goens, he never thought of his money, but unhesitatingly
skedaddled, leaving his "little all" (seven dollars) on the
table, to be " gobbled up" by the aforesaid discreet darkey ;
^ and he never stopped "running till he reached the head-quar-
r tersof Company "D."
" My golly I" he exclaimed, breathlessly.
"what's the matter, Goens?" asked Lieutenant Jacobs,
who happened to be in the cabin.
• "Oh my, massa me I" exclaimed Goens, \n tetior.
164 OUB BOYS.
"Whatwup, Gk)en8?"
At length Goens found breath to relate what the reader
already knows, and had just finished, when he suddenly
recollected his money, and exclaimed-^—
" Oh, my golly I"
"What?"
"IjisttotobitI"
"Of what?"
" My money ; I left um on de table."
"You did?"
"Yes, sah — oh, it's a goner I" ,
"Oh, I think not."
" Yes, it is — oh, dear me I"
"Oh, I think you'll get it again."
"Neberl"
" Yes, you% will. Go, and see the colonel ; he has it, no
doubt."
"Will he gib it to me?"
" Yes, if you go and apologize for gambling. Tell him
you didn't know that it was against the rules, and all tha1«
" I hab a notion to try it," said Goens, half in hesitation.
" Certainly ! Go try it. I tell you what, old oooBi seven
dollars ain't to be picked up every day."
This solemn truth had the elBFect, and Goens took his soli-
tary way toward the quarters of the coloneL The colonel,
not finding Captain Johnson, had just returned, and was in
the act of retiring when Goens entered.
" Colonel," began Goens, " I wasn't awar it war ginst de
rools, and I was down dar playin' poker ; won't you gib me
my money ?"
" Go away and don't bother me," was the reply.
"Now, colonel, do — "
" Clear out, you black — "
" But, colonel, a pore darkey, you know —
" Clear out, I tell you I I won't have a black nagger coining
round — "
" But, colonel— "
" Don't I tell you— "
WINTEB QUARTERS. 166
•You d — d nigger I if you don't leave, III shoot you I"
** Shoot and be d — d 1" said Goens, who now, that he found
tt impossible to recover his money, grew desperate.
The colonel sprang up and seized his revolver, and Goens
rushed from the cabin, expecting every second to feel a bullet
between his ears, and, with the speed of a race-horse, made
for his quarters, making the mud fly in a manner that was
alarming.
About the beginning of December, Lieutenant Jacobs
resigned his commission, and Sergeant Moth was elected to
the first-lieutenancy ; the position of first-sergeant was then
filled by Sergeant Blake. A vacant sergeantcy thus occurred,
to which John G. Graham was promoted. About the same
time Major Clark discovered that he, himself, was no mili-
tary man^ and not fit to fill his position (moreover it was
sometimes difficult to procure whiskey in camp), and Ac, too,
resigned. Captain Gardiner, of Company " G," was elected
major.
The colonel invited the ex-officers to favor him with their
company at dinner before they should leave Camp Pierpont.
The invitation was accepted, and the colonel ortlered a good
dinner to be prepared in his cabin — among other things, a,
bottle of "cognac."
A sentinel was generally posted in front of the colonelV
quarters, and on this occasion it chanced to be Gaskill. Gas-
kill had faithfully paced his "beat for nearly two hours, and
as the hour of meal-time was approaching, he thought it
would be no harm to open the door — he knew that the
colonel was out, and that the company had not yet arrived
— ^and peer in, just to see what good things were on the
table. He did so ; and, oh, how his mouth watered as his
eyes fell upon that loved bottle I No one was within ; the
colonel's servant had just gone to the sutler's. Gaskill was
about to close the door, when the name of " cognac," on the
bottle, attracted his eye. Now he loved any kind of spiritu-
ous or malt liquors, but cognac was his particular weakness.
He couldn't stand it — he went in and took a pull. Having
done so, he hurriedly set down the bottle and came out;
BtilL no one was near. How good that \iTaudcj '^^^X ^^
166 OUB B0Y9.
must have another horn I In he went, leaving his miisket
leaning against the cabin wall- without. This time he drank
half-a-pint. He soon became " boozy" — reckless ; and as no
one appeared, he again staggered into the cabin — ^his musket
still leaning against the wall — and took one long; lingering
pull. Suddenly in stepped the colonel, accompanied by
Lieutenant Jacobs and Major Clark.
" Why, you thieving — " began the colonel.
" Er — (hie) couldn^t (hie) stand (hie) tempt (hie) ta — a—
ah—"
" You drunken dog I Get out of this, or TU kick the d— 1
out of you I You good-for-nothing — oh, you rascal I I
have a mind to shoot you I" and the colonel frowned
savagely.
" He ought to be shot," said Major Clark, for he didn't like
it about Gaskill drinking any of the spirits.
Gaskill waddled out, just wondering how it would feel to
get shot.
A few days after this event, the colonel was standing
without his cabin, when he saw Gaskill approaching.
Hastening to* his door, he looked in, and called out to his
servant : —
" Reuben, hide the whiskey ; here comes that d — d Gas-
kill."
Gaskill was passing by, when suddenly perceiving the
colonel, he faced him, and touched his cap with the most
profound obeisance.
" Ain't you ashamed of yourself?" said the colonel, strag*
gling to maintain a straight countenance.
" Ashamed of what ?" asked Gaskill, innocently.
" Ashamed of what I Why, what impudence 1"
" Don't know what you mean, colonel ?" .
"You don't?"
"No — can't imagine."
"Didn't you drink nearly all my brandy the other day?"
"Did I?"
" Certainly you did I"
" Well," said Gaskill, drawing a long breath, " the mystery
ia solved
WINTER QUARTERS. 167
" What mystery ? what do you mean
" I'll tell you : the other day I got drunk somehow, and,
to save me, I couldn't remefnber where I got the sperrets."
" Do you mean to say that you don't remember stealing
mj brandy ?" asked the colonel, in surprise.
"Why, since you mention it, colonel, I believe I have a
slight recollection of it — but, let me see — didn't you treat
me ? Yes, that was the way of it ; you — "
" What I Begone with you !" exclaimed the colonel ; and
Gaskill executed a backward' summersault, and, with great
rapidity, retired from that peculiar locality.
That evening we received orders to hold ourselves in
readiness for a foraging expedition, on the, following morning.
Accordingly, at eight o'clock on the following morning, a
long train of wagons, convoyed by our brigade, moved out
the turnpike toward Drainesville. We were in good spirits,
for it was generally supposed that our chances of a brush
with the rebels were good.
We hjdted a short distance from Drainesville, and formed
"line of battle."
We were not treated to a brush with the rebels on this
occasion ; and everything .passed off* .quietly. The wagons
were loaded with hay, oats, and corn at the neighboring
barns, after which they returned toward camp ; -we followed.-
It was usual on the march to have a little fight, or at
least a quarrel, in the company. On this occasion it was
facilitated by the fact of the men all being out of humor on
account of our disappointment in not having a fight with
the rebels.
" It's kape in yer own place, an' don't be crowdim' me out
o' mine, I'd like ye to," said Jack Burke to one Page. .
"I am keeping in my own place, and I'd thank you^to
mind your own business !" retorted Page ; they were march-
ing in the same file.
" What is it yer sayin' ? Sure, I'll split the bloody head
o' ye, if I hear much o' yer blarney I"
" You'd better try it," suggested Page.
" What> blast jer — " and, throwing down his gun^ Jack
turned upon Page with both fists drawn.
168 OUR BOYS.
Page was a rather small fellow of twenty one, while Jack
was three or four years older, and much larger and stronger.
Page, therefore, sprang backward from the ranks, coeked his
musket, and was about to draw a bead on Jack, who, regard-
less of anything in the shape of fire-arms, rushed upon him
ere he could fire, dashed his gun from his hand, and let
him have a stunner above the eye. Thereupon, Lieutenant
Krepps interfered, by seizing Jack roughly by the collar.
"Is that yer game, laddie?" sneered Jack, turning from
Page, and imprudently tackling the lieutenant, notwithstand-
ing his shoulder-straps.
'* Let go of me," commanded Lieutenant Krepps.
" Lit go o' me, or divil the one o' me lits go o' ye before
that same," retorted Jack. .
It might be difficult for one not familiar with the circum-
stance, to arrive at the exact meaning of this sentence.
Sergeant Zee now interposed, and effected a compromise
on these stipulations— that both should let go at once, and
that Jack should be immediately placed under gu^rd and
reported for court-martial on the grave charge of mutiny —
specifications, that he tackled his superior officer. On ar-
riving at camp, however, Lieutenant Krepps released Jack,
assuring him that he had great reason to offer up thanks
to his " stars" that he got off without being court-martialed
and shot ; or, perhaps, sentenced to wear a delicate piece of
jewelry known as "ball and chain" for a peribd of six
months.
December was now slowly wearing away. Time passed
as usual. The customary routine of amusements was prac-
tised. We had been paid regularly every two months since
entering the United States service — the sutler generally com-
ing in for about three-fourths of each soldier's pay. A word
as to this class of individuals. Much has been said of sutlera^
and of their prodigious prices. It is upon the grounds that
sutlers sell their goods at such exorbitant prices, that soldiers
claim the right to steal from them ; and it is upon the grounds
that soldiers steal so much from them, that sutlers attempt
to justify themselves in selling at such astounding orioea
Now the questiQMHi^& — ^Y*\io Vje^-axv Sx,*? 1 leave the*teadeT
4 THE BATTLE OF DEAINESVILLE. 169
to judge. I will say, however, that it is my op.iiion that
sailers would charge the same stupendous prices for their
merchandise, whether the soldiers should steal from theta or
not ; and that the soldiers would steal from 'sutlers, in the
usual style, let them sell their goods at high or low prices.
So, it is six versus half a dozen ; nip and tuck— go it, boys —
pitch in, sutlers — ho I ye gbeen-backs I
CHAPTEE Xm.
THE BATTLE OP DRAINESVILE.
** Come, boys, let's have a little game of foot-ball," said a
big fellow, and he walked out, a large foot-ball in his hand,
to an extensive field adjacent. It was the nineteenth day of
December. .
About two hundred followed the proposer, which number
comprised the " little" game proposed. I was of the number.
We were soon divided off, and stretched out in two opposing
lines across the field ; I was on the right. The centre was
Boon agreed upon ; also the goals, which were the extreme
ends of the field. Soon the ball was going — kick, bat, spang,
and away it would go — now back, now forth — now to, now
ftx)— hither and thither. At last it received an impetus that
brought it near my end. Another like that and it would be
out of the field — the game would be lost. I ran tdWard it to
kick it back. At the same moment, a powerful fellow of the
opposite side ran for it. We were at equal distances from
it ; I saw that he was running desperately, and / ran despe-
rately. Our course lay at right angles. As we arrived
within ten feet of the ball, we knew that all now depended on
a single desperate effort. Simultaneously we made that des-
perate effort. We both reached it at once, coming together
with a force that sent me sprawling at quite a remote di&taac^
from the ball. At the same time, tlie co\\\svo\i «o %\^^^\^
170 OUB BOYS.
my opponent^ that, after all, one of my comrades succeeded
in reaching it and kicking it first ; which he did, sending it
a hundred paces from immediate danger. The game was Hot
yet lost, it grew more desperate. The ball seemed to be
struck alternately by some one of each side every second, so
that it was kept spinning backward and forward within a
small sphere, in a manner truly delightful. The opposite
side gained a momentary advantage ; the ball was once more
sent spinning almost to the goal, but it stopped right at my
feet. It was decidedly useless for any one to attempt to reach
it now before I could kick it ; all stood still. Now was an
opportunity for me both to exhibit my prowess to the admir-
ing crowd, and, at the same time, do much for our side of the
game. Now, I would just show them how to kick a ball —
how to send it the whole length of the field. I poised my-
self on my left foot, swung my right foot backward, drew a
Jong breath, and executed a kick that a mule might have
delighted in. But, oh, horror I I missed, the ball; I aimed
too low, and my unfortunate toes came in sheer contact with
a tough root which protruded ftom the ground. I uttered
the word " oh," and leaving the ball to the mercy of — I didn't
care whom — I limped to a stump, which was near at hand,
and sat down upon it, feeling very pak indeed. I didn't play
any more foot-ball that day. A rush was made for the ball,
as soon as my mishap was comprehended, and, as though to
avenge my fall, our side went to work with such wild energy,
that in less than a minute the ball travelled with lightning
speed the whole length of the field, and flew acrosis the pre-
scribed goal, and the victoby was oubs.
I went to my quarters and lay down, stating that I didn't
feel very well. My great toe pained me very much. To
make matters more unpleasant, we received orders to be
ready on the following morning for an expedition.
Morning came, and all were busy arranging their accou-
trements for the projected expedition. I was very lame, but
I determined I would not be left in camp, and I limped off
with the regiment as it filed out of camp and joined the bri-
gade. TJ^Ldone, we moved into the pike and marched
/owarc^l^^kjrille. ^e ti^t^ \.o\d t\iat General Ord had
THE BATTLE OP DBAINESVILLK. 171
marcbed out with his brigade some hours earlier — ^that he
had gone to Drainesville, on a foraging excursion, and that
our brigade was to go out and lie in reserve at Difficult
Creek, which was about half-way.
On reaching Difficult Creek, we did not march directly
c ver the bridge, but filed off to the left, and taking our posi-
tion on a high hill, a quarter of a mile from it, we stacked
arms and broke ranks. We had lain for several hours, and
were just beginning to wonder whether the Third Brigade
would be so fortunate as to moet with a party of rebels, when
the heavy, booming sound of the cannon reached our ears,
coming from the direction of Drainesville.
'• Fall in I fall in I Tbfe— arms I" cried General Eeynolds,
and in a moment we stood in line, and seized our arms.
" Eight— /ace / Forward, double-quick — march I"
General Eeynolds, at the head of his brigade, led the way.
He unhesitatingly struck right across the country toward
the southwest^ with the evident intention of coming up in
rear of the rebels. But in a few minutes an officer of Gene-
ral McCall's staff rode hastily after him, and on coming near
enough to make his voice heard, shouted —
" Stop, general I Not this way — the pike, the pike 1"
"Eucheredl" exclaimed General Eeynolds, for, as he must
obey an order from General McCall, his favorite plan of cut-
ting off the rebels must be abandoned.
He then gave orders to file to the* right, toward the pike,
and cross the ci*eek, just anywhere. Our battery, of course,
bad to go around to the bridge, which it did at a gallop.
We reached the stream ; then such jumping and splashing
as there was in getting {[cross was truly interesting to look
upon. I made a leap. I felt sure that I could clear the
stream, which, at this point, was seventeen feet wide, and three
or four feet deep. Splash I I came down in the water, within
a foot of the opposite shore. I scrambled out ; mv clothes
were saturated, but my ammunition was not wet. It was no
very pleasant aflEair for the twentieth day of December.*
* VtTriters differ, as nsnal, as to the date of the battle of Drainesville.
Now, I want it distinctly understood, that it was on Friday^ D<icQmh«c 2A0aL^
1861.
172 OUB BOYS.
However, my ammunition being dry, I rared little for my
clothes just then. We were no sooner across the stream tlian
we hurriedly formed and started toward Drainesville by the
pike, at a double-quick, with five miles between us and glory.
Meanwhile the sound of the cannon continued to reach
our ears ; the firing had become more rapid. "We hurried
on. Four miles were marched in forty minutes. We then
began to meet the forage wagons, which blocked up the road,
and somewhat impeded our progress. The drivers informed
us that the Third Brigade wag "at it out there." We at
length neared the field. The musketry could be heard.
We began to meet ambulances laden with wounded, and
now and then brave fellows limping along still carrying
their guns. We also met a squad of rebel prisoners under
charge of a corporal and two men.
We were within a few hundred yards of the village, where
our forces were posted, when the firing suddenly ceased, and
a wild shout arose.
"TheyVe driving the rebels I" was exclaimed; and we
rushed madly on.
We arrived upon the scene just in time to see the rebels
disappear down the Centreville road, with the gallant Buck-
tail Eegiment, and the Sixth and Ninth Eegiments, Pennsyl-
vania Eeserves, at their heels. We sent up a deafening
cheer — such as never before rang out among the green pines
in the vicinity of Drainesville. The rebels made good their
escape, and the pursuers wer^ recalled.
The rebel force, on this occasion, consisted of five thousand
infantry and a battery of artillery ; they were commanded
by the renowned General Stuart.' Our force was about
equal — the Third Brigade being accompanied by the Buck-
tail Eegiment, and Captain Easton's battery of artillery.
Our loss was seven killed, and sixty-one wounded. The
exact loss of the rebels is not known ; but this is certain, that
tlwy left ninety dead bodies on the field.
This was the last battle fought in 1861 ; and it was the
first victory our arms had achieved for some time. From
that time forth, the rebels met with nothing but defeats^
until late the following summer, when the tide of victory
THB BATTLE OF DKAINKSVILLK. 178
was again reversed; in consequence of a change of com*
manders.
The brave conduct of General Ord and Captain Easton
cannot be too highly spoken of. The general sat on his horse
by the battery, during the engagement, now and then ex-
dwming: —
"(Jive it to 'em, boys I That's a good shot 1 That mado
one of their old caissons fly I There I that knocked a gun I
Hurrah, bojy's I"
At one time during the fight, a ball, no doubt from the
rifle of a rebel sharpshooter, whistled by the general's ear,
tearing one of the buttons from his cap. He coplly re-
marked: —
"A miss is as good as a mile I But I do hope they have
no better marksman than that fellow."
It was night ere we retraced our steps. As may be
imagined, my physical condition was not improved by a
march of ten miles, half of which had been done at a double-
quick. My foot pained me very much, and it was no better
than torture, as it came in contact with the sharp, hard
stones of the pike ; for my shoes were thin, and, being wet,
they were very flexible. I was in a bad humor, too. Here,
I had limped ten miles, hoping to have the pleasure of a xoyr
vith the rebels — had just arrived in time to be too late—and
liad got a good ducking in Difficult Creek in the bargain.
On reaching camp, however, I soon forgot my troubles in a
deep slumber, from which I awoke next morning, feeling
^ery old. I couldn't get over my disappointment, and in
writing a letter to a friend, that day, after detailing the events
of the battle, I wound up with —
" I teU you, Tom, we cursed the fate
That brought us to the field too late—
That brought us there, j ast as the foe
Concluded to get up and go.
** The Third Brigade had aU the fun,
It did the fighting that was done ;
And it got all the praise, to boot,
For making rebels skalljhoot."*
* Skedaddle.
174 OUB BOYS.
The reader will think this scarcely sublime, and I per*—
fectly agree ; but it serves to express my feelings on the dis-
appointment we were treated to, in not arriving in time to
participate in that glorious little affiur, known as Ths BattlSS
OF Draixesville.
Now, strange as it may seem, Corporal Chess, of our cona.-
pany, was, at times, a very religious man. Nay, he even.
went so far as to pray in public, at little prayer meetingiB
held occasionally in camp, at the instigation of our worthy
chaplain. Well, he, being the most intimate friend of t\x&
chaplain, had undertaken to superintend the building of a
rough log church for winter service. At the time of whicli
I write, the walls had been reared to the height of ten feet ;
but lately the work had been neglected, and it was apparent
that Corporal Chess was beginning to grow tired of the
" good-begun work." On the morning following the battle
of Drainesville, the weather was cold, and we were all scarce
of wood. Accordingly, some ruthless soldier practically
suggested the idea of resorting to the logs of the half-finished
church for fire-wood. One had no sooner made a breaJs;
than the whole regiment pitched into it, and went to tearing
down the building, and carrying oflf the logs to be split vxp
for fire- wood. The chaplain, who dwelt near by, came o%x%
and exclaimed : —
"Why, boys, what are you about?"
" Only getting out our fire-wood for to-day, chaplain."
"But you mustn't tear down that building; it's sacrilege.**
"Oh, it will never be finished, anyhow." Although to
witness the operations, one would have been led to suppose
that it would be finished very soon.
The chaplain was not a fighting man, but he knew that
Chess was. So, finding that the boys would not desist, he
hastened to inform him. Corporal Chess was lying within
his hut taking a nap, when the chaplain suddenly made his
appearance at the door, and cried out —
"Brother Chess 1"
A loud snore mocked him.
" I say. Brother Chess," said the chaplain, reaching in and
catcb'Dg Chess by the foot.
THK BATTLE OP DRALN^fiSVILUB. 17&
P
•n it, let go ray foot I" said Chess, half awake.
le, Brother Chess," urged the ohaplain, " they're tear-
''n our church I"
at I" exclaimed Chess, now fully awake.
whole regiment is at our church, tearing it down for
d."
y are ?" exclaimed Chess, springing up and rushing
They are ? Oh, the d— d vil— "
J be calm. Brother Ch — "
ains, I'll tear — "
le, brother — "
murder— ril kill— "
Brother Chess, you — "
I't hold mey I'm going to go into them. Oh, the miser-
-d sons of guns 1 I'll — "
Corporal Chess broke away from the chaplain, and
Uy toward the church.
at the d — 1 are you fellows doing ?" he demanded,
.'t swear, Brother Chess," admonished the chaplain,
i hastily followed him.
I church will never be finished anyhow," said several.
V do you know ?"
ause we have marching orders, and we're going to
imp Pierpont next week," said one.
I now began to consider the matter, and this seeming
ery plausible pretext to abandon the idea of building
rch, he said —
ther chaplain, if this is the case, whv, I suppose the
light as well be used for fire- wood." And placing
ge logs upon his own shoulder, he conveyed them to
; he was determined to have his share,
er now set in, and we had some very rough weather.
d became three or four inches deep throughout all
ips. It made things vety disagreeable; especially
e had to go on picket — which we did every two or
eeks during our stay in Camp Pierpont. Often have
d from camp for picket, with feet wet and cold to
30 till I should return twenty-four hours after. There
id #tay at the cheerless picket line,co\int.\\i%,^N«t^jaSk
176 OCB Bora.
anon, tlie hours that must elapse ere we should be relievel.
At times it would be raining during our whole stay, at times
snowing. A cold, raw wind, too, was generally whistlinfir
mockingly among those green pines. But one thing woulcL.
console me on such occasions. "It is for my country," X
would exclaim ; then I would whistle two bars of " YANKBlB
doodle/' break suddenly off and sing a line and a half odP
the ''STAB SPANGLED BANNEB,'' brush the snow from uky
shoulders, stamp to keep my feet from freezing, then try tbL^
^ng of the " BED WMITE AND BLUE," but only ffet as &t slb
* 0, Colum — " when a keen blast of wind would lift my 'oap
off; I would pick it up and replace it, then wonder for tlxe
fiftieth time whether the following morning would ever
tome.
CHAPTER XIV.
DAVE WINDBB.
The Pennsylvania Reserve Corps was encamped so as t;^
occupy, about equally, both sides of the " Georgetown and
Leesburg" pike. This road was to us as Broadway to 'if&^
York — as Chestnut Street to Philadelphia; it was our
thoroughfare — our most public avenue. A number of ind®'
^ pendent sutlers had erected their temporary store-houses by
the pike ; several generals, among them McCall and Reynolds
had established their head-quarters immediately by it ; and
it was altogether quite a public street.
About a week after the battle of Drainesville, I had ooo
day just finished my dinner, when Winder looked into my
quarters, and said : —
" Come, let us take a promenade on the pike."
" Rather too muddy," I replied.
This was the only fault that could be found with the dayV
which was otherwise clear and beautiful; a beautiful day"# .
8uch as we do sometimes have in winter.
DAVB WINDER. 177
"Ob, come along," urged Winder, "the mud makes no
Ssrence ; if anything, I would rather have it a little muddy."
d Winder put on that honest grin of his.
' Well, I don't care if I do go," said I, at last ; " for I don't
»snme that it is so muddy on the pike as it is in camp
-e."
With this we started. We reached the pike and prorhe-
3ed awhile, seeing life, when Winder suggested that we
3uld leave the pike and pay a visit to Smith's division,
lich lay immediately on our left. I assented; and after a
py muddy walk of three-fourths of a mile, we found our-
ves within the camp. Winder had some acquaintances in
'egiment of that division, and seeking them out, he intro-
ced me to them as a man of great political renown, and a
Jhew of General Scott. Then he began. I thought he
aid never get done telling his friends stories of the battle
Drainesville, in which he asserted that our regiment had
n hotly engaged. He stated that, three separate times,
regiment repulsed a brigade of five thousand rebels ; and
expressed it as his belief, that the Eighth Eegiment alone,
vipported, could charge clear to Eichmond. When, at
gth, he did pause, I suggested the propriety of returning
the pike. Winder, with difiiculty, succeeded in tearing
^self away from his friends, informing them, as he bade
na farewell, that he expected soon to be made captain of
company to which he belonged — that ouf former captain
I been killed in the battle of Drainesville, and that the
fipany would not hear to any other man than himself
Uming the position.
^Ve had but left the regiment, and were about to take the
^Ttest cut for the pike, when our attention was attracted
''^ard a large, rough-looking man of thirty-five or forty, i
' habiliments of a civilian ; he stood gazing, with grea
^rest, upon a sentinel who was pacing to and fro d la mili-
^«/ evidently he had not been long about camp. Here
^} was an opportunity for Winder to enjoy himself. He
^Ued himself of it ; he walked unhesitatingly up to the
^tiger, extended his hand in the most friendly manner,
^Ued profoundly, and said : —
12
178 OUR BOYS. '
" Why, is it possible ? How do you do ?"
" I guiss yeVe the advantage o' me," replied the stranger,
with an unmistakable Hibernian accent.
"Oh, no, I han't I" said Winder; "Fm sure it's youl Tin
surprised that youVe forgotten meP
" Indade, sir, I can't think — "
" Come, now," said Winder, familiarly, " dorCt you knoir
me?"
" Sure, sir, I belave not."
." Did you never see me before ?"
The stranger looked into Winder's face, almost solemnly.
Presently he said : —
" I'm sure ye're mistaken."
" Not at all — think, now ; can't you bring to mind where
you have seen me, Pat ?" said Winder, who thought that, as
a common necessity, the stranger's name must be Pat. He hit
it, too, for the stranger replied : —
" Yer do seem to know my name, sure 1"
"Certainly, Pat! How is Mike?" Dave was equally
sure that Pat must have a brother — or some near relative
of the name of Mike. He was right, for Pat replied :—
" An' ye know him, too 1 He was well the last time I saw
him ; but sure — "
" And Terrence — how is he ?" interrupted Winder.
" Oh, he is not my brother ; ye mane — "
" I mean your cousin," said Winder, at a venture.
" Yis, ye never spoke a thruer word. But who — "
" Come, now, Pat, try if you can't think who I am— you
cannot have forgotten me."
Pat now put on a studious look. He surveyed Wind®^
cap-a-pie, with singular minuteness. Presently his fiice light-
ed up with a bright beam of intelligence, and he ex-
claimed : —
" Howly Moses ! I do belave yer Bill Moore 1"
" That's me," said Winder, with a gracious grin
"From Seflfordville?"
*" The very same — how have you been ?"
"The bist kind 1" exclaimed Pat, now shaking the pwf
fered band of Winder with great warmth.
DAVE WINDER. 179
Poop Pat I The fact is, when he got to runriinating on the
sabject, he had been able to call to recollection some one
whom he had seen at the town he spoke of, and who probably
Tesembled Winder. This was just what that gentleman
wished and expected. Presently Pat asked : —
"An' how long since ye lift our town ?"
" It's been some time, replied Winder, who, not wishing
to commit himself, knew that " some time" might mean six
weeks, or six years.
"An' ye're in the airmy ?" said Pat inquiringly.
"Yes, I am a recruiting officer."
" What rigiment did ye jine ?"
Winder saw that here, too, he might be in danger of com-
miting himself; so he discreetly replied: —
" Why, you see, Pat, I didn't get off with the boys from
our town, for I happened to be away at my uncle's when
ihej started ; so, I came to Washington, and some of my
firiends got me a special commission as a recruiting officer.
By the by, Pat, how came you here ?"
" Ah, that's it — I Ve been workin' in Alexander ; but I'm
gittin' kind o' tired o' it."
" Why don't you enlist, then ?"
" Sure, I come out here thinken' o' that, but me hairt kind
"foils me."
" Oh, that's foolish 1 You'd better enlist right away."
Pat started.
"Let me enlist you," urged Winder.
"Ochll-I— "
" Come I I can swear you into any regiment you wish, and
in ten minutes I can go up to the quartermaster, and bring
you a nice blue uniform, and a bright gun like that guard
there has."
This was very tempting, but, as Pat said, "his hairt failed
him." That Winder was just what he represented himself
to be he had not the shadow of a doubt.
"Indade, sir, I almost—"
" Come, Pat, don't be afraid ; you don't know what a nice
life a soldier's life is. Plenty of beef-steaks, mutton-chops^
potatoes, mince-piesf, and the Uke ; let me swear you. iul"
180 OUBBpYS.
Pat hesitated.
'• Think of twenty dollars planked into your hand on the
first (lay of every month, in gold or green-backs, as you like."
''Ibelavel— I— "
" Certainly, I knew you would. You're a brave fellow, Pat.
What regiment would you like to be sworn into?"
" I — I — that one there, I believe," said Pat, pointing to the
one we had just left.
" Very well, then, that is the Three-hundred-and-seventy-
ninth Ehode Island."
" Exactly."
" Do you think you will feel satisfied as a member of that
regiment ?"
"Yis."
" What company 7"
" I don't know, sir."
" Well, Company ' Q' is a good company ; suppose you go
into it r'
"All right, sir."
" Then I will proceed."
Winder now put on the most solemn look I ever saw him
vear, and in a slow, measured, and emphatic tone said —
" Patrick, raise your hand."
Pat theneupon elevated a hand about the size and some-
thing of the appearance of a large tortoise.
" Your right hand, Patrick," admonished Winder, for Pat
had held up the left article.
"Och, but Pm left-handed," argued Pat.
" Oh, so you are, I had forgotten the fact."
Winder then proceeded —
"You do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm, that
you will honestly and faithfully perform the duties of a sol-
dier in the Three-hundred-and-seventy-ninth Regiment Bhode
Island Volunteers — that you will support the Union and the
Constitution, and respect and obey your superior officers in
any position where-in-so-ever-all-to-gether you may be placed.
So you affirm ?"
'' Yis. sur-r-r."
^^Now, Patrick," said Winder, with some dignity, "yon
DAVE WINDER. 181
are a member of Company * Q,' Three-hundred-and-seventy-
ninth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers ; you must now
stand where you are, and not move, till I go and bring you
a gun and uniform."
" I will, sur-r-r."
" Of course I don't doubt you, but it is my duty to make a
signal to that sentinel yonder that you are sworn in, and if
you should offer to go away he would shoot you."
Winder then turned toward one of the guard of the adja-
cent regiment, and raised his cap with his left hand, touched
the top button of his blouse with his right, and raised his
left foot so as to touch the right knee with his heel. Pat
looked very solemn, and promised not to stir till Dave should
return with musket and uniform ; and if he has kept his pro-
mise, he must be standing there yet. Winder and I left him.
On reaching the pike we stopped for a few minutes by a
sutler's establishment, around which was collected quite a
crowd. While there we heard one soldier ask another, in
a whisper, if he could inform him ^here ''something to
drink"* could be procured.
The individual questioned replied that he didn't know
tohere the article could be had.
Winder overheard the conversp.tion, and thinking this an
excellent opportunity to indulge his peculiar faculty, beckoned
to the would-be-get-something-to-drink man, took him to one
side, and cautiously said —
" I guess you are looking for something to drink ?" And
he looked knowingly.
" Yes,^ can you — "
'*I'll tell you how it is," interrupted Winder; "I do know
of a place where the article can be had, but I rather promised
not to tell ; the fellow who sells it is a soldier, and he is very
sly about it, and don't want it to get out, lest the officers
should get hold of it."
" Tell, me, do I I'll not tell anybody else," urged the soldier.
pt is on this principle that so many secrets get out.]
* The sale of liquor in the armj being prohibited, it was frequently
veoded bjr antlers and others "on the sly."
182 OUB BOYS.
"I don't much like to," said Winder, with apparent hesita*
tion.
" Oh, do ; I swear I won't tell anybody 1"
" Well," said Winder, pointing to the tent of Colonel Emn^
which stood upon a hill near by, " do you see that large tent
yonder with a stove-pipe sticking out at the side, and the
smoke rolling out ?"
" Yes, is that the— "
" Yes, it is ; but for all that, you can't get anything there
without the password."
"How's that?"
" There is a certain word you must say when you go ta
the door, or else you can't get it."
" What is the word ? Tell me !" he exclaimed, eagerly.
"Indeed I don't know whether I ought to or — "
" Oh, yes I Tell me ! — upon my word of honor, I won't
tell anybody !"
"Won't you?"
"Indeed I won't!"
" Well, I'll tell you," said Winder ; and looking cautiously
around as if to make sure that no one should orerhear, lie
whispered :^-
"This is it—
* Davy Crockett, Old Davy Crockett —
His tobacco in his hat, his whiskey in hi? pocket.'"
"Is that it?"
" Yes — ^try if you can say it."
"Certainly, I can — 'Old Davy Crockett — his tobacco in
his — whiskey in his' — how was it?"
Winder repeated the little lines.
"Oh, yes! now I have it— 'Davy Crockett, Old Davy
Crockett— His — his — ' confound it! I always forget that
other—"
" This is it — ' His tobacco in his hat, his whiskey in hia
pocket.'"
" Oh, yes I Now I can say it —
'DsLvy Crockett, Old Da^y Crockett—
DAVE WINDEB. 188
'^That's it I I knew you'd soon learn 'tf" exclaimed
Winder, admiringly.
" I always was quick about learnin' anything that way,"
replied the soldier, feeling somewhat flattered.
" You have a good head on you," suggested Winder.
''Oh, yes — but I must go. Are you sure I can get' some
on that password ?"
"Yes, certainly. At first the fellow will pretend to he
insulted, or perhaps he'll try to make you believe that he
don't know what you mean ; but then you tell him that you
know he is a brick — ^that you know he keeps a whiskey-shop,
and has kept one all his life. You'll know him as soon as
you see him — ^he wears an officer's coat that he stole; he
often tries to make people believe that he is an officer."
Thus admonished, the soldier, who happened to be of
General Smith's Division, and didn't, therefore, know Colonel
Emm's tent from any other, proceeded thither at once.
Already he imagined that he could hear the " good old rye"
gurgling graciously into his canteen. He wondered what it
would cost ; perhaps he could get it cheap — a dollar a quart
— a dollar and a half — or, perhaps two dollars. Even that
would be cheap. However, he would soon know.
On arriving at the tent of Colonel Emm, he most uncere-
moniously threw aside the curtains, and inserted his counte-
nance; he saw the colonel, seated at a table writing. The
colonel looked up, and the seeker-after-" something," in a
tone which he meant to be intelligent, called out: —
" Davy Crockett, Old Davy Crockett—
His tobacco in his hat, hip whiskey in his pocket."
On hearing this vulgar greeting. Colonel Emm stared at
the intruder in mute astonishment.
" Come, now, old brick," said the soldier, persuasively ; for
he meant to carry out his instructions ; " you know you keep
a regular whiskey -shop here, and you know you never done
nothing else in your life ; you know you stole that coat you
have on ; I know it too. Now, I want — "
"You— you— "
Colonel Emm was too much amazed fot \3L\Xfit^\i^^\ V^
""S* OUR TOYS.
arose to his feet — his &ce pale aod his eyes flashing fire, and
for a moment he hesitated. The soldier, still supposing him
to be acting a part, now put in : —
" Come, now, old fellow, I like a joke as well is anybody,
but I hate to see a fool ; I'm in a hurry, and — "
The next moment he mas in a hurry — striking across
camp — the mud splashing and flying in perfect clouds-
Colonel Emm at his heels, alternately kicking at him, and
slashing at him with his sword, though never quite near
enough to reach him. The colonel chased him half-a-mile^
but couldn't catch him ; for the soldier now be^an to com-
prehend the trick that had been practised upon him, and ho
realized the importance of not being caught. Many were
looking on, wondering what it meant to see a fellow running
at that rate, and Colonel Emm after him — which looked
anything but dignified on the part of the officer.
The colonel, almost breathless, returned to his quarters^
wondering what such an unwarrantable intrusion could mean.
But I suppose he don't know yet, nor ever will, unless he
should one day peruse this little narrative.
Winder and I now left the pike, striking diagonally for
camp. As we were crossing a field not far from camp, we
met a soldier of the Tenth Eegiraent carrying a heavy stick
of wood toward his camp.
" Uow long have you been from camp ?" asked Winder,
" About an hour and a half," was the reply.
"That long?"
"Yes— why?"
" Nothing, only the division has marching orders,"
"What?"
" We have marching orders ; we are to start to-night after
dark. I have been sent over to the pike to tell all our fel-
lows who might happen to be there, and send them to the
regiment. I guess I have found them all, I sent over two
hundred and seventy-eight, and — "
The soldier waited to hear no more ; down went his wood,
off he started, at a dead run, for the camp of the Tenth regi-
ment, which was on the south side of the pike. And ofT
Winder started for our c3^m^,foT ha didn't want that big fel*
DAVE TITNDER. 185
low to return to the spot, as no doubt he would as soon as
he should find that he had been duped, and whale him
(Winder) out of his boots. I hurried to camp, too, for I
feared that the fellow would return, and, n6t finding Winder,
whale me, as accessory.
On arriving in camp, I was informed, by my messmates,
that a "box" had been sent to one of them from home, con-
taining, among other things, two half-gallon tin cans, tightly
sealed, one marked in big letters— "preserved peaches,"
the other, " currant jelly." Now, the one marked " pre-
served peaches" contained whiskey ; that marked " currant
jelly" contained whiskey, too. Thus one gallon of the " poi-
son" had walked slyly into camp, beneath the very noses of
provost-marshals, officers of the day, etc.
Haman, Dick, Ort, and Enos had been imbibing, and were
already right merry when I entered our domicile. They
urged me to take " something." Well, I do not think it any
hwrm to take a little now and then while in camp, especially
indatap and muddy weather, so I did take a" little" three
or four times. By and by all became boozy ; Haman and
Dick called in everybody that passed by, made everybody
drink several times till nearly every man in the company
felt right happy.
There was a good fellow of our company dwelling next door
to U8, whose name was Nick Swearer. When under the influ-
ence of liquor, he was somewhat ill-tempered. He, among
others, came into our hut, and, after a while, he and Dick
got into a little dispute about nothing, and Dick finally pulled
his whiskers. Nick spoke of knocking thunder out of Dick ;
Dick assured Nick that he was ready to knock that article
out of him. The dispute became pretty warm, and Nick at
^ left the shanty, insulted.
After a little while, Dick, having forgotten the whole affair,
thought that he would just step into Nick's hut, and see an
old man there called Daddy Bayne, one of Nick's messmates.
Nick happened to be standing at the entrance, and as Dick
^88 about to enter, he interposed his form and demanded —
"Or — r — old feller, where er goin'?"
'^Er a goin' in to see Daddy Bayne," said Dick.
186 OUR BOYS.
" Well, er guess not," said Nick.
" Why ?" asked Dick, in surprise.
" Kase er don't," said Nick, firmly.
Dick looked foolish ; he remembered that " Every man's
house is his castle," — he turned away and went into nis own
house, exclaiming —
" Well, I declare, if er not a joke. Ha, ha !"
Half an hour afterward, Nick, in his turn, having forgotten
the whole of his affair with Dick, made his appearance at the
entrance of our tent, grinned, and said-
"Harye, boys?"
*' Oh, come in, Nick," said Dick, in the most friendly tone
of voice.
Nick climbed over the low wall with much difficulty.
Finding himself within, he sat down upon a rough bench and
asked —
" How'd yer come on ?"
" Bully !" said Dick ; then all at once, as though he jnsk
thought of it, he exclaimed —
"Oho, Nickeyl"
"What is er*?" asked Nick.
"Oho!"
"What?"
" You wouldn't let me (hie) inter-r house a while er go."
Nick looked startled. Dick continued —
" Now, old cooney, you waddle out o' this !" And he
seized Nick by the whiskers and began to assist him ont>
which, however polite it might have been, was not at all
gentle.
Just as Nick was nicely poised upon the wall, Dick ga^
him an impetus that expedited his egress, and sent niiB
sprawling upon the muddy ground. Nick, without saying • .
word, arose and went into his cabin. Presently he came out
with his musket, took the position of a soldier, rested the
breech of his musket upon the ground, and proceeded, with
astonishing deliberation, to " load in nine times" — with htiA
and ball. His intention was obvious ; he was going to shoot
Dick. As this conviction flashed across my mind, I sprang
from my hut, seized t\ie m\xak.^\., ^xx^ ^^ be was placing a cap
DAVE WINDER. 187
the tube, and succeeded in wresting it from his grasp.
lis done, I discharged the contents into a stump near by,
aking a hole therein, which appeared to be an inch in dia-
eter, and I could not help thinking what an ugly thing it
ould have been in Dick's head. It so happened that the
Beer of the day witnessed the aflfair, and readily cotnpre-
ending it, sent Nick to the guard-house, there to remain till
e should become sober, which occurred at some time during
le ensuing twenty-four hours. This was an example by
Wch the rest of the company profited, and quiet reigned
tiring the remainder of the evening— it was now dark.
Next morning I was somewhat startled by the information
lat a friend of mine— Corporal Einehart, of Company "I" —
id been taken ill and conveyed to the regimental hospital
e day previous, and that he was now supposed to be dying.
is disease was " typhoid fever," contracted on the day
the Drainesville fight. I hastened to the hospital, ac-
tnpanied by Lieutenant Wood, of Company "I" (also a
lend of mine), and soon succeeded in gaining admittance,
looked around on the miserable sufferers occupying the
urious beds, but I could not see my friend. Some, whom
saw, were suffering terribly with one disease or another ;
le I particularly remember, had some disease of the throat,
id he lay constantly struggling and gasping for breath ;
ihers lay pale and wan — wasted away to almost nothing
-iheir eyes sunken, their lips thin and white, and their
^llow cheeks wearing a deathly pallor. But the patient
lat most attracted my attention was one who lay in a
slirium, struggling for every breath he drew; his face
as almost black, as from mortification ; his lips dry and
irched; and his eyes rolling and staring wildly. I turned
«ray sickened at the sight.
"but where — " I asked of Lieutenant Wood — "where is
orporal Rinehart ?"
"Don't you see him ?"
"No — where is he ?"
"There !" said he, pointing to the suffering figure I have
at described; "poor fellow, he is nearly gone!"
I was amazed, I could not trace in those ^^aVxxt^ xiorv
1S8 OUR BOYS.
turned black by disease— those wildly-staring eyes— that
prostrate form, any resemblance to my dear friend, Corporal
KinehartI Yet it was he. Disease had almost done it's
work — death stood impatiently waiting for him.
Heavy, dismal clouds were flying in wild disorder across
the heavens. The cold, chill winds of December were righ-
ing from hill to hill, and through the dark-green pine woods,
A solitary snow-flake, here and there, descended lazily— it
was too cold to snow much. Slowly, sadly an ambulance,
escorted by ten soldiers with arms reversed, and followed by
a company of soldiers, as mourners, took its way from camp.
The low, solemn, and plaintive notes of a fife, and the doll
roll of the muffled drum, told but too plainly what that am-
bulance contained — the pale corpse of a solaier. 'Twas the.
cold, lifeless form of my friend.
The body was escorted to the pike with military honora,
sent thence to Washington, there embalmed and sent to the
bereaved ones at home.
As my friend was borne from my view forever, I could
not refrain from tears. Yet why ? His transition from this
world to another could have been no loss to him — it must
have been infinite gain ; for he was one who could have no
reason to fear the pale Conqueror — to shrink back from the
icy waters of the Eiver of Death. He was one of the very
few, yes, the very few, who, besides professing religious prin-
ciples, carry them out. It has never been my privilege to
form the acquaintance of a more honest, honorable, amiable^
or upright young man. Such was my friend Corporal Bine-
hart
The holidays had passed away, and the new year haa en-
tered upon the great table of time. The month of January
was beginning to wear away.
One evening, while I was cleaning my gun, Juggie thrust
his countenance into my quarters, and, in a lively tone, said—
"Oh, IVe had bully luck!"
''Eh, what at?" I asked.
DAVE WINDER. 189
ck-o-luck,"* he replied ; "I won ten dollars."
I where is that interesting game in progress?" I
he next house, here," he replied.
11, Juggie, I advise you to keep out of that game, or
)se your little all."
danger."
there is danger."
11, I'm not going to try it any more to-night," said
and he turned away.
minutes had scarcely elapsed, when Juggie again
d at the door of my tent,
at's up now, Juggie ?" I inquired.
e good luck !" he exclaimed,
at 1 have you been back in there, betting on chuck-o-
, and IVe gone and won seventeen more dollars."
Juggie, whose language, it is easy to perceive, was
the best.
yon did go back."
, and I'm glad I did."
Y well, you'll go on till you lose all."
I am not going to try it any more now."
I said that before."
ril stick to it now ; it ain't many fellers that quits
' the bank."
you seem to be peculiarly lucky. But you had
top now; you know the old adage ' Chuck-o-luck,
e you lay down the less you take up.' "
, I know ; I will stop now ;" and he turned away,
if he had been satisfied with his twenty-seven dollars,
d have been the winner, as a matter of course; but
nterestiiijE; species of gambling is much practiced in the army. For
ition of the non military reader, I would just impart a slight idea
the game is played. It is as follows : Six cards — those from th9
? six of any suit — are fastened to a table ; the proprietor shakes
•ox and upturns it upon the table : outsiders then bet that a cei«
bet will come uppermost on the dice, laying their money upon a
dning the number on which they wish to try their lack — f^enit-
190 OUR BOYS.
that strange fascination which allures the gambler on, took
possession of him, and, notwithstanding his vowi to tfa6
contrary, he returned to the chuck-o-luck bank, not five
minutes after his conversation with me, and tried it again,
"seeing that he had been so lucky." The result was, that
fickle i'ortune vacillated, and in less than two minutes^ Juggie
lost hia twenty-seven dollars, and all the "loose change" he
had about him, besides; and he found himself a penniless
soldier, without enough money to buy a " plug o' tobacker."
Poor Juggie looked very wo- begone, as his last quarter
was " gobbled up ;" and he said " pshaw," and " confound it>"
and " darn it," and " tarnation," and finally wound up will
— " The d—l take it." Thereupon some unfeeling bystander
remarked, that his satanic majesty would no doubt, someday,
" take" the whole concern ; and him, too, for gambling.
"Ah, Juggie," I said to him, next day, "you had mucli
better have taken my advice."
"I know I had," he replied; "but I swear I'll never try
the darned thing again."
Juggie adher^ to this wise resolution, most faithfiilly, tiH
pay-day ; then, his purse being replenished, he again plunged
into the vice yclept chuck-o-luck. Poor Juggie I His
physical capacities and attainments were very go^ I Sonj
I can't say as much for his moral.
I relate this little incident because, while it may be wmO'
what amusing, it will define another interealiDg feature in
the life of a soldier; it will serve to impart to the reader an
idea as to the way in which men plunge into vices in tta
camp, of which they would be ashamed at home. In camii
drinking, gambling, etc., are carried into excess by men who-
at home would scorn to have such misdeeds associated iritii
their names.
« « « « * « ^
The winter wore gradually away. The regular routo
of exercise was kept up ; save that out-door sports wert
somewhat eschewed in consequence of the increasing mni
Otherwise, things went on as usual ; Gaskill got tight reg*
larly, whenever he could procure anything to get tight on;
Winder continued lo \«\\ \i\^ \3kS»wal number oi solemn un-
MOUNT STEBNON. 191
tmths daily; Hare stuttered away as usual, getting into a
fight alternately with Dave Adams and Bob Young ; chuck-
o-lnck was carried on daily; the mud continued in good
swimming order ; military funerals were intermixed with
oiher things, the muffled drum becoming a familiar sound ;
picket duty was done regularly ; the captain was tried and
acquitted — ^released from arrest and restored to his command ;
nimorsy as usual, were afloat ; talking was done, and opin-
ions expressed as to the plans for the coming spring's cam-
paign ; and, altogether, we looked earnestly forward to the
ooming spring, when we should surely go forth to meet the
defiant rebels. Anxiously, impatiently, we waited, watched
and wished for clear, windy days to come and dry up the
mod, that we might move forward. All was anticipation.
CHAPTEE XV.
MOUNT VEBHON.
February was fast passing away. The mud was making
• move toward drying up — barely a move ; the windy season
Was already ^pugurated.
One day, near the last of February, I learned that Mount
yemon was within our lines; and I resolved to visit the
interesting spot I requested the captain to write a pass for
■ Jtte and get it countersigned by the colonel ; he did so. It
Wag on a clear, windy Monday morning ; my pass allowed
lUe till Tuesday evening to return.
^ Mount Vernon is situated on the west bank of the Potomac,
^gbt miles below Alexandria. My route was, to walk to
J'airs Church, a distance of five miles ; then take the cars for
Alexandria, a distance of ten miles from the church ; once
^bere, I would have to secure a passage on foot, by way of a
Very muddy road.
A train was* to leave Fall's Church foi AXcxa.xATv^> ^
192 OUR BOYS.
twelve o'clock ; the first question to be considered was, could
I reach said i)lace in time for said train? It was ten o'clock
when I left Ciinip Pierpont, and I determined to try ; though
the road I had to travd was a very muddy one, and the wind
was blowing extravagantly. I breasted the wind with des-
perate energy, and left the shape of my feet in the mud with
great rapidity. As the sun began to admonish me that the
hour of twelve was at hand, I found myself within sight of
the station, and a few hundred paces too far down the rail-
road. A train was standing by the station, and the locomo-
tive sent forth a shrill whistle. Oh, horror I Would I be
too late after all ? I hastened to the railroad, then turned to
the right, and walked upon the ties, in the direction of the
station. I saw that a locomotive with a train attached waa
headed directly toward me. Between me and the station,
the track lay through a deep cut or gorge. To oppose my
progress, the wind was rushing down against me with great
energy. I struggled desperately against it I eagerly
watched the train ; it was not moving yet. Oh, horror 1 the
unearthly shriek of the locomotive was repeated. With
redoubled energy I struggled against the wind; it almost
held me back, but I made some progress. Of course it would
have been perfectly absurd for my cap not to blow off at this
interesting crisis. So away it went, I after it; every step
taking me farther and farther from the train. Oh, the agonr
of that moment! Surely the train would sta%pow, before!
could recover my cap and reach it. At last I overtook the
truant cap, and picked it up. Breathless, at last, cap in hand
and hair flying in the wind, I reached the train smd sprang
upon a car just as the iron horse commenced his " fith-st-cha-
chu," and the train moved. Twenty-five minutes later I was
in Alexandria. Tiiere I inquired the road to Mount Vemu",
and was told to follow the road that lay nearest the river. I
passed directly through Alexandria, and soon arrived at a
bridge which is constructed over a small bay or nook of the
river half a mile below. At this bridge was a sentinel who
very politely informed me that I couldn't "pass that way."
" But I have a pass," said I, producing that document.
''Let's see it."
KOUNT VKBNON. 198
*Herd it is;" and I handed it to him.
He examined it> and said —
''This is only a colonel's pass."
« Well, isn't that sufficient."
''No, a colonel's pass will not take you over this bridge;
fon should have a pass from your brigadier-general."
"Surely you don^t mean that, partner?" said I.
"But 1 do mean it," he said.
"And I can't pass?"
"My orders are strict, and you. can't pass."
" I'm soft'y to be obliged to go back after walking fifteen
jr twenty miles," said I ; though I had not the most distant
notion of returning to camp without seeing Mount Vernon.
The sentinel looked thoughtful. He didn't like to see me
wo back without accomplishing the object of my journey.
X on will always find a true soldier entertaining a kind feel*
ing of fellowship for any soldier with whom he may meet —
dways sympathizing with a comrade in his misfortunes.
" The officer of the guard is not fer ofl^" he said, at length ;
"perhaps he will pass you."
" Conduct me to him," I said, eagerly.
The head-quarters of the guard, whose duty it was to guard
ihe bridge, were in an old building near at hand ; thither I
WMB conducted. A lieutenant, a sergeant, a corporal, and half
I dozen soldiers were seated around a fire that was blazing
cheerfully ii^g^ilapidated fire-place.
The sentineTexhibited my pass to the lieutenant, and said —
"Lieutenant) here is a man from the Pennsylvania Re-
lenres ; he has come a long way to visit Mount Vernon."
'• Where is his pass ?" asked the lieutenant, who was officer
>f the guard.
"Here."
The lieutenant examined the pass a moment, then said —
" This won't pass you."
"Why?" I asked.
" Because it lacks a general's signature."
"But, lieutenant, I have come a long distance, and — "
"' Can't help it," was the unfeeling response ; and he handed
ne my pass.
196 ' 0UBB0Y8.
I knew that that loved one rested now within that marble
vault Yet I could scarcely realize that I was actuallj
gazing upon what contfdned the mouldering bones of the
adored hero. Long, long*! stood^ as rootea to the spot^
gazing thoughtfully, earnestly, upon the white marble. At
length the extending shadows of surrounding objects warned
me that the sun was low. P looked westward, and, lol half
the golden orb of day was already hidden behind the green
pines fer away. I must go. Reluctantly I turned away.
Oh, I did hate to leave that hallowed spot I 1 could have
died there I But night was fast approaching, and I most
depart. I cast one lingering look within ; I snatched a small
twig from a vine which hung from the wall, and turned away.
I repassed the cottage. Then I thought of him who once
dwelt therein — whose resting-place I had just left. I
remembered his unceasing, untiring toils for his idolized
country, and I wondered what he would say were he living
now. Ah, what would be his feelings, as the sound of the
cannon employed in civil strife shook the walls of his peace-
ful home — when the sharp crack of the rifle in the hands of
a Virginian was the death-signal of some native of Virginians
sister State I Surely, his heart would be broken I
I soon found myself again in the main road. The wind
liad abated, and I walked briskly on. I must endeavor to
reach Alexandria that night. Darkness — ^thick darkness,
too, among those pines — soon reigned. I soon made a
somewhat remarkable discovery — I was tired. Eight miles
lay between me and rest ; it was too cold lib sleep out of doors
without a blanket. It was freezing now ; ever and anon the
thin ice rattled under my feet like glass. Wearily I trudged
on.
" Halt I" I had reached the post of the patrol with which
I met on my way to Mount Vernon.
"Who comes there?" demanded the sentinel on duly.
" Friend — with a pass," I replied.
"Was it you who passed here a little after noon today?"
"Yes."
"Let me see your pass."
I produced my pass.
4
MOU^ VKRNON. 197
** Come with me," he said ; and he led the way to a blaz
. ing fire near at hand, around which were seated the re-
mainder of those on duty. By the light of the fire he
examined my pass, then he said : —
" All rights you can pass if you wish ; but it's a re Qgh
road from here to Alexandria, and I advise yon to remain
with us for the night. You are welcome to stay ; we have
a good fire here, and plenty of blankets."
*' Yes, stay with us," said another of the squad.
" By all means," said another.
" Do I It's foolishness to walk clear to Alexandria to-
night," urged another.
''I believe I will," said I.
*' Certainly I That's right I You have not had your supper :
sit down and have some coffee."
I complied ; after which we all seated ourselves around the
fire, and were soon on the most intimate terms. We chatted
away in merry humor for hours, relating stories, etc.
At length, I lay down by the fire, o^na slept comfortably
till morning. Then I arose to depart. As I did so, I perr
ceived that there was a camp of some regiment very near ;
turning to the boys, I asked : —
** What camp is this ?"
" That's the camp of our regiment," was the reply.
" Your regiment ?"
''Yes."
** Eeally, I believe I never asked you what regiment you
belonged to."
" And we forgot to tell you — it's the Sixty-third."
We exchanged " good-byes," and I walked on, over the now
frozen ground, toward Alexandria. On arriving thither, it
struck me that nothing in the world would be so delightful
and refreshing on that cold morning as a plate of hot
oysters. Accordingly, I stepped into a saloon, called for
the article, and dispatched it, which made me just thirty
seconds too late for the eight o'clock train for Falls Church.
Therefore I was obliged to wait for the one o'clock train ;
for a train was to leave at that hour.
% As I had some boara to spend m MeiL^xidcnSb \ \r^^ ^
198 OUR Bonrs.
stroll, " seeing the place !" Of course I visited the " Marshall
Ilouse"— the hotel in which Colonel Ellsworth was killed.
I could not help remarking the peculiar names of the streets.
Five of the principal streets of Alexandria are named as fol-
lows: "King." "Queen," "Prince," "Princess," "Duke."
Alexandria»has not the name of being a loyal city, but thi
certainly sounds royal.
In order to make sure of the one o'clock train, I went to
the depot at eleven A. M., and had the pleasure of waiting
three hours instead of two; for the trains there are never,
very punctual. At last, however, I found myself aboard an
open car, which was loaded with hay — it travelled jast as
fast as any, though — and I was soon at Falls Ohurct once
more. Then I started for Camp Pierpont. Thinking to take
a near cut, I passed through an extensive wood in which I
lost my way, and took a " near cut" of eight miles instead of
five. Just as the sun was sinking in the west, I entered the
camp of the Eighth. Al the same time a mounted messenger
dashed into camp, shouting —
" Fort Donelson is ours I It has been surrendered with
twenty-five thousand prisoners 1"
Every man who heard, shouted —
"Hurrah! hurrah! Fort Donelson is taken! Three
cheers 1"
A soul-stirring cheer went up ; every man in the regiment
shouted with gladness on hearing the welcome news. Other
regiments took up the cheer, and ere long fifteen thousand
men were yelling at the top of their voices ; and they con-
tinued to do so until they were hoarse.
Our brass band now came forth, took its position on the
most elevated spot in our regimental street, and played all
the national airs they could think of; beginning with "Hail
Columbia," and winding up with "Yankee Doodle." The
whole regiment gathered around, cheering at intervals in a "
deafening manner.
" Hurrah 1 The war is about over " shouted one.
"Who wants to buy a good gun ?" asked another.
''Or a good knapsack? I'm about done with mine," said^
MBOtber. ~
MOUNT vURisroN. 199
*' Or a cartridge-box," was suggested.
"Or a canteen?"
" Or a haversack ?"
• " Or a good overcoat ?"
"Ah, boys, the war is not over yet /" said a youthful soldier,
gravely ; he was a member of Company " B."
• Poor fellow, he was right. Better had it been for him if
the war had been over then. Then he could have returned
to his smiling home on the green banks, of the Allegheny.
But alas! Where is he now? His bones lie buried at
Glbndale, no stone marks the spot, and his widowed mother,
now doubly a widow, sits, lonely and sad, at her, cottage
window, gazing sorrowfully upon the glassy surface of the
clear river, thinking of her boy — ^her only boy — ^her lost
Willie! /
Several glorious victories were shortly added to that at
Fort Donelson. It was obvious that the time was not far
distant when we should do something ; the mud began to
grow " beautifully less." By and by, we received orders to
keep three days' rations in our haversacts, and be ready to
march at any time.
Sunday, the ninth of March, came. It was a beautiful day,
warm and pleasant. The roads were now in a pretty good
condition, especially the pike by which we expected to move.
The general impression was, that we should march on the
following day. I took a stroll, and in my .walk passed
through thejcamps of a number of regiments belonging to our
division ; I found that the expected move was all the talk —
the reigning topic. Surely we would go next day. ^
Morning came. We arose alive with expectation. We
Were somewhat disappointed to find that the sky was over
cast with clouds, and a slight mist was falling. The morn
ing began to pass away. No marching orders. What could
it mean ? - Were we not going after all ? It looked like it
Noon came, and we were beginning to be reconciled to our
disappointment; we proceeded to prepare dinner. It was
just ready^ when & startling cry rang Qut, and was repeated
by hundreds of tongues throughout the camp.
I "Pack up! i-ACKr.tJPj Marching oiLDEi^aV"
200 OUR BOVS.
Instantly all was bustle and excitement. Ccffee-pots were
kicked over ; a few extra provisions were thrust into haver-
sacks; knapsacks were hurriedly packed, and in fifteen
minutes the regiment was formed — We stood in line. Imp*
tiently we waited the order to march. Oh, could it be that
the time had at last come when the grand movement of the
Army of the Potomac should be consummated ? "We could*
scarcely realize that it was so. Where was Colonel Hayea?
Why is he not here ? Probably he is at the general's quar-
ters, waiting for orders. Ah, there he is I
The colonel rode hurriedly into camp, and shouted—
"Battalion, shoulder — annsr
It was done with alacrity.
"Eight— /ace/"
This command was obeyed with equal agility. Then oame
the magic —
*' Forward — MARCH I"
The band struck up a favorite air, we moved as one man,
and uttering one wild farewell cheer, we marched from Camp
PiERPONT — forever.
CHAPTER XVI.
THEADVANCE.
Th|; division was properly formed, and we moved out tho
pike in the direction of Drainesville. We had no doubt that
we were to march to that village ; thence, make a flank move-
ment on the rebel works at Oentreville or Bull Run. C!e^
tainly we were not going to Leesburg, for the Union forceB
already occupied that place. Slowly, steadily, we marched
on. The sky had now become clear, and the sun shone ov^
warmly and beautifully.
When within ArcQ miles of Drainesville, we abruptly left
the pike, filing off to the left, and following a by-road through
a wood; it was jhe load \ftad\ii^ to " Rviuter's Mills." ^^
THE ADVANCE. ^ 20l
n crossed the " Alexandria and Leesburg'' turnpike. ' On
went — on, toward Hunter's Mills. The march was a hard
) ; many extra great-coats, many blankets, and much super-
)xi8 clothing were abandoned by the^ way — ^left lying at
road-side.
;t was near evening, whpn, in passing through a low valley,
found ourselves called upon to cross a deep creek. Eails
re thrown across from bank to bank — the creek was nar-
T — and we waited carefully across. Here and there trees
I fallen across ; and to such places many flocked for the
rpose of walking over on the trunks one by one. At one
these places happened our friend Dennis, and dnother of
R BOYS — Tonamy Simpson. They, by dint of pushing and
nmirig, and heaving, and surging among the crowd, suc-
)ded in rS^ching the log simultaneously. Dennis, how-
3r, being the most active, mounted upon the log ahead of
•mmy. This latter gentleman, in the excitement of the
ttaent, lost his balance slightly, and to save himself from
ohing into the stream, set the breech of ]^s musket in the
ter, thinking to rest it on the bottom and thus support
Oself ; for he supposed the bottom to be but a few inches
ow the sur&ce of the water. But in his calculations as
he depth of the water he was fearfully at fault ; it chanced
be at this point six feet deep. Down went the musket
> the water, making a terrible blubbering as it went,
Damy bajrely saving himself from going in, too, by grasping
adjacml' ooat-tails of Dennis. The result was, both
anis' feet suddenly slipped from the log, one on each side
Lt, causing him to take his seat upon the loff most violently,
I in a truly equestrian style — his feet dangling in the
ter for want of stirrups. Tommy, who had only seen
* back of Dennis, failed to recognize him. Thinking,
wever, that owing to his proximity to the water, he
snnis) might be able to seize the gun ere it should sink,
cried out, in a supplicating tone : —
^ Mister I mister I Grab my gun — quick I Oh, do !"
''Grab h — HI" exclaimed Dennis; "sure. Til think I'm
sky if I'm able to grab mesel' out o' this — without settin'
fe feshen' for yer dommed old gun."
202 OUR BOYS.
" Ah, ah I" muttered Tommy, pitifully, giving the word
the broad sound ; for his musket gave a final blubber, and
took a horizontal position upon the pebbly bottom.
What could Tommy do ? The regiment was moving on
— he was soon left behind. Must he strip ofl^ during that
cold March evening (for the sun w^as low, and it was getting
cool), and take a dive for his fire-arm? Horror, nol Yet
he must recover his gun — or else pony up twelve dollars of
his next two months' pay, for another; and that would be
decidedly unpleasant. A bright thought struck him; and
he proceeded to act upon it. He procured a long stick and
tried "feshin'" awhile, as Dennis had expressed it; but it
was no go — he could feel it at the bottom, but that was all
At last it became obvious that there .was but one alternative;
he must dive. With stoic determination, he removed his
accoutrements — then his Raiment. Oo — ool plunge I splash I
Down he went to the bottom, the waters closed over him, and
for a moment he was lost to earthly view — Jost to the view
of all save, perhaps, some lonely fish that sported among Ae
waters. Presently the waters parted, and out popped
Tommy's heels. With some difficulty he succeeded in get-
ting ''t'other end up;" then his countenance appeared above
the surface, he seized some reeds that grew upon the bank,
and crawled out, shivering triumphantly, gun m h^nd.
AVeary and worn, we reached Hunter's Mills; we had
marched twenty miles that afternoon. It was now dark
We were stacking arras ; each man was just making the re-
mark that he couldn't march half a mile further to save hia
life, when the adjutant rode up, and called out : —
" Captain Conner !"
"What is it, adjutant?"
" You will take your company and march out the road a
mile and a half, where you will form a picket line connecting
on either flank with the pickets of other regiments.
" Yes, sir — company, take — arms.^^
This was pleasant. Of course it was fair — perfectlv fisdr;
for it was our turn. There was some cursing the liu:k, though,
and many words worse than " really" were uttered by OUB
BOYS. We now proved \Ai^\. \n^ ** ^.o^ldu't march half a wSk
THE ADVANCE. 203
to save our lives," by marching a mile and a half with much
less at stake. When a man finds that a thing must be done,
however difficult, it is surprising how readily he manages to
do it.
At ari early hour on the following morning we returned
from picket and took our position upon a high hill not far
from an old mill belonging to Mr. Hunter. Here we were
furnished with painted tent-blankets, and we established our
camp and styled it '* Camp Hawkhurst," in honor of the se-
cessionist who owned the ground ; but as this was a rather
difficult word to remember, the boys all called it "Camp
Cornstalk," and they who are living do to this day.
A word as to those renowned shelter-tents. Each man
was furnished with a tent-blanket about four by six feet in
size ; any members were allowed to form a mess and con-
struct a tent of any size the number of blankets might permit.
Haman, Dick, and I constructed an awkward affair of ours.
Bnos did not go in with us ; he thought we teased him too
much about his affair with old Christie concerning that wood.
Ort WHS detached with the ambulance corps ; and he, too, left
us. Thus we were three.
The first event that occurred in Camp Cornstalk was, it
rain^ most mercilessly ; which rain, aided by a brisk wind,
succeeded in entering our frail abode in torrents, drenching
us completely. March rains are no delicacy, even in the
sunny South; so we huddled together within our narrow
house, bumping each other's heads, knocking each other's
caps off, and looking very glum. The fact is, these tent-
blankets, as described, do not constitute a very spacious
apartment. And — let me see — well, I don't remember
exactly, but I think Haman swore a little, so did Dick ; but
/.didn't, I know, for I qtiit swearing seven years since, am
have held out most faithfully.
We had been in cjlr new camp fwo days, and were begin-
ning to wonder why we were not called upon to " pitch into"
the rebels at Centreville, when the colonel rode into camp
and informed us that they had skedaddled several days pre-
viously, evacuating and abandoning their boasted strong-
holds, Centreville and Manassas. This Y(aa Xift\^^, ^^^ ^^
204 OUR BOYS.
mistake. We didn't half like it> for we bad hoped lo i
them in leaving those places.
On Friday morning, the fourteenth of March, an order was
issued, signed by General McCall, requiring us to hold oari
selves in readiness to move at a moment's notice,'by toaier.
That evening, about dark, the " moment's notice" came^ and
^e hastily pulled down our miniature tents, each making
one of the blankets fast to his knapsack — we were to carry
them of course. It was rumored that we were to march to
Alexandria, there to embark in steam transports, for parts to
us unknown. Soon we were in line, soon m motion, direct-
ing our steps toward the Alexandria'and Leesburg pike.
On arriving at the pike, we halted for the nighty and lay
down in a wood beneath the soothing influence of a refresh-
ing rain. By spreading out tent-blankets over us, we sno-
ceeded in keeping partly dry. Our heads and feet caught i1»
though, for in attempting to cover the one we were sure to
draw the covering off the other ; and in the morning we
arose, feeling as stupid as might be.
AVe had taken coffee, when Captain Biddle, General
McOalPs aid-de-camp, rode by, ordering us to get into line-
telling us that we were about to march. It was still raining.
Now the turnpike bridge, crossing Difficult Creek, had been
burned by the rebels, so it was necessary for us to march
across to the other — the Georgetown and Leesburg pike — cnw
the stream by that bridge, then march back to the Alexan*.
dria and Leesburg pike east of Difficult Creek. This was an
addition of ten miles to our journey. The rain continued to
pour down steadily all the while; the mud became deep,
and the marching was both unpleasant and laborious; a cold
wind was blowing ; our clothes became saturated, our shoes
were filled with mud. At last, we once more reached the
Alexandria pike and marched toward Alexandria. When
near Falls Church we halted, and were allowed to bivonao
for the night in a pine grove. The rain had gradually in-
creased, and was now pouring down in torrents. Night was
approaching. To kindle a fire was literally impossible, ye*
we had stopped for the night. There we stood, looking
iuiiserah^glWub, t\ie ram i\\'&\vvci^iT:cyni qxix can^s and flow-
THE ADVANCE. 205
ing soothingly adown the backs of our necks/ Some had the
courage to sit down upon a stump, or the trunk of a fallen
tree. But, oh, such courage as it must have required I /
didn't possess it, I'm sure. I tried to stand in some position
that the rain might not beat into my face ; I faced to the east,
and to the west, and to the north, and to the south, but to no
vorpose ; the rain seemed to be coming from every direction.
I tned to shelter my devoted head with my tent-blanket, but
the wind blew it hither and thither, and the rain continued
to beat furiously into my face, and to run down the back of
my neck. At length, exasperated and desperate, I deter-
mined that I wouldn't stand there and be drowned alive, I
would walk clear to Alexandria, that I would. It was yet
ten miles. I started. A thought struck me.. The streams
must certainly be much swollen, and they would be difficult
to cross. I had better follow the railroad, that I might cross
dl the streams on bridges. I acted upon this suggestion, and
was soon walking down the railroad, stepping from tie to tie,
amusing myself with the thought of how many of those ties
lay yet between me and rest — shelter. I soon discovered
that I was not the only one of our division who had made
this desperate resolve — to walk to Alexandria. I fell in
with three Bucktails ; they constituted my travelling com-
(anions. After remarking all around that it was "rather
fainy," we pursued our way in silence. Darkness came on.
We crossed many bridges, stepping from one tie to another,
which, considering that they were wet and slippery, and that
the night was dark, was certainly attended with danger.
When within three miles of Alexandria we encountered a
bridge which must have been fifty feet high, and it was fiHy
paces in length. The waters beneath were rushing and
roaming, pitching, and tossing in a manner altogether savage.
We hidted — hesitated. Should one of us in passing over,
make a single false step, encumbered as we were, death would
be inevitable.
"Boys,'' I said at length, '<I'm going to try it.
They were silent. I commenced the perilous walk over
the bridge, stepping carefully from one tie to another. I
could hear the mad waters below, and I shudd^i^. i^\ds^
206 OITR liOVS
— it seemed an age — I arrived in safety on tte east side of
the stream.
" Boys, I'm over," I called out.
" Well, I'm coming," said one ; and he commenced the
dangerous walk.
lie reached me in safety, and heaved a great sigh of relie£
Another followed ; he, too, arrived in safety. The last one
then attempted the dangerous crossing. He reached the
centre of the bridge, when, hearing the surging waters fiir
below, his courage deserted him, and he stopped stood stiU^
and trembled violently.
" Come— come — and — take — my — gun," he said.
There was a moment of hesitation. The others, being hil
comrades, had the best right to go ; but they made no move
toward it. I knew it would be dangerous to go out to him,
but I could not see a fellow being perish, and I stretch forth
no hand to save him. I laid my musket down and carefolly
approached him.
" You needn't be afraid," said I, encouragingly. At die
same time, I thought he need be, and that / need be, too.
When I arrived to within a few steps of him, he suddenlj
recovered his equilibrium of nerve, and said: —
"Never mind, now; I guess I can make it." Aufl he
began to move on.
'• Let me take your gun," I said.
"No, I can go it now ; I only felt a little unnerved for a
moment, but it's all over now."
We were soon clear of the bridge, and we trudg«>d on
toward Alexandria. At last we arrived thither, almost over-
com'e with fatigue — having marched twenty-seveu mite
through storm, rain, and mud, carrying, the average weighs
of forty-five pounds.
Learning that all the public buildings of the place were
thrown open for the accommodation of soldiers, I proceeded
to a public hall near the post-office, and, with many othen^
spread my blanket on the floor, and, all wet as I was^ threw
myself down, and a deep, dreamless slumber came over me.
When I again awoke, the broad light of mid-day— and ft
yraa ^^UpVlUr — g^^^^^ ^? xxxi^lo^m^ eyes.
THB ADVANCE. 20|
oon learned that our division was not the only one
ed back to Alexandria — that nearly the whole arrtiy
etumed, or was returning to Alexandria, all with orders
5pare to move hy water. After our march through the
g rain, OUR boys suggested that the order to move hy
alluded to the rain. I doubt it, though, for the order
; know that it was going to rain,
.rose, feeling very old, packed my knapsack, strapped
jT effects, and sallied forth into the street. I was pass-
be telegraph office, when whom should I see but Cap-
Biddle. He rode up to^the door, dismounted, and was
to enter, when I approached him, touched my cap, and
AS our division arrived yet ?"
es," said ie, returning the salute.
There is it?"
. has halted a mile from here; you will reach it by
out King Street."
hank you," I said ; and leaving Alexandria, by King
J, I walked a mile out the pike, and arrived at our divi-
B camp of the Eighth Eegiment was pointed out to me,
! was soon among the boys, who were busily engaged
ging their tents.
Thy, where have you been?" asked Haman.
I Alexandria," 1 replied.
1 Alexandria?"
es, certainly."
Then did you go there ?"
esterday."
esljprday ?"
f course ; when should I go, if not Yesterday ?"
ut you didn't walk all the way ?" •
Tell, I didn't run."
ut did you go all the way a-foot ?"
es, I went all the way ; but it was more than afoot^
.nd you did walk it ?"
h, yes."
Thai a walk ! Where did you sleep loait ti\^\.T^
208 OUBBOYS.
''In a, public building in Alexandria. Where did you
stay — in that wood ?"
"Yes."
" What a sleep 1 I am of the opinion that my walk WM
more pleasant."
" Sleep I All the sloping tve did you could put in year
eye."
"No doubt; but /had enough to fill both mineP
" Did you sleep comfortably r"
" Yes. After I lay down, I didn't know anything untfl
about an hour ago."
" I wish I had gone with you."
" I wish you had — ^but what kind of a tent is that you are
putting up ?"
" Oh, that's a tent made of these blankets, you know."
" But it looks large."
" True. We have taken a few more into our mess."
"Have you?"
"Yes, if you have no objections."
" Oh, none I The more the merrier. Who are they ?"
" Well, Captain Conner and Lieutenant Moth are coming
in with us."
" Ah, very good ; then we are five."
" Yes ; but Sergeant Cue and Sergeant Graham are com-
ing in."
" Ah, seven I Well, that's none too—"
" Galvesti is coming in, too."
"Eight! All right; I—"
"And Jim Eider."
" I'm glad of that ! I always wanted Jim with ua. Well,
that's nine, and — "
"Sois— "
"What I Anymore?"
" No, that's adl ; I was only joking. Nine we are. Come
on with your blanket."
" All right. What a remarkable mess we have P
"Haven't we?"
Having completed the construction of a tent composed of
niao blankets, we got dittHQT — or auppcr, I don't know whiclu
THE ADVANCE. 209
After this, a tremendous rain came up — or rather dovm —
lasting the remainder of the day and all of the night.
When night came, we crowded together within our any-
thing-but-spacious abode, lying very " close apart," with the
reasonable intenfion of " snoozing " the night away in sheer
Torgetfulness.
It so happened that the two sergeants, Graham and Cue,
lay side by side. Neither was in a very good humor , so,
Sergeant Cue said to Sergeant Graham : —
"I wish you'd quit your scrougin', and lay off o' me 1"
" It's you who are crowding ; I wish you would keep off
7i€," responded Graham.
" It's no such thing," said Sergeant Cue, snappishly.
"But it is such a thing."
"I know better I" •
" You don't know as weliy
"It's a lie I"
"You're another r
" Confound you I don't you tell me that."
" And don't you tell me thatP
" You'd better dry up."
" I wish I could, but this rain — " •
"You — for half a cent I'd smash you I"
"You would?"
"Yes, I WOULD I"
" Well, now, you work very cheap."
" I'd as lief do it for nothing."
" Well, I suppose that is as cheap as I can get it done
K> I give you the contract. You can begin operationrf?>a8
K)on as you please."
"Well, I'm just the man that can do it!" said Sergeant
Due, coming all the way back to that.
"No doubt," ^aid Sergeant Graham, coolly. "Dear me
bow it does rain !"
And thus ended the bloody (?) quarrel.
I was very glad that they didn't " get together,'.' for had a
struggle occurred there, between those stupendous men, "down
woxAA, have gone our house." However, I suppose they had
ao notion of carrjing the difficulty so far as a(i\.\N^ o^^i^>AKrcL^.
210 OUB BOTS.
Next morning, the rain having ceased to fall, I took a walk
to Alexandria. I discovered that many steam transports
were lying along the wharves. The work of embarkation
had already begun. I wondered when our turn would come.
Day after day passed away ; troops wer^ continually em-
barking, and still our turn did not come. Anxiously and
impatiently did we await the ord^r to go on board ; for we
wanted to be off for Dixie. All felt that some important
movement was about to be made, and we were eager to
begin active operations — ^to meet the rebels.
CHAPTEB XVIL
WAITING.
As day after day passed and our turn to embark seemed
as distant as ever, I began to look about me for amusement
One morning, while I was at breakfast, it suddenly occurred
to me that the battle-ground of Bull Eun was now within
our lines ; I asked myself what was to prevent me from
visiting it? After some rumination, I arrived at the conclu-
sion ' that nothing was to prevent me. Having finished my
morning repast, I straightway arose, said "nobody to nothing,"
and went to Alexandria with the intention of taking the ear-
liest train for Manassas. On arriving there, I was informed
that no train would leave for Manassas till eleven o'clock. •
For amusement in the meantime, as the morning was yet
young, I walked down to the shipping. The wharves were
alive with soldiers who were going aboard ^he transports as
fast as possible. General McClellan was there on horseback
superintending the embarkation. A large steamboat was
nearing the wharf, and his horse became restive; nearer it
came, and the h orse became unmanageable. But when tbe
whistle mMBk uttered a frightful shriek, the animal exe-
cuted fljjj^^^^tat\>o\m3L,\\i^\.X\*i ^<i\3L^Tal was thrown firom
WAITING. 211
Ills seat; and, as he fell, the foot of the kicking and j)lungin^
horse came within an inch of striking him upon the head.
Little Mac sprang up with an easy grace, deized the bridle
of his horse, remounted, and coolly remarked to the soldiers
who stood near — r
" Boys, you came near losing your general."
A murmur of admiration spread rapidly among the as-
sembled spectators. •
When the hour of eleven was near, I went to the depot,
and was soon aboard the Manassas train; in due time it
started, and at one o'clock I found myself at Manassas Junc-
tion. I at once made inquiry as to the location of the Bull
Bun battle-ground. I was informed, to my chagrin, that the
distance was seven miles — that no man could find the way
"without a guide — that it was, moreover, dangerous to go, on
account of guerrillas. This was encouraging, wasn't it?
Seven miles — impossible to find the way — danger from
guerrillas — whew I What else ? Howbeit, I determined to
''Which path — what direction is it?" I asked.
" Why, are you going to try it ?"
** Yes," I replied, resolutely. •
" Well, if you are determined to go," said my informant, '
''it's in that dii'ection" — he pointed northward — "but I advise
jou not to undertake the journey."
" I have come all the way from Alexandria for the purpose
of seeing the Bull Eun battle-ground, and I won't go back
without it," I replied.
I took the path pointed out, and far away through tangled
forests of pines I pursued* my lonely way. I walked at a
brisk pace, following the wanton* wanderii:^gs of the path,
which, at times, becaipe almost invisible. I was just begin-
ning to think that I had travelled those "seven miles," when
I espied a cabin which stood a little way from the path.
Wondering what secluded creature might chance to dwell
in that lonely place, I left the path and walked over to the
hut. An aged negro woman was the sole occupant.
"How do you do, my good woman?" I asked.
She nodded but did not speak.
212 OUBBOYS.
''Am I on the right road to the Bull Ban battle-ground?"
I asked.
" Sah ?^' said she ; although I thought I had spoken ag
distinctly as I could.
"Am I on the right road to the battleground ?" I again
asked.
"Yes, sah."
"How far is it yet?"
" Two miles, massa."
" Thank you — good-day," and I walked on.
After travelling what appeared to me to be two milea^ I
suddenly, on emerging from the wood into an open spaoe^
came upon another habitation. It was a white frame houae^
with two out-door chimneys as usual. Strange to say, a
white man — a Scotchman— dwelt there. He was sitting by
his door, and I approached and said —
" Good-evening, my friend."
"Gudeven'," was the response.
''Am I on the right road to the battle-ground ?" I asked.
" The same, sir."
"How far is it?"
"Three miles un a half."»
" What ? You're surely joking I"
" It's true, man."
On I went. I was so provoked that I did not bid the
gentleman good-evening, or thank him for his information.
Three miles and a half I Now I thought he might have left
the " half" off, at least. The negro woman had told me that
it was but two miles from her residence; I had travelled
about that distance, and still it was three and a half miles.
This was a somewhat remarkable gain of a mile and a )aii
But now, irritated by disappointment, I determined to dee Boll
Eun battle-ground, though I should be obliged to go round
by China. I hurried on, and — at last, did reach the battle-
field. I was on it before I knew it. A house stood on the
ground, and within 'dwelt a leather-colored individual, who
stood at the door grinning horribly, and displaying about a
fourth of ^^^MHpf white teeth, to the best advantage. It
'^r\:
was this fiSBf. ^V^ doddi^ Md^^si ds^ent who informed
• WAITING 213
irie that I was actually on the ground. He pointed out vari-
ous interesting spots to me ; among other things, a chimney
' — all that remained of a house in which an old woman was
killed by the bursting of a shell, during the terrible battle
of the previous summer.
With what interest did I view the celebrated battle-field
How little did I imagine that a terrible battle would yet be
fought on that self-same field, and that /was destined to take
part in it. But I must not anticipate.
The sun was fast nearing the glowing horizon of the west,
and I began to feel the importance of departing. A train was
to leave Manassas for Alexandria at seven o'clock, and if I
was not there in time for this train, I would be obliged to
remain all night at M^assas. I at once took my way through
the lonely woods. The sun soon went down, and it began to
grow dark^ As the shades of night thickened, many pic-
tures of guerrillas, and of having my throat cut or the top of
my head shot off by some prowler among the bushes, chased
each other, phantom-like, across my active imagination. But
I reached Manassas in safety, just in time for the train ; and
in a few hours more I found myself in camp. My messmates
were all asleep, and, crawling in among them, I was soon —
''that same."
Next morning, on awakening and finding me with them,
the boys broke out in exclamations of surprise.
" In the name of all that's not understandable, where were
jou all day yesterday?" asked one.
''At Manassas," I coolly replied.
" At Manassas ! You don't mean to say you went all the
way to Manassas yesterday ?"
"Yes, certainly."
"More likely you were in Alexandria all day, on a spree."
" I don't go on sprees myself."
" Then you probably had company."
" You are wrong in your surmises. I tell you that I went
to Manassas on the cars, and that I also visited the Bull Bun
little-ground."
"Indeed I"
" Yea Here are 'some relics — an old \)\i\\eiV», «ii «aivi!\ ^ito'^^
214 OUR BOYS.
a piece of cornstalk, a small twig — ^I got them all on the field."
And I produced the above-named articles, which I really had
brouglit with me from the battle-field.
"And did you get those on the Bull Eun battle-field?"
"Certainly."
"Well. I declare!"
" No doubt you do — but I am hungry ; I have had nothing
to eat since yesterday morning. Let us get breakfSeist ready."
It was a fact. I had thoughtlessly started off on the pre-
vious morning without putting so much as a cracker into
my pocket, and the consequence was I went twenty-four
hours without eating.
Evening was once more approaching, when Page — ^the
same who had the muss with Jack JBurke, as previooslj
described — came to my t«nt and asked me to accompany him
to Alexandria. I consented, and we started, taking a near
cut across the commons. These grounds were plentifully
strewn with the carcasses of depart^ horses and mules once
the property of Uncle Sam. As we walked along we saw
one lying directly in our path ; it looked as though it had
not been long dead. Half unconsciously, we stopped and
gazed upon the lifeless animal.
When two persons have nothing especial to occupy their
minds, it is astonishing on what trifling topics they will talk,
rather than not talk at all. Accordingly, I said : —
"Page, I wonder how long that horse has been dead?"
" Three or four days, I suppose," was the reply.
" I scarcely think it," said I, by way of inaugurating an
argument.
" I do — ^I know it ; look how stiff it is."
"I don't think it looks so stiff."
" Yes it does ; see how it is stretched out."
" I don't care for that ; I don't believe the horse has been
dead twenty-four hours."
"Fudge! I believe it's been dead a week," said Page>
growing stronger in his assertions by being opposed..
" Foolishness," said I ; " I doubt whether it has been dead
three hours."
WAITING. 215
" Three hours I Merciful Moses I I'll bet a dish of oysters
it has been dead for three weeks."
" Done I" said I ; though I wondered how he was going to
prove it.
" Very well, now — great gooseberries, look there I" And
Page pointed wildly at the animal's head.
At that moment the horse, which we had supposed to be
lifeless, deliberately raised its head, opened its eyes, stared
tranquilly at us for a moment, then lay quietly back in its
former position. The truth is, it was a horse that had been
turned out to die ; but its time having not yet come, it had
l^d down to take a nap.
Page and I passed on, entered Alexandria, promenaded till
near dark, and finally entered an oyster saloon. There we
called for " oysters-stews," to which we sat down and went
to work on with absorbing interest. While engaged in this
delightful occupation, a soldier, who was somewhat " liquor-
ated " finished a dish of oysters on which he had been at
work, and arose to pay for them. Affer searching all his
pockets with tedious drunken deliberation, he finally produced
^ve-doUar bill, taking it, I think, from his coat-tail pocket.
" This, I think, is not good," said the proprietor^
" What ?" asked the soldier. ^
"This is not a good bill," repeated the oysterman.
"But it is," said the soldier.
"I don't think it is," said the proprietor, mildly.
''Bxit I know it isy
" I'm a little afraid of it." • .
"It can't hurt you."
" Neither can it do me any good."
" Well, now I say it's a good bill."
" I'd rather not take it."
"But I tell you it's good."
"I think not."
"And it's all I have, too."
" Well, I can't take it ; I would rather give you the oysteri
than to lose the whole five dollars." '
" But I tell you it isn't a counterfeit."
216 OUB BOYS.
" ril not risk it," said the proprietor, growing weary of
trifling.
" But you've got to. You mustn't accuse me of passing
counterfeit money."
''I don't accuse you of passing counterfeit money; pu
haven't passed it yet, nor you wonH pass it on m^" said the
proprietor, beginning to lose his temper.
"But you—"
" I told you I would give you the oysters, as this is all the
money you have. What more do you want ?"
"I tell you this 'is a good note," persisted the soldier, wiik
drunken obstinacy.
" Well," said Page to me, " if that isn't an idea. Here a
fellow is presented with a plate of oysters, and, not satisfied,
wants to whip the benevolent giver in the bargain."
It was an idea. One would think that the soldier should
have been satisfied; but there is no reason in a drunken
man. As there was some probability of a row being the final
result of the matter, and I had now finished my oysters^ I
arose and remonstrated with the inebriated soldier.
"Come, now, partner," I said, "this man has given yoiyi
plate of ovsters, and you ought to ask no more of him."
" But ¥ want him to change this note," said the soldier,
stubbornly.
"But, my friend," said I, "you don't understand him; he '
is a patriotic man, and don't want to take any pay from a
Union soldier ; so, he has pretended that he dian*t like to
change the aote, just so that he could get to give, you those
oysters.
" Is that so ?" asked the soldier in surprise.
" Certainly. Can't you see plainly ?"
" That must be it," he said, thoughtfully ; and thrusting
his worthless bill into his pocket, he talked from the saloon,
wondering what had made the citizens of Alexaridria so very
patriotic all at once.
On leaving the saloon, we discovered that the night was
very dark. It began to be a question whether we could find
our way out of the city at the right point. We could go
ont King Street and \iave xvo difficulty in finding our way to
WAITING. 217
camp ; but as the camp of our regiment lay a quarter of a
mile or more from the pike, we could, by leaving the city at
a point fiirther north, get to camp by a much nearer route.
We walked up the Washington railroad, and, in the darkness,
passed by the "tuming-off place."
" Page," said I, after we had walked a quarter of a mile
too far, " I think we have passed the road by which we should
leave the city." (It will be recollected that there was no
gas-light at this part of the place).
" I think so, too," was the rejoinder.
" Then let us return, and watch more carefully for it."
" I guess that is our plan," said Page, stopping so abruptly
that I ran violently against him in the darkness.
We turned us about, and retraced our steps. We were
still walking on the railroad, which, at this point, was raised
to the height of five or six feet.
"I think it would be better walking down there than on
these cross-ties ; I think I see a smooth path down there,"
said Page.
The "smooth pa^h" alluded to happened to be a ditch
beside the railroad, five feet in depth, seven feet in width,
and full of muddy water. The night is seldom so dark that
the surface of water cannot be discerned ; it was dimly seen
on this occasion by Page, who supposed it to be an even
path.
" I think I'll jump down and walk on that path," continued
Page. '
" Go ahead," said I ; " but I would as lief walh here."
Page made a jump: splash! he went into the muddy
water
" Hilloa ! What's up ?" I asked.
" Bloc — bloc — gsh I" blustered Page ; and he crawled from
he water, minus a dry stitch.
I soon comprehended what was up — or rather down — and
I rallied Page, laughing provokingly.
" Ha, ha I One would think, Page, that you were attemp^
ing suicide. Just think of it — a promising young man to
attempt to put an end to his existence by drowning I How
inglorious ! Why, Page, what do you think of yonvaeli?"
218 OUR BOYS.
" IcBJi't see anything to laagh.at," said Page, in no very
amiable humor.
'' A man with so much muddy water in his eyes is not apt
to see the joke of it," I remarked.
" I suppose you would have laughed if I had drowned,**
said Page, shivering.
" Oh, I can't say that I would have laughed at the drown-
ing part ; but I must have had a little laugh over that flying
leap you took. Come, now, Pagey, you know it is a good
joke."
" It is rather funny," said Page, with a show of returning
good humor ; "but donH tell the boys in camp."
" You don't suppose that I tell every little trifling thing
that transpires, do you?" said I, evasively.
The affair did, however, leak out by some means, and I
am sure that Page never told it.
At last we saw a light which we supposed to be in the
direction of camp ; and toward it we bent our steps, striking
across ihe common, stumbling and falling over dead horses,
stumps, and logs, and running bump ^gainst trees, fences,
and banks, and now and then stepping into a deep gulley
with such abruptness that it threatened to jerk our hstns
off.
With sore shins, bumped heads, and scratched hands and
faces, we at last reached the light, which, to our unutterable
woe, proved to be a light placed upon an earthwork half a
mile from camp. Almost in despair, we turned in the true
direction of camp, which we finally reached after many a fell
over various obstacles, and many a tap on the shins and head.
We then retired, and were soon wrapped in slumber — dream-
ing, the while, of confused and intermingled heaps of oysters,
dead horses, counterfeit notes, dark nights, railroads, and
ditches of muddy water.
Several weeks passed away. A new order was issued,
stating that the programme of military operations was
changed — that we were not to embark after all — that we
were to take the over-land route via Manassas and Catlett sta- .
tion, and join McDowell in his movements upon Fredericks-
burg. The order was iaaued on Sunday ; it stated that we
WAITING. 219
«
Bbould move on the following Tuesday. The First Brigade
was to go as far as Manassas, by railroad ; the Second and
Third were to march* I do n^t know why this distinction
was made ; feeling satisfied that we were to ride, I did not
investigate the matter.
..j^hen the border had become patent, Watty and Ed. Mor-
gan — ^two of OUR BOYS — sought me out, and one of them
usked —
" Haven't you been at Mount Vernon ?"
"Yes," I replied; "I was there in February."
" Then you know the road ?"
"I flatter myself that I do."
" Well, we would like to go ; to-morrow will be our last
[)pport!lnity, as we are to leave on Tuesday ; will you accom-
pany us?"
" Yes, if it don't rain."
" Well, we'll be ready ; we'll start after breakfast."
" I suppose so ; I wouldn't like to start before."
Next morning, having partaken of our morning meal, we
started for Mount Vernon. I felt that a second visit would
be interesting — nay, a hundred visits to that consecrated spot
would not weary me.
Without misnap we reached the grounds. The day was
cool and the sky cloudy ; the indications were for snow.
As we entered the grounds, the little notice which I have for-
merly mentioned attracted the notice of Ed. and Watty, viz :
■ "All persons visiting Mount Vernon are requested to pay
an entrance fee of twenty-five cents : By order of the Asso-
ciation."
"What will we do? We have no money!" exclaimed
oth in a breath.
" That arrangement isn't in force now," I replied.
" Oh. isn't it ?" they said, much relieved.
We soon entered the lawn. Here we met a well-dressed
gentleman, who appeared to be a kind of proprietor.
" How do you do, sir?" said Ed.
" How are you ?" was the reply.
"A fine (iay," remarked Ed. •
" Beautiful," agreed the man ; although for the life of xna
220 OUB BOTB.
I couldn^t see how the day could be thought either fine or
beautiful.
" I believe you have stopped charging entrance fees, have
you not?"
" Yes, we did stop it on account of the war; but now thai
the place is out of all danger from rebels we harte <M>mmenced
it again."
"You have I"
"Yes."
" But we— we— "
" This fee is not required of persons merely visiting the
grounds; but if visitors wish to be conducted through the
gardens and buildings, they must pay their quarter."
"Oh, that's the way?" •
" Yes, that's the arrangement."
After walking around the dwelling-house three or four
times, we visited the tomb,, also the old vault,* then we re-
turned to the lawn.
" I wish we had some money ; I would like to have a look
into the gardens, green-houses, and cottage," said Ed.
"Yes — confound it," said Watty, "I wish we had been
paid ; just think how much good a dollar would do us now.**
" There comes a carriage I" said I ; for 1 saw one approach-
ing at that moment.
" Some visitors, I suppose," suggested Ed.
The carriage drew up at the entrance of the lawn, and an
old gentleman, two young ladies, a well-dressed young gen-
tleman, and a lad of the age of 'twelve, emerged from it
" What a country this is," remarked one of the ladies.
" Not much like Jersey," said the. other ; which led me to
suppose that the visitors were from the State of New Jersey.
" Is that the Potomac ?" asked the boy.
" Certainly ; haven't you studied your geography enough
to know that ?" replied one of the ladies.
The proprietor of the premises now approached the party
* The remains of Washington were at first interred in a temporafyTanlt
—a kind of cavern in, the hillside ; they were afterward removed to tlw
spot I have described as his tomb. It is said that it w$9 his request to be
Varied in the latt
WAITING. 221
»nd introduced himself as the man who "tended to things
there." The old gentleman informed the proprietor that
thej had come to visit Mount Veruon, and he expressed a
desire to be conducted over the premises, wishing to^^know
how much he snould pay for the party. The proprietor
counted them three or four times, when, having ascertained
that they were five in number, he informed the old gentle-
man that it would be a dollar and a quarter, he believed.
The old gentleman paid it cheerfully, and the receiver pro-
ceeded to conduct the party from spot to spot, explaining
many things as he went.
" That old fellow has plenty of money, no doubt," suggested
Ed, thoughtfully.
"Yes, Ed," I replied ; "now that I come to think of it, I
wonder whether that kind-looking old gent wouldn't give us
a dollar to pay our fees ?"
" I suppose he would ; but I wouldn't like to ask him," Ed
replied.
"Why?"
" Oh, I wouldn't like, you know — "
"Pooh, that would be nothing 1 We are soldiers, you
know."
"Yes, I know; but—"
" Well, it's hothing for a soldier to be out of money."
"Yes, but— "
" €!ome, now, suppose you go and ask him politely — "
' Tou go." •
"I would, but I have not the gift of loquacitv that you
have," said I, flatteringly.
" Yes, you have," said Ed, faintly.
" No, I haven't, you know. Now you go and ask him — ^you
can do it just right; he won't like to refuse you in the pre-
sence of those ladies. Won't you have him nicely ? Ha, ha !"
And I laughed at the idea.
"That'^the thing!" put in Watty.
" CeBtainly 1 He'll do it," said I, confidently.
"I believe I— I— will," said Ed.
"Of course," I urged; '*go on; then we can go into the
houses and see all those things of which WQ havQ keaxd «a<i
222 OUR BOT&
read so much/' At the same time /didn't remember that I
had ever heard a word as to what was within the house. Nir
had Ed ; but he didn't like to say so, lest I should think him
anything but well-informed. He was'a printer by profession.
At that moment the party approached ftie spot where we
stood ; they were escorted by the proprietor, who, as their
** twenty-five centses" were all paid, was using all the language
he coufd command, to explain " this and that."
" This," said he, pointing to a lynn tree, " is a tree which
General Washington planted with his own hands."
" Indeed !" ef claimed both ladies, in a breath ; while the
old gentleman said : —
-"Well, now."
" Then the tree must be a hundred years old, ' reasoned,
the-young man. Certainly, he was none of the brightest.
*'t)h, no, it does not follow," said the obliging conductor;
" General Washington has not been dead much more than
half that time, you know."
" Y — ^ye — ^yes — I know," stammered the young man, in a
tone that signified unmistakably that he didnH know — any-
thing about it.
" Will you now walk inta the house ?" asked the civil
conductor.
" If you please," said all .but the young man, who was evi-
dently ruminating on the 'pfece of information he had just
received.
"Now is y^ur time, Ed," said I.
" With desperate firmness, Ed approached the party as
they were moving leisurely toward the cottage.
" How are — ho.w do you — good m — day," said Ed, to
begin with.
Perceiving that Ed was a soldier, the old gentleman nodded
pleasantly, and the young ladies smiled sweetly ; the young
gentleman stared at him with a look of curiosity, while the
lad of twelve gazed wii-tfuUy at the row of bright buttons on
his soldier coat. Ed then stammered forth : —
"Would you be kind enough — eh — ah — a — we came—
I — we have come — we have — have — ^no — money, and — and
we didn't see — we couldn't see — I— we — "
WAITING. 228
*• Exactly. You have no money to pay your fees, and you
would like to see the sights," interrupted the old gentleman,
coming to Ed's relief; for he might have been stammering
away yet. ^
" N — or, yes, sir ; that's — ^it," sa^d Ed, timidly.
" Well, well," said the old gentleman, kindly, " it* would be
a pity if you were obliged to go back without seeing all."
And he handed Ed a dollar-bill. ^. .
" Thank you !" exclaimed Ed, gratefully.
" Oh, it's a small matter," said the did gentl^^n carelessly.
No doubt it was a small matter with him; «ut with us it
was a very large matter.
We now paid our fees, and had a quarter left. We were
conducted into the house, where many interesting sights met
our eyes. Among other things, we saw a ponderous iron
key, which, we were told, was once the key of the Basti^^in
which La Fayette was confined. After the destruction of
the prison, the key was presented to Washington by the
former. We were also Conducted through the gardens and
green-houses, where we saw many things that were attrac-
tive and interesting.
It was two o'clock when weltook our departui^. Snow
was already beginning. to fall, sftid by the time we reached
Alexandria it was storming, b^|pfcering, and snowing at a
great rate.
On reaching that place we thought that, as we felt gold
and uncomfortable in consequence of exposure to the weather,
it would be no harm to step into an establishment where
"something" was vended on the sly, and invest our quarter
in that line. We did so, and had just tossed off our glasses,
when the door was abruptly opened, and a pa*rol-party,
consisting of a sergeant and six men, unceremoniously en-
tered. • .
" How is this ?" demanded the sergeant of the affrighted
barkeeper.
The barkeeper couldn't tell him how it was ; therefore he
said nothing, but looked volumes.
" Ts whiskey kept here ?" demanded the sergeant.
" Nc — ^yei^— no — I guess I have some— -in tho !iovi^^, W\
224 0U& BOYS.
I don^t sell nobody none — upon mj soul I don't !^ and he
looked earnestly innocent.
'* My friend, I have orders to destroy all the liquors I find;
I am sorry, too," said the sergeant^ sympathetically.
" But I don't do no ha^m with it ; I don't sell none to no
soldiers, I keep it for my own use," said the man of whiskey
pitifully.
The sergeant hesitated. Presently he turned to me and
asked—
" Does he sell liquor, or not ?"
" I didn't see him sell none," I replied ; and to quiet my
conscience I thought of a rule in "Kirkham's Grammar;" it
says : " Two negatives destroy one another, and are generally
equivalent to an affirmative."
The sergeant then, in mercy, told the dealer-in-something;
that he wouldn't pour out his whiskey thcU time; and, urging '
upon the now relieved Alexandrian the importance of bebg
careful not to sell any to soldiers^ he departed. The barkeeper
promised to "be careful," and as th6 footsteps of the patrol
died awav along the street, he heaved an eloquent sigh of
relief, and humbly said —
"Dear me I"
CHAPTER XVm.
MANASSAS.
The storm continued all night ; and when morninff cam^
the snow obligingly turned into a driving sleet. Tnia wM
very unpleasant, as it was the day fixed upon for our removal
to Manassas. With soldierly fortitude, we packed our knap-
sacks, buckled on our accoutrements, and stood in line, ex-
posed to the cruel storm. The sleet, driven by the keen win4
charged savagely into our faces. Though it was now about
the beginning of Apxi\, lYie ^to^m ^^ a& bitter a one as w»
MANASSAS. 226
lad experienced during the winter. While standing in line,
.waiting the order to move, Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant
ode out in front of us and said —
" Now, boys, talk about your old revolutionary fathers ;
re, too, can suffer for our country — can't we, boys ?"
A cheer arose, though it was ^imost drowned by the voice
f the storm.
Soon after, the brigade was formed and we moved off. We
oarched to a point on the Orange and Alexandria railroad,
kbout two miles from Alexandria ; here we were to take the
tars. Why this place was selected as the place of embarka-
ion insteaa of the city itself I have never been able to sur-
oise. Be that as it may, when we arrived at the place, no
ndn of cars had yet come ; and there we stood, shoe-mouth
ioep in mud — the cold wind cutting us keenly — the sharp
fleet beating mercilessly upon us. An hour thus passed away.
A. train did come at last ; but several regiments were to em-
bark before us ; and still we were left standing in the mud.
The first train held only half a regiment. Another train came
—another and another ; still ours did not come. Thus, hour
•fter hour passed away, and there we stood the blessed day,
in that most disagreeable of storms — it lasted the whole day
•^waiting impatiently for the train which was to take its —
which, however, didn't arrive at all that day.
When night came, we saw that there was no probability
rf our getting to Manassas before the next day ; and we took
ip our abode for the night, within some old dilapidated build-
ngs which stood a quarter of a mile • distant. The sleet
^nich had continued to descend during the whole day, now
Si^dually slackened, and a snow-storm graciously consented
o take its place ; and four or five inches of snow fell during
be night
The greater part of another day was occupied in waiting
oi a train. At last, near evening, a train did come, arid we
^©ip soon aboard. The train moved very slowly, and stopped
'^ry often ; so that it must have been near midnight when it
^*Qached Manassas. As it was to stand till morning, we re-
^Uined in the cars all night, nearly freezing by the operation ,
Or it was very cold^ and the cars were otA^ coTomciXi i\€\^^
15
226 ouB Bors.
cars, offering every facility to the entrance of the keen air.
The night was clear, sharp, and frosty. When morning came^ '
we got out of the cars and mored to a neighboring wood,
where we scraped the snow from the ground in places, and
pitched our fragile tents.
After our tent was erected, I took a stroll among some of
the old cabins which had constituted the winter quarters of
the rebels ; I found many relics of the past winter in the
shape of broken bottles, Bichmond newspapers, etc. In od6 ^
of the buildings I found an envelope which had once con-
tained a letter. It was addressed : —
" Captain Edgab Covington,
" Thirty-eighth Virginia Begiment,
'' Manassas.''
It was a fancy envelope; on it were a five-cent rebel
stamp, a picture of the rebel flag, and the following patiiotio
verse —
" On, on to the rescue I the vandals are coming !
Go, meet them with bajonet, sabre, and ppear I
Drive them back to the desolato land they are leaving—
Go, trusting in God — 70a have nothing to fear !"
I inclosed this interesting little relic in a letter and sent it
home.
I saw many beautiful sentiments on the walls of some of •
the cabins, written with pencil ; one of the most poetical wtf
this : —
" You d — d Yankee cusses I These quarters are only len*
to you ; weHl be back."
Now, I would about as soon have believed that Lord Corn'
wallis with his army would come back to this country, as©
suppose, for an instant, that the rebels would ever retnmto
Manassas. How erring is human judgment.
I returned to our camp and discovered that, from aofl*
source, a considerable quantity of spirits had made its ipj
among the boys. Upon inquiring *' whence such great goot
fortune," I was informed that a train of cars laden iriA
whiskey, bound for- Banks' Division, via Manassas Ghip^ bli
broken down justToeyoxid \)[i^'y\\i<i\xoT^%x^4t^ cub BOYBltfi
KAKASSAS. 227
eked over, and unhesitatingly appropriated said whiskey to
nr own use. Scarcely a man was there who had not his
iteen full ; the most ot the boys had already become inebri- *
\d, and were making an unwarrantable amount of noise.
le first one whom I met on entering camp was James Hare,
quire. He had his canteen full, and seven bottles full,
sides; the latter having been the property of a sutler,
rich was also aboard the fated train.
" T — ^t — t (hic)ake a horn," said Hare, to me ; and he pre-
ited his canteen.
" Well, Hare, as it is a cold morning, and my feet are wet,
would not be polite to refuse," I replied.
The mouth of the canteen met mine, and — I'll noc say what
Jf ext, I met Haman ; he, too, had a canteenful.
"Come, old boy, take a drink," he said; and he held his
Qteen toward me, invitingly.
'*I just had a drink," said I.
"Well, that makes no difference."
** But I am afraid it will make a difference,'' •
"No, nol Nonsense! Take a drmk."
'All right, I will this time ; but I won't drink any more
•day." I took the cante6n into my hand — our mouths met
once more I placed myself outside a quantity of the allur-
g contents.
Beader, perhaps you are an advocate of the temperance
inse ; I hope you are — I am. But I beg you will not cen-
ire me for drinking on this occasion, i ou may be a civil-
n— a lady, perhaps — and you don't know how a man feels
hen exposed to the inclemency o£the weather— his feet wet
id cold— ^his clothes damp, and a chill wind penetrating
lem! Under circumstances like these "something," dear
ader, is of inconceivable service, warming one up, and
aking one feel good generally.
Well, every man whom I met insisted that I should drink
Etfa him "just thU once." In vain I protested — " thank you.
It — " I must drink; 'twouldn't be soldier-like to refuse.
'dl, I did drink ; first, a few times ; then, a number <sC
aes; and, finaUj, quite often-; and at \a«^ 1 ^^Ni \X» \it^-
228 oub'boys.
digiously. Before the close of that eventful day there mxf
possibly have been ten sober men remaining in the regiment;
•out I doubt it.
At four o'clock in the evening, an order was issued, re*
quiring the commander of each company to inspect the arms
of the men under him. Captain Conner, being unwell, ordered
Lieutenant Moth to inspect the arms of our company.
" Fall (hie) in er line, bo-hoys — comperny xpection," said
Lieutenant Moth, who was about as " tight " as anybody.
We did fall in, some in the most literal sense — ^then such a
line I but few were sober enough to stand still ; some faced
the wrong way ; some carried the musket on the wrobg
shoulder ; and when the order — " prepare for inspection " was
given, some inserted in their muskets the wrong Bnd of the
rammer. One Fred Dabbit, a Dutchman, had his cartridge-
box on up-side-down. Strange as it may seem, IfeuteoADt
Moth discovered jthe fact, and said : —
" You— you Dabbit (hie), look at er carrige-box."
Fred turned his head first to the right, then to the left;
vainly emdeavoring to fix his eyes upon the article men-
tionea. Failing, he saia : —
" I, no (hie) kin see te tam ting."
" 1st wrong-side-out I^'exclaimed Lieutenant Moth, indig-
nantly.
" It tam not so !" said Fred, stoutly.
"What! (hie) yer talk to — I order — yer — arrest you I"
blustered Lieutenant Moth.
" I care (hie) not tam," said Fred.
" Take 'm Vt guard-house," said Lieutenant Moth, deci-
dedly, addressing a couple of our boys.
The two addressed took Fred in charge, and the three
staggered off together — they didn't know in what direction
— and they- soon became separated from each other, and
didn't find any guard-house.
Now it so happened that Lieutenant Moth had, from oor
earliest acquaintance, formed an unaccoufltable dislike for
me. I could always see it sticking out ; but as I generaflf
did my duty, he had never yet seen an opportunity to exteM
bis ennutuutihex t^vtm m^x^ \!bi\^\xi%. But what if in a
MANASSAS. 229
»ian when he is sober, will develop itself when he is drunk.
Aoeordingly, my gun not being very clean — in fact, no-
body's was just then — he examined it, and said :—
- - " Your gun (hie) dirty as h — 11."
: I politely replied, that if the place he mentioned were not
dirtier than my gun, it had been frightfully misrepresented.
" What I I — er — (hie) order — er — under — er — est !" And
lie passed on. He- meant that then and there he ordered me
under arrest ; but he forgot it in less than two minutes.
. The inspection over, a series of fights came next on the
programme. Hare and Fred Dabbit commenced these pro-
ceedings, and pitched into each other furiously. Fred was
much the largest, but so awkward that, in striking at Hkre,
he missed him and struck a tree that stood near, falling to
the ground in the operation. Hare fell down upon him, and
quite a hair-pulling followed. Presently they arose. Hare
seized a musket — the bayonet was fixed — and was on the
point of thrusting a hole in Fred, when I luckily knocked it
a£lde.
" You (hie) — tam cuss I" exclaimed Fred.
" You (hie) 1—1— lubberly— d—d— (hie) Dutchman I" said
Hare.
A war of words thus began, was carried on — Hare stutter-
ing and stammering — Fred swearing in Dutch. It was cer-
tainly amusing.
A number of similar rows ensued— there must have been
fifty. It would be tiresome both to the reader and the
writer were I to describe them ; and I will desist.
Next morning I made the discovery that I didn't feel
well — a discovery that a man is apt to make after drinking
too much bad whiskey. For it was bad whiskey which we
had been drinking— "fighting whiskey" — "crazy whiskey."
My head "ached; my appetite was gone; and as the day
wore away, I "got no better much faster," as the Dutchman
said.
In a day or two I had become so weak as to be scarcely
able to walk. As I was unable for duty, I found myself
obliged to enter the " sick list" — to place myself under the
doctor's care. I was loth to do it, too*, &t \\, \i^»& ^n^\ 'Vk'^^^
280 OUR BOYS.
my opinioD that a man is no better than a dead man whea
placed uilder the hands of almost any of our army surgeona
This is startling, but it is true. An ordinary army surgeon
can, by a course of treatment, bring the stoutest man Xo the
grave ; and they seldom fail to do it.
I entered the sick list and went to the head-surgeon of our
regiment; he felt my pulse, looked at my -tongue, and, after
duly considering my case, ordered a dose of quinine to be
administered.
It is a remarkable fact that most of our army surgeons
invariably prescribe quinine for all diseases. If a soldier
afflicted with the toothache appears before the surgeon, he will
givrf him quinine; if afflicted with' the headache, quinine is
prescribed ; if with fever, quinine ; if with bad eold, quinine;
if with consumption or bronchial affection, quinine ; if with
chills, quinine ; if the patient have a pain in the toe, quinine
is administered ; if affected in the cranium, quinine is at once
ordered and prescribed, as being the surest remedy for that
particular disease.
The wounded are treated in a similar manner; amputation
taking the place of quinine. If a soldier be wounded in the
foot, amputation follows " to save the poor fellow's life ;" if
the wound be in the leg pr thigh, amputation is at once re-
sorted to ; if the wound be 'in the hand, amputation is decided
to be the only remedy; if in the arm, amputation follows
immediately ; if in the head, the surgeon ruminates a long
while, and at last decides that, although amputation is the
only remedy, the "poor fellow," in his "weak condition,"
would scarcely survive the operation, and might as well be
laid aside to die at his leisure ; the consequence is the head
is left on, much to the delight of the mutilated one, who is
happy to get off from an array surgeon with his head. H
certainly is fortunate.
We had been at Manassas a week, when we received or-
ders to move to Catlett Station, on the Orange and Alexandria
railroad, twelve miles from Manassas. I was too weak to
walk, and was accordingly placed in a vehicle known as a
"one-horse ambulance." This was my first ride in an am-
bulance ; and, oh, how devoutly I prayed that it might be
MANASSAS. 281
llie last I •For, oh. such a ride ! I veriJy believe that a vehi-
cle worse adapted to the transportation of sick and wounded
soldiers could not be invented. Whenever the wheels came
ia contact with the slightest obstacle, the ambulance would
rock, and jump, and spring, and surge, and shake, and quake
in a frightful manner. Once, I remember, the wheel went
suddenly into a gutter, and the body of the ambulanc#gave
Bnch a fearful leap, that it threw the driver from his seat, and
he came down in the mud with a startling grunt. As for
me^ there I lay within that miserable contrivance, jostled
from side to side, my head knocking violently against the*
frame- work at every revolution of the wheels, while I won- ,
dered how it would gC) to ride in such a jumping, jolting
affiair with a broken arm or leg.
After being knocked about in the mj^nner described for
some hours, I wa« at last *set down at Catlett Station, near
the camp of my regiment, which had already arrived. My
messmates manifested the greatest kindness and attention,
looking after my accoutrements (which were in the baggage-
wagons), and making every effort to procure soAething for
me to eat. Captain Conner, too, seemed much interested in
my behalf, suggesting that, as our division would probably
have some marching to do during the coming week, I had
better return to Washington and enter a hospital. I shud-
dered as the captain pronounced the word " hospital," and I
firmly refused U> return, stating that I would as soon think
of stepping out into a field and allowing the whole regiment
to fire at me with buck-and-ball, at a distance of thirty paces ;
that I considered a man just the same as dead the moment
lie set foot in a hospital ; that I considered our army surgeons
an organized band of scientific murderers ; and so they are.
Three days after our arrival at Catlett Station, I began to
j-ecover, and I went straight to the doctor and requested him
to erase my cognomen from the sick-list at once.' He did so,
and I speedily recovered my wonted health. I was soon
able for duty again. How thankful I felt as I found myself
dipuldering my musket once more ; for I fully understood
what fearful peril I had passed through in being placed
under the doctor's hand.
282 OUB BOYS.
' One day — I was just myself again — ^I was sitting within *
our low tent, when, looking out upon the field in front of our
camp, I descried a small inclosure of some kind, around which
were planted a profusion of green pines and bushes. They
seemed to have been but recently planted, for I could see
fresh soil about the roots. I at once jumped to the conclu-
sion Ihat a soldier was interred there. No doubt, a soldier
belonging to some regiment of McDowell's corps, which had
passed that way a few weeks previously. I grew sentimental.
[I am a poet]. The soldier's grave — what a- beautiful
subject ! Surely, I must write a poem on the subject^ and
send it to one of our papers in Brownsville. "The soldier's
grave." Ah, that was a beautiful theme ! What an oppor-
tunity for the development of my peculiar faculties ! , I luould
write a few verses— ^that I would. But would it not be better
to go to the immediate spot and write ? Would not inspira-
tion come to my aid while I should sit or stand near—lean
upon the railing, perhaps ? Yes, I would get my portfoiio
aud repair to the solemn spot. I took my portfolio from my
knapsack, ^d walked toward the inclosure. As I walked, I
thought of the one who, no doubt, lay buried there. My
imagination grew active. I thought of the disconsolate ones
at home ; I pictured to myself a once-happy wife, now a heart-
broken widow ; I pictured an orphan child — a rosy-cheeked
boy ; I pictured a weeping mother — a brother — a sister— a
father. Ob, cruel war ! Already, as I walked along, port-
folio in hand, I began to put my ideas together in the shape
of a verse. A moment, and I had it constructed. I could
scarcely wait till I should arrive at the spot, that I might sit
down and transfer my thoughts to paper. I reached the
spot, walked through the bushes, and leaned upon the railing.
Oh ! My brain reeled I Header, there was no soldier's grave
there I — merely a rough calf-pen belonging to a farmer who
resided near. * Yes ; and as I gazed in, a solitary calf looked
up, exhibited the white of its eyes, and greeted mo witb a —
" ba — aw — aw," that is ringing in my ears yet. How hastily
sentiment fled from me then I The verse which I had already
composed was gone like a flash ; and to this day I have never
been able to recall it. How I did " put" for camp 1
FALKOUTH. 288
As I entered our company street, I met Jim Rider, who
laked me whether I had been out writing a letter.
" I tvas going to write several letters,''^ I replied, " but I
believe I won't now^ .
I forgot to state that, on our entering camp at CatletlTSta-
tion, our mess split — Sergeants Cue and Graham, and Galvesti
leaving us and going into other messes. Thus, we were now
but six m number.
We had remained at Catlett Station a week, when we re-
Beived marching orders ; we packed up, and broke up camp.
We supposed that we were to move toward Fredericksburg.
A. skirmish had lately occurred in that direction between the
Pirst Cavalry and a small rebel force. We learned that
Fredericksburg was now occupied by our troops — that the
rebels had abandoned it.
^he division formed, we moved oflF. We left the railroad
o our right, and marched due south, striking across the
jountry toward Fredericksburg, which was about thirty
niles distant.
CHAPTER XIX.
FALMOUTH.
It was near evening when we started, so that only a few
niles were marched on the first day. As the shadows of
light began to veil the earth, we bivouacked on the grassy
3anks of a clear winding stream. It was now about the last
)f April, and the weather was pleasant and attractive. Vege-
»tion now, at spring's early breath, was just springing itito
ife. Fruit-trees were covered with blossoms; the maple
Tee and the oak were putting forth their tender leaves;
mllions of blades of grass were rising up, and crowding and
;hronging together over the wide fields.
We constructed our tents in a temporary manner, to pro-
ect us from the dew of the night •, we pte^BH^^ oxsct «s«^^'5i*^
284 OUR BOYS.
repast, making our cofifee of the pure water from " the brook
that bubbled by." This done, we wrapped our blankets
about us, lay down beneath our shelters, and sought repose.
— Not all. Here and there, within some low tent, a solitary
lighf, like some secluded star, glimmers merrily, casting its
coveted rays upon a portfolio which lies before a soldier ; a
sheet of paper is laid thereon, and the soldier's pen, now
taking sudden starts, now resting in. its course, scratches its
way across, to convey some passing thought— some little
story of adventure, to a Ear-oflf home. Such is a brief picture
of " The soldier writing Home." Draw near him, reader ; the
night is dark, and he will not see you ; his thoughts, too, are
far away — he is talking to his friends at home now. Now
the pen stops — his hand rests. See him sit awhile in rumi-
nation. Listen ! " Let me see," he mutters — " what else shall
I tell ?" His face turns away from the paper, and his eves
in vain endeavor to pierce the outward gloom. A moment
all is quiet — all still. Suddenly he starts — he smiles. "Ah,
I'll write that I" he exclaims, as some little incident of camp
life, or something relative to the march or bivouac, suddenly
occurs to his memory. His eyes turn upon the paper ; again
his pen moves right busily, till the little item is transferred
to the paper. Then he stops again. Again his face grows
thoughtful, and he sits in rumination. Another thought
occurs, and his pen moves again. "Now," he murmurs,
" I've told all," At last he has finished ; he folds his letter,
places it within a yellow stamped envelope, writes the address,
closes his portfolio — the light vanishes, and we can see no
more.
As the gray of morning hung over the eastern landscape,
we moved slowly on — toward the south. About noon we
reached White Ridge, eighteen miles north of Falmouth.
Here we filed off into a green field, and, being tpld that we
should remain till the following momiijg, pitched our narrow
tents. This done, the boys might be seen striking out in all
directions in quest of eggs, chickens, potatoes, 'etc. ; some
intending to buy (for we had been paid while at Manassas),
others to steal. In company of Dave Malone, a good young
fellow of our company, I walked out the main road a quarter
FALMOUTH. 286
of a mile, and called at a farmer^s house. The farmer, a tall
Virginian, was standing at the door, and he gazed upon us
with an impudent stare.
** Can you ^11 us a dozen eggs ?" I asked.
'* Yes," was the brief reply.
He entered the house, and presently reappeared — hat in
band, eg^s in hat.
"How much are they worth?"
" Forty cents."
We produced a green -back.
" I can't take that," said he.
At this juncture General Eeynolds rode up, accompanied
by his stafl^ and halted opposite us. Our parley went on —
" Surely, you'll take this monev, my friend," I urged.
"Surely,! won't."
" But this is the only money we have."
" Don't care ; won't take it, nor any d — d stuff like it."
" What would you take ?"
" Cpnfederate script."
"No doubt you would; but it so happens that we don't
deal in that stuff."
" Well, that's the only kind I take."
"You appear to have great confidence in your Confede-
racy."
"J have ; and I think that in six months your government
«t Washington will go to smash, and your green trash won't
be worth a snap ; and I'll be glad of it."
"Ah? Judging by your 'gab/ one would be led to sup-
pose that you, among the rest^ have deserted the flag of your
country."
" D— n the flag I It's a rag."
At this interesting point General Eeynolds, who had thu
fiir quietly listened to the conversation, interrupted —
"Sir, I'll trouble you to go with me."
"Go with you?"
"Yes; come along."
" Who are you ?"
" I am General Eeynolds, of the Federal Army."
"Idon'tcare^I— "
286 OUB BOTS.
" Come on, sir ; you are my prisoner."
"But you—"
"Are you not coming? Do you wish me to resort to
force ?" and General Beynolds glanced significantly at the
revolver he wore in his belt.
Tlie " secesh" hesitated.
"Are you coming?" demanded Reynolds. •
" N — yes !" he exclaimed, as he saw the general's hand
move t(jward his revolver.
Leaving the eggs in care of a woman who had now joined
him at the door, the affrighted Virginian followed Eeynoldfl
who led the way toward camp.
" Wliere are you going to take me to ?" he asked.
" I am going to take you to camp, put a guard over you,
and keep you there till you take the oath of allegiance to
your country," replied the general, unhesitatingly.
" You don't mean — "
"Indeed I do mean."
The disconsolate Virginian was conducted to camp and
placed under guard. He stubbornly refused to take the oath,
and even swore he wouldn't take it, till the gloom of night
began to gather over camp, when, finding that he should be
obliged to sleep on the ground, or else not sleep at all, his
resolution, firmness, and determination fizzled gallantly out^
and he told one of the boys to go and tell General Reynolds
that he would — or no he woul(ki't — ^yes he- would, too ; oh,
dear — take the — oh, no — yes— oath. It was administered,
and he was allowed to depart.
Now, after seeing the fiery Virginian arrested and marched
toward camp by General Reynolds, Dave and I concluded
to walk further and call at some other house. After walking
some distance along the road, we concluded to leave the road
and stl'ike across the fields. We did so, and after a walk
of half a mile found ourselves at the door of a picturesque
mansion surrounded by tall green trees. Thinking to ml
in and try to procure dinner, we knocked at the door. We
did so several times before there Was any response. At last
the door was opened by a pleasant woman of fifty.
FALMOUTH. 287
*'Can you accommodate us with dinner T' I asked, after
the compliments of the day had passed.
" Walk in— I will try," was the reply,
We did so, and were ushered into a commonly -furnished
room.
" Is your husband at home ?" I asked.
''No," she unhesitatingly replied; "he is in the army."
"Ah? The— the— "
" The Confederate Army — you call it the rebel armyy
. " I perceive that you do not hide the truth. A great many
rf the ladies of these parts, on being asked where their hus-
bands are, say they have none — that they are widows."
"Some may say so; but I do not wish to disguise the
truth. I am what you call a secessionist ; my husband and
only son are in the army of the Southern Confederacy. It
is nothing to be ashamed of; we believe our cause is just."
" I suppose that it would be useless to argue the point with
you; I could never convince you that your husband and son
are fighting in an unjust cause."
" I^houlcf be. sorry to say that I am not open to conviction ;
yet I am sure you could never convince me. To what divi-
sion of the Federal Army do you belong?"
.." McCall's Division — the Pennsylvania Reserves."
" What, they who fought at Drainesville ?"
" The same," said I, smiling.
The lady now busied herself about preparing dinner, and
jii^hen it was ready we sat down. We were treated to a very
satisfactory repast, during which- the meritaof the war were
discussed with some warmth. Our entertainer was very
intelligent, and she defended the cause of the South with
great enthusiasm. Dinner over, Dave suggested that we
should return to camp. When we offered remuneration for
the hospitality we had received, the old lady said —
" No ; I ask nothing ; I fed our own soldiers when they
were here ; I have plenty, I will give even to our enemiQ3
as long as I can."
"You afe very kind, madam," said I "but I would much
rather-"
288 OUR BOYS.
"No," she interrupted, "1 wish no pay; one never loses
anything by being hospitable." ^
" I hope I may never meet your husband or son in battle."
"I hope not."
We bade the hostess good-day, and departed. I felt some-
what stung that I had partaken of the hospitalities of one
whose soil I was invading.
On the following morning we were again in motion. This
day we travelled the remaining eighteen miles, and halted
in a grove near Falmouth.
During this day's march, Dave Winder, seeing a farmer's
house a little way from the road, climbed over the fence and
visited a ^ring which he found a little way beyond. Having
filled his canteen, he returned to the road. While scaling
the fence, he was just in the act of telling some of the boys
that a man over at that house had ten barrels of the best
" old rye," and was giving it away to the soldiers by the
quart, when he (Winder) lost his balance, fell from the fence,
and broke his leg. He was placed in an ^.mbalance, conveyed
to a hospital, afterward discharged, and I saw him no more.
The wood in which we bivouacked was a little way from
Falmouth; and, as yet, we had seen neither that village nor
Fredericksburg. Next morning we were told that we were
to remove to a permanent camping-ground, and that we
should pass through Falmouth on our way. We were anxious
to see it, for we wondered what manner of place it was.
While sitting on the trunk of a fallen tree, " taking coffee," •
I heard a muss; I turned in the direction, and saw Jack
Burke and Dave Adams—" at it." In order to explain the
cause of their hostility, I must go back a little.
For a month past Jack and Dave had been on terms of
the closest intimacy ; so much so, in fact, that they were in
the habit of carrying on sarcastic dialogues, and applying all
kinds of epithets to each other — just for fun. For instance :
Dave being rather dark-complected, Jack often called him a
" nigger" in a joking way ; and Jack's complexion being on
tTie " sandy," and he a native of the Emerald Isle, JAve gene-
rally termed him a " red-headed Irishman." Now this was
all m fun — no harm meant by it ; but as "familiarity breeds
FALMOUTH. 2W
oontempt/' I prophesied that a fight would one day be the
result ; and my prophecy was fulfilled on this occasion. Jack
chanced to be. on the morning in question, attacked with a
fit of ill-humor, and wasn't in for foolishness.
'• What's the matter with you this morning ?" asked Dave.
" Don't ye bother me," replied Jack, pettishly.
"Oho," said Dave, "I know; you couldn't stand the
march yesterday, and — "
" I till ye it's foolin' I don't want now," interrupted Jack,
" Come, now, my red-headed Irish pratie-machine," Dave
remonstrated, " you wouldn't snap a feller off that way, would
yoQ?"
" Ye d — d nagur I I'll snap the divil out o' ye I"
" Oh, no, old sorrel-top, you wouldn't do that, now ; for you
" Blast the bloody eyes o' ye 1" interrupted Jack, rushing
furiously upon Dave.
It was at this juncture that I looked around, as above
stated, and saw them ** at work." For a few seconds they
stood blurting away at each other ; but presently, as though
tired of standing, they lay down to it, Dave taking care to lie
down first — and he did it with great energy ; Jack followed
him to the earth, and began to " pelt" him furiously. Dave
endeavored to pelt Jack in return, but he discovered that
striking upward was np-hill work, and he couldn't inflict a
bit of violence on the person of Jack. That gentleman, at
last^ having pounded Dave to his heart's content, reluctantly
arose, almost breathless, and exclaimed: —
'•To the divil wi' ye r
This was very uncharitable of Jack — after almost pound-
ing the life out of Dave, to consign him to so unsympathizing
a personage as the one mentioned.
• " 111 go right and tell the captain I" screamed Dave, arising
from his hori:&ontal position to a reclining one.
He certainly presented an interesting picture-rhis face
green with rage — his hair standing out in all directions, d la
porcupine; one of his eyes was beautifully blacked ; a great
scratch of Jack's finger-nail wound its way from his left ear
to the right-hanji corner of his mouth-, lQ\a\>\Qf\>s»^^%'vsr«\
240 OUB BOYS.
in two places^ — several of the buttons were hanging down by
shreds ; his shirt collar was torn open ; his chin had a great
bruise on the point, and the " claret" was rushing profusely
from his " mug."
" Where's the captain ? — ^I'll go and tell him I" repeated
Dave.
" If ye do, ye bloody squaler, I'll smash that same black
aead o' ye !" said Jack, savagely.
I gazed upon Dave, and it occurred to me that " that same
olack bead o' him" was very nearly " smashed" already.
"Fall in! fall in I" was at this moment reiterated from
company to company.
This put an end to the affair ; Dave didn't tell the captain,
Qor did Jack " smash" him any more. We were soon formed
ind marching toward Falmouth.
As we descended the hill which lies north of Falmouth,
we looked across the beautiful Eappahannock, and beheld a .
piece of scenery which I shall never forget. The sun was
already mounting up into the blue heavens, and his full, open
light shone upon Fredericksburg. That city appeared to
our view as a mixture of gable-ends, chimney-tops, and tree-
tops. It appeared to be a city built in the midst of a wood,
or a wood of tall green tree^ growing up in the midstiof a
city. The leaves upon the trees were now full-grown, and
they wore all the verdant freshness that an early spring
morning is wont to inspire. Thousands of dewdrops stiU
hung thereon, and sparkled like diamonds in the melting
light of the morning sun ; while in the midst the blue smoke
ascended in curling wreaths from many chimneys. The
Eappahannock flowing from between two green hills, half
a mile above, and disappearing, in its windings, among the
rolling woodlands far below, lay placid and smooth, its
glassy surface reflecting the outline of a few white cottager
and green trees which stood upon the opposite shore in the
full light of the morning sun.
We marched into Falmouth, then took a road to the left,
and marched to a pine grove upon a hill which lay opposite
Fredericksburg, and there pitched our miniature tents in the
best manner possible.
FALMOUTH. 241
The pines here were not of the dwarf nature of those which
we had encountered further north. They were tall and
straight, with beautiful green tops, which were woven together
over our heads— a shelter formed by the hand of Nature.
The wood in which we encamped lay near the Aquia Creek
railroad. Several bridges between Fredericksburg and the
Potomac had been destroyed by the rebels, and, as yet, no
trains had been able to come down from Aquia Creek Land-
ing. We had not been long in our new camp, however, ere
these bridges were re constructed, and trains were flying
along the road in a decidedly business-like way. Also three
bridges over the Eappahannock at Fredericksburg and Fal-
mouth had been burned by the rebels upon our approach.
As the rebel forces had fled, Fredericksburg was unhesi-
tatingly surrendered to General McDowell by the city authori-
ties; and pontoon bridges were soon thrown across. The
railroad bridge was soon replaced so that the cars could go
over.
The people of Fredericksburg openly manifested their
dislike for Yankees — acknowledged that they were seces-
sionists at heart, and expressed the most flattering hopes that
"Jeff Davis would take Washington, conquer the North, and
ban^ all the oflBicials from the President down*to the con-
stables."^
Meanwhile, General McClellan had landed his army at
Fortress Monroe, and was commencing operations in front
of Yorktown. We eagerly watched the papers for news
from the Peninsula ; and whenever a newsboy entered camp,
shouting — " National Eepublican ; exciting news from Mc-
Clellan's army I" it was amusing to see the crowd collected
about him, every man exerting himself to be the first to get
a paper lest he should be too late and get none at all ; which
generally was the case.
How ardently we wished that we were with McClellan.
We were now under McDowell, and we dj^ not know much
about him — had no particular confidence in him. But Little
Mac, who could doubt him f None ! No one doubts him
even now, though he has many enemies who say they doubt
him — doubt his ability — hj# loyalty. AXi, \i ^xxsJa. \ia.N^ >
242 OUR BOYS.
conscience (which I doubt); how that conscience most start as
their foul tongues apply to that noble man such an epithet
as " traitor 1"
CHAPTER XX.
CONTRABANDS.
About the beginning of May, Lieutenant Krepps was
transferred to the regular army ; Sergeant Blake was pro-
moted to the second-lieutenancy, Sergeant Cue to the first-
sergeantcy, and my humble self to a sergeantcy.
I had not yet visited the city of Fredericksburg ; there
was a stern barrier between us and that city-7-the Rappahan-
nock River. Now, many men were at work upon the rail-
road bridge, and it was nearly completed. One day, about
the middle of May, learning that the bridge was in a passable
condition, I resolved to attempt to pass over and visit
Fredericksburg at once. I was about to start, when Sergeant
Cue notified me that I was detailed as "sergeant of the
guard ;" that I was to be ready for guard-mount at sixT o'clock
in the evening. It was then about noon, and doubting not
that I should be able to return by six, I started on the pro-
jected visit. When within a quarter of a mile of the
river (for the camp lay at some little distance from it) I
observed a sable Sambo approaching with his bundle. For
jibout this time the negroes of that vicinity might be seen
at all hours, day and night, striking out in various directions,
leaving their masters. The gentleman in question was one
of this class. Thinking to gain some information from him
regarding the geography of that part of the world, I accosted
him as soon as ncOT enough to be favorable to the opening
of communications with —
" Hilloa, Sam ! Striking out, eh ?"
"Yes, sah — ^yah-hahl hah-hahJJ' replied Sam, seeming to
CONTBABANDS. 248
be very mucli amused at the idea of striking out; and lie ex-
hibited two rows of immense eaters.
" Where does your master live ?" I asked.
" Ober 'crosa de riber dar — down below dar," replied Sam,
with a voluptuous grin.
" And you've dissolved partnership with him ?" •
" Oh, yes ; lots ob it."
" Well, Sam, can't you tell me something of ^he country
hereabouts?"
"Yes, sah — considable."
"I believe this is Stafford County, is it not?"
"I spec ^."
" You came from beyond the river, you say ?"
"From be— what?"
" The other side of the river."
" Oh, yes — come from dar dis mornin'."
" And what county is that over there ?"
" Oh, it's Vawginny — dat's what dey call it. Wichmond's
de capilet ob it— de place dey's fightin', you know."
" Yes— but the county , I mean, Sam," said I, with a sup-
pressed smile ; " Virginia is the StatCy you know."
. "Yes — Vawginny am de— de — ^yes, sah."
Perceiving that it was useless to attempt to gain any infor-
mation from that ignorant darkey, I bade him good-day, and
passed on. I was nearing the bridge, when I saw a lieuten-
ant of our division engaged in conversation with a little
dftrkey of twelve years of age. It appeared that little Sambo
,had been to camp to see those animals called "Yankees," and
had not found them exactly what he had expected. Happen-
ing to meet with the lieutenant above spoken of, he had now
opened a conversation on the subject. As I came within
hearing distance, the darkey gaid : —
" Massa, is dem de weal Yankees ?"
" Yes, certainly — the simon-pure — the unsophisticated,"
replied the officer, somewhat amused at Sam's earnestness ;
and. \(d stopped with the obvious intention of holding con-
versation with him.
"But," aiigued the sable juvenile, "where is der horns I'm
heered'so much about f "
244 OUB BOYS.
\
-^3
" Oh, the horns, eh ?" replied the lieutenant readily com^
prehending the ideas which had prompted this question;
" why, you see, they take them off and put them into their
knapsacks x^hile about camp ; the Yankees are dififerent from —
other animals, in that respect."
"Deft do dey put dem on to fite wid?"
"Yes," replied the officer, with difficulty chpking down -^
his risibility.
" Oh, golly I" exclaimed Sam, turning away horrified. ,
The officer laughed and walked on. I did the same. I Jt
approached the bridge, wondering the while what ruse I J^
should resort to in order to get over ; for I saw agsentinel at ^^
the bridge. A few men were at work on the bridge, near
the centre. Happening to know the name of the officer in
charge of the laborers, I approached the sentinel, and in an
authoritative tone, asked : —
" Is Captain Johns over there ?"
" Yes, I think so," was the reply,
"How long will you be on post?"
"Nearly two hours; I just came on."
" Well, take a good look at me, so that you will know me
when I come back, as no doubt I will return before you are
oft* post ; or, if I do not, you can tell the sentinel who relieves
you, that I went over and am entitled to return — you can
describe me to him." And with this, I strode boldly on,
while the sentinel stared at me rather curiously ; but before
he was sufficiently collected to argue the matter, I had passed
over.
I soon found myself at liberty to walk the streets of
Fredericksburg. Idany an angry scowl was cast upon me
by the citizens, but I was not molested.
From the hill on which we were encamped, I had often
observed a marble column, about fourteen feet in height,
standing in a green field beyond Fredericksburg. I was told
that it was a monument marking the spot where the mother
of Washington was buried. I determined, while on, that
side of the river, to visit it ; and thither I bent my steps.
After wading through a field of luxuriant cloveij I arrived
at the monument. What was my indignation and Horror,
CONTRABANDS. 2-45
■when, on arriving there, I perceived that the white marlfle
was spattered ov^r with hundreds of bullets and shot — that
the rebels, during their possession, had been amusing them-
selves by discharging thejir muskets against it I What
desecration I I cannot think that it was. ..ever tolerated by
their officers. Perhaps it was done by the more vulgar ones
of the rebel army ; yet it was done by rebels. As I stood
contemplating the sacrilegious act, I imagined that nothing
could afford me greater relief at that moment, than to have
a few hundred of them there. I felt that I could whip a,
whole regiment of such despicable barbarians.
I tarried long at the spot. When, at last, I did leave, I re-
membered that several hours must have elapsed since I came
over, and I retraced my steps. While crossing the bridge
I discovered that the sentinel that was on post when I went
over, had now been relieved by another. On nearing him
the following definite dialogue occurred —
" Did the other sentinel tell you about — "
" Oh, are you the man that — "
"Yes,!—"
" Very well, you can — "
"All right— a nice day," and I passed on.
I arrived in camp, after my visit to Fredericksburg, just
in time for guard-mount. The ceremony over, I proceeded
to write out the reliefs — it was the duty of the sergeant so to
doj-during which I encountered some of the twistiest names
I had ever heard ; for instance, " Shrecenghost," *' I&ppslam-
mer ;" added to these chanced to be the name of the German
of our company — Heinrich Eouschenschwacker.
The ." first relief" was posted ; two hours later, the second ;
but before ten o'clock came heavy clouds came up ; and the
rain was descending extravagantly when the hour for calling
out the third relief arrived. The corporal and I proceeded
to do this in the; usual manner. The officer of the guard had
told me that I might allpw the men to rem'ain at their quar-
ters while not on post. It is not the most delightful thing
in the world to go over the camp of a whole regiment, hunt-
ing up a relief, the night dark, the rain pouring ,do^\i, ^\^4^
one Tunning against trees and falling over atwmipa. ^YVi^tL^a^ji
246 OUR BOYS.
«
flDme of tbe men sleep very soundly and are hard to arouse,
and others are loth to come out in the rain even when they
are awake, if one's patience is not of a superior quality he is
• in imminent peril of losing it. ,
Heinrich Kouschenschwacker was on this relief. He had
not yet retired ; he was sitting within his low tent engaged
in a game of euchre with some of his chums.
," Henry," said I^speaking English, " it's time for the third
relief."
" Coot cosh !" he exclaimed in agony, as the idea of coming
forth in all that rain forcibly suggested itself to his mind.
A moment he sat as though on a study as to whether to
come or not.
"By chinks, it too tam patl" he said, pettishly. Then
buckling on his cartridge-box, and seizing his gun, he
scrambled out, started for the head-quarters of the guard, and
ran smack against a large pine tree the first thing. Suppos-
ing, in his ill-humor, that it was some man who had carelessly
run against Am, he levelled his fist and in a threatening
manner broke out —
" What fur you run aginst me ? I knock tam h — 1 out of
youl"
Th6 brave old tree stood silent and heedless, which ap-
peared the more provoking.
" It's only a tree, Henry," said I, soothingly.
" Tree pe tam I He run right aginst me."
At that moment the corporal — ^he had been assisting in
arousing the men of the third relief — called out — .
" Sergeant, where are you ?"
" Here," I replied ; " what do you want ?"
" Here's a fellow of Company * V who won't get up." *
''Who is he?" lacked.
" Smith is his name."
" Smith, eh ; an odd name. Well, go with me and show
me his tent — perhaps he may be persuaded to get up."
With this I followed the corporal, who led the way to a
low tent constructed of two tent-blankets.
" This is it," said the corporal. »
''Is he asleep?" I asked.
CONTRABANDS. 247
'' I think so ; but lie was awake."
" And you couldn't get him up ?"
"No." ^
Stooping down before the mouth of the tent, I placed my
countenance almost within, and energetically called cut : —
"Smith!"
A loud snore was the reply. The rain was beating down
ipon me in torrents, Snd I did not feel disposed to trifle very
lOng over the affair.
" Smith r* I repeated ; and I grabbed somebody's foot.
"Ouch I gosh I Don't pull my foot oflFI" pame from
vnthin.
" Is that you, Smith ?" I asked ; for there were two slum-
bering within.
"What?"
" Is that you — is your name Smith ?"
, "Yes."
" Do you belong to the third relief?"
"Y— e— e— yes."
" Well, get up — we're waiting for you."
He made no reply, and I supposed that he was putting on
bis cartridge-box. After waiting long enough for a thousand
»ea to put on their cartridge-boi^s, I found my patience
'ast ebbing out ; and I a3,ng out : —
"Smith, are you not coming?"
A groan and a snore came from within.
" Smith I" I said, shaking him roi:ighly, " are you not
loming out ?"
"What?"
" Are you coming out to go on guard ?"
" Oh, it's too d— ni rainy," said he, with a coolness that
Lstonished me — just as though he could do as he pleased
ibout coming out. *
"Look ye, Smith," I said; "I can convince you that it is
rotir better plan to come out at once, notwithstanding the
•ain; you see, if you don't, I'll just send to the gate for a
piard, and I'll have you brought out, and I'll keep you
rtanding in the rain all night with a guard over you,"
He^id not reply; and I began: —
248 OUBBOYS.
" Corporal, go to the gate and bring a file of men, and—"
"No, no!" exclaimed Smith, with sudden energy; "Pni
comiug I I didn't say I wasn't yet." " And clapping on hii
cartridge-box, and seizing his musket, he emerged from hi
habitation with a readiness seldom equalled.
By this time, the men of the third relief were all at th
gate, waiting to be posted. I formed them at once, an
handed them over to the corporal, who marched them aroun
for the purpose of relieving the posts.
They had left the gate but a few minutes, when the repoi
of a gun was borne to my ears. It sounded dull and om
nous on the damp, misty air ; and I could not tell exactl
from what direction the sound proceeded. I followed th
third relief round the camg, and on coming up with them,
asked —
" Where was that gun fired ?"
" It sounded over in the Bucktail camp," replied the co]
poral.
" It don't sound right to hear a gun at this time of nighty
I observed. " However, it was in the Bucktail camp, and
have nothing to do with it," and I returned to the gate.
Next day a procession marched, with slow and measure
step, past our camp. Tjje fife was heard in the low, moun
ful notes of the "dead march;" tte dismal sound of th
muffled drum rolled sadly out among the thick woods; the
gave evidence of a " soldier's funeral."
On inquiry I learned that a soldier of the Bucktails, whos
reason had. been undermined by sickness, had committe
suicide between ten and eleven o'clock the previous nigh*
by shooting himself through the brain — that he was noi
being borne to the grave.
This accounted for the report of the gun which I had hear
during th^ night. ^
I shall never forget. the singular feeling that crept ove
me when, on that dismal night, I heard the report of the rifl
nth which a wretched fellow creature hurried himself ub
bidden into Eternity.
About this time we heard glorious news from the vicinitj
of Fortress Monroe. Norfolk, Suffolk, and Portsmouth wer«
CONTRABANDS. 249
iken ; the rebel iron-clad " Merrimac" blown up ; the rebels,
MTced to l^ave Yorktown and Gloucester, had retreated
)ward Eichmond — had fled across the Chickahominy —
[cClellan in pursuit. How we cheered — shouted till we
3uld shout no more. Then how we talked. How we
tuded General McClellari. How we regretted that we were
ot with him.
How strangely some men talk. How inconsistently. The
aj^ture of Yorktown was no achievement, they say. It was
stronghold. The rebels never intended to hold the place.
Hdn^t they, though? Why then did they so strongly
>jrtify it ? Why did they send the whole of their available
3rce to Yorktown ? Why did they fortify Gloucester on
he opposite side of the York Eiver ? But some go so far
3 to Ue, and say that only wooden gUns were planted on these
ortifications. How ridipulous ! Go to the proper authori-
ies, if you wish to be informed on these points. You will
ind it recorded at the office of the Secretary of War in
i^ashington City that ninety-one heavy guns were left on the
brtifications by the rebels to fall into our hands. What, the
•ebels not fortified at Yorktown? Why should they not
brtify there? Why not, if possible, prevent McClellan from
jetting negirer Richmond ? Had they anything to gain by
Jiaking the battle-ground within rifle range of their Capital ?
There is a place upon the left bank of the Rappahannock,
ien miles above Falmouth, known as the " Gold Mines," at
irhich the stream is fordable. Near the last of May, our
'egiraent was ordered to this point, to guard the ford, while
1 number of trees should be felled into it. While there,
Jergeant Dock of Company " B," and one Jones of Company
G," got on a spree together, and went to a farmer's house
a the vicinity, at the dead of night, and demanded admit-
since. Not being admitted, they procured an axe, and pro-
eeded to break the door down, in the most off-hand manner,
?his little ceremony was about completed, when the farmer
rithin, by way of protecting his family, fired a glln through
he door, at the marauders. The shot took eflfect- in the
>Teast of Jones, and he fell to the earth with a groan, of agony.
iergeant Dock, somewhat sobered by the OQC\)iiTe\i^^,\iMtiv^^
250 OUR BOYS.
to the bivouac of the regiment, for assistance. A squad of
men accompanied hira'to the house, and conveyed the bleed-
ing form of Jones to the regiment. The farmer had es-
caped. Jones suffered the most excruciating agony, ^nd, after
the lapse of a few hours, expiree^, Next day we returned
to our camp at Falmouth.
Soon after this a court-martial convened in our division.
"While on dress-parade one evening, the results of said court-
martial were read to us. A number of non-commissioned offi-
cers had been tried for gambling, and were sentenced to be
"reduced to the rank and station of a private soldier."
Others were tried for drunkenness on duty ; some for sleep-
ing oh post. One private Shark, of Company *1," was tried
for absenting himself from his company and regiment with-
out leave. He was found guilty, and sentenced to stand on
the head of a barrel, eight hours «ach day, for a period of
three days. Many similar cases had been investigated.
But the saddest case of all was that of Sergeant Dock ; he
had been tried for that night's business at the Gold-Mines.
He was sentenced to lose his rank and station — to forfeit all
pay due him — to be dishonorably dismissed from the army,
and drummed out of camp, in presence of the regiment^
during dress-parade.
Thus for the second time it was my lot to witness a pro-
ceeding so disgraceful, so mortifying and humiliating to the
luckless offender. The poor fellow, who had been a non-
commissioned officer, and consequently accustomed to wield-
ing some authori^-y, was now brought before the regiment,
disgraced, and I'cduced to a grade far beneath any present.
The usual process of " drumming out" ensued. Between
two guards, and followed by fife and drum playing the
"rogue's march," the wretched and crest-fallen man waa
ushered from camp, and from the presence of his comrades^
for ever.
" Readeiv it was hard— <oo hard, I think ; yet it is neces-
sary that ftch examples be made in the army. Were they
not, a body of troops invading an enemy's country would
naturally become a band of robbers and murderers ; aye, and
aVight adventure. 251
nes too black to mention would be freely perpetrated by-
unrestrained soldiery.
Tet how frequently I hear men express themselves as be-
in favor of what they are pleased to term, " harsh mea-
5s" — in favor of turning our soldiers loose upon the
snceless inhabitants of the seceded States, and of allowing
n to burn, destroy, plunder, murder, and commit the dark-
srimes without restraint. It is remarkable, too, that such
the very men who have never had the heart to join the
ly, and face the enemy they so much hate, in a fair fight.
I The cowardly heart that could suggest or sanction the
Tsh measures" referred to would shrink from, and sicken
;he approach of danger !
tut why speak on the subject here ? To discuss it as I
lid like to, I should be obliged to write another volume —
arger one than this. I tell you, reader, that mercy,
Jness, and consideration are the most powerful weapons
; can be used in war; and they will a thousand times
•e likely be sanctioned by the ALMIGHTY, and crowned
1 success, than the doubly-blood-stained weapons called
Tsh measures P^
CHAPTER XXI.
A NIGHT ADVENTURE.
LBOtTT the last of May we suddenly received orders to
re across the Rappahannock; we broke up camp, and,
ching over a pontoon bridge, passed through Predericks-
j, and encamped half-a-mile beyond. We had scarcely
hed our tents, when any number of contrabands made
r appearance in camp; they all wanted us to employ
tt. One mess of half-a-dozen good fellows, hired, as cook,
wfully black, shiny fellow, named Mose — so black .was he
'* charcoal would make a white mark on him." Another
3 hired one of similar beauty, of the nivme o? YcXa.
262 OUR BOYS. •
A leather-colored, sleepy-looking fellow of sixteen sauntered
into camp, and encountering Captain Conner near his tent lie
said: — *►*
" Massa cap'n, may I go wid you ?"
" Go where ?" asked the captain,
" Whereber you goes."
" What would that be for?'
" I work for you."
"What can you do?"
" Anyting."
" Can you cook ?" |
"I tinklcould." ^ ^ ■
" But have you had no experience at it ?"
" No what ?" And the darkey grinned.
"Experience." *
" I don't tink dey use him to cook here."
" But I mean, have you ever cooked any ?"
"No, sah."
" What have you done ?"
" Curry bosses and hoe cawn."
" I suppose you are pretty strong ?"
"Oh, yes."
P didn't doubt his word.]
" Well, I will hire you ; you can carry a blanket for ^
during the march. Meanwhile, you must try and learn
cook."
'*Iwill."
" What is your name ?"
"Henwy."
"Henry— what?"
"No, sah, not Henwy what — ^Henwy Cwaig."
"Henry Craig, eh?"
"Yes, dat'sit."
"Why did you leave your master, Henry ?"
" Case I wanted to go wid de dam-Yankees."
" The what ? How is that you are talking ?"
"De dam-Yankees; is dat any harm? Dat's what I alle^
heers you called — I tink you's de mens."
" Is that what they call us about here ?"
A NIGHT ADVENTUBB. 268
*' Yes, notin' else. Isn't dat you folkses names?"
T?he captain laughed at this, and resumed : —
" Were you not comfortable with your master ?''
''Yes, sah; but—"
" Did he whip you ?"
"Only once."
" And what was it for that time ?"
'* For knockin' de colt's eye out wid a stone ; he alles told
B not to fling stones at de bosses, but one day I blazed
ray when I tot he didn't see me, and hit his black colt in
) eye ; den he whale me."
"Then you deserved.it."
"Yes, sah."
**Did your master give you enough to eat?"
"Yes, sah."
"Enough clothes?"
"Yes, plenty."
"Then I think that you had better have stayed with your
aster — that you would have been better off. However, T
ill hire you ; you can make yourself useful about my^tent,
*eping things in order. Meantime, as I said before, you
Ust learn to cook ; and when it comes to the march, you
11 carry a blanket for me."
"Yes, sah, I tote it."
The captain turned away, and Henry Craig, Esquire,
inned, and remarked to me : —
" De Yankees is cur'us folks."
''Why?" I asked.
" Dey axes so many questshuns."
"Are you not used to that?"
"No, sah, I neber heered so many in all dis nigga's life."
" Well," said I, consolingly, " I think you'll like the cap-
in ; but be very careful that you do everything he tells
»u, and don't offend him, or out will come his bright sword,
d off will come your woolly head."
Henry turned blue at this, and I walked away, leaving
tn to his cogitations.
In the meantime, Haman Jeffries, Dick Shaw, Jim Rider,
d I formed a mess of our own, and constructed a tent to
254 OUR BOYS.
ourselves. [This mess was destined to remain unchanged,
without any increase or diminution, so long as I remained in
the army.]
That night a little after dark the captain came to our tent
and said —
" Boys, are you ready for a little adventure ?"
'• Yes ; what's up ?" we replied, in concert.
" Some negroes have given information that a rebel oflScer
intends to come to his house to-night to take his wife away
with him ; the adjutant wishes to go out with a small squad
to capture him in the event of his coming.
" AYhere is the house ?" I asked.
" Two miles out the plank road."
" Out;3ide the picket line, I suppose."
"Yes, a little way."
" How many are going?"
"The adjutant, two of Company 'X' and you four, Yea^
I told Nick Swearer that he might go."
"Are you going along ?"
" Oh, certainly."
We buckled on our cartridge-boxes, took up our muskets,
and followed the captain. Jim being a musician, had np gun,
but he readily borrowed one.
Nick Swearer joined us, and we went to the street of
Company " I," where Adjutant Kent and two of the boys of
that company joined us according to arrangement. The
adjutant then procured the countersign, that we mieht pass
the pickets, and we took our way out the plank road which
led toward the southwest. The night, though clear, was
dark; for there was no moon. We had no guide with
ua, but the darkeys who had given the information had
stated that we could not miss the way — ^that it was a large
brick house — that it stood on a hill to the left of the road —
that there was a lane leading to the house which was a quar-
ter of a mile from the road — that it was half a mile beyond
the picket line, and that the name was Boss. We had passed
the picket line a little way, when, peering through the dark-
ness, we descried the outlines of a house on an elevated
spot a few hundred yards from the road.
**Ja«t at tbftt moment I was startled by seeingr, against the sky the dim
outlines of a man appear at the farther end of the bnilding." — Sfte page 215.
li^' .
A NIGHT ADVENTURE. 255
That must be tte house," was remarked.
V"e hallj^d.
It must be," said Adjutant Kent.
Certainly it is," said the captain.
But where is the lane ?"
Here it is !" exclaimed Haman, opening a gate.
¥e approached, and by the dim light — or darkness, rather
if the night, we detected a by-road leading from the gate
ard the house. We passed through, walked to the im-
iiate neighborhood of the house, and proceeded to surround
n the most methodical manner. We formed a kind of
) of skirmishers around the house> yet a little way from
At a given signal we were to advance stealthily, keeping
lose watch, in the meantime, that no one might escape
n the .premises. I was posted within twenty or thirty
es of a cluster of out-buildings — stablfes, etc. They stood
ground a little higher than that which I occupied, so that
ir outline was described against the sky. ^
wag lying in the deep clover, awaiting the signal to ad-
ice, when Nick Swearer, who was postQii thirty or forty
es from me, blundered over a pile of rails in the darkness,
king a terrible racket, and starting three or four house-
;3 to howling and barking in a style that was appalling.
Tioment after I saw the form of a man, held out in bold
ef against the night-sky, glide from the house and approach
out-buildings aforementioned. I at once hurried to the
Pest of the buildings, which chanced to be a stable. The
posed fugitive reached the buildings before me, and I was
ewtiat surprised on arriving thither that I could hear or •
Qo one. I listened. I felt a little curious there by my-
Suppose the man whom I was sure I had seen, was, at
very moment, lurking in the darkness within a few feet
rie, just ready to spring upon me with one of those
bhern bowie-knives of which I had heard so much. My
ition grew painful. Just at that moment I was startled
leeing, against the sky, the dim outlines of a man appear
he farther end of the building ; he had come round th^
ier and he now walked right at me. He was iatall man,
to my imagination, appeared the veriest giant — lou^ aa
256 OIJB BOYS.
•
a rail — ^thick as a horse — and to help the matter, he wore a
tall hat ; it really looked to me as though it was at least two
feet high in the crown. My heart crawled unhesitatingly up
into my mouth, while my hair stood boldly up, lifting my cap
politely as though to let in a little of the night air.
" Halt !" I said, determined to stand my ground.
He didn't halt but drew nearer.
" Halt !" said I, in a peremptory tone ; and I brought ray
musket down to a dangerous position, and cocked it, with a
click that must have sounded unpleasantly in the ear of the
"man at the muzzle."
He came to an abrupt stand-still.
" Who comes there ?" I demanded.
" It's one," was the reply ; at the same time it occurred to
me that he was big enough for half a dozen.
*' But who are you, sir ? Beware, I am not to be trifled
with!"
'* belong to the premises here," said he, coolly.
" What are you doing out here at this time of night?"
" Oh," he replied, with unwavering coolness, " I thought I
heard some disturbance among the cattle, and I came out to
see if anything was wrong ;" and he passed right by me and
walked toward the house with slow, calm, deliberate, and
measured strides; and — yes, reader, would you believe it?
— he had the assurance to remark that it was a ** fine even-
ing," in the most common-place way, as he moved away and
left me standing there like a fool. And it wasn't a fine even-
ing at all, reader, for it was very dark, and — let 'me ^ee—l
think it must have been rathe.r cold, too ; for I remember
that I was shivering slightlv just then, and it must have
been the cold that occasionea it, for it couldn't have been —
oh, no, it couldnH have been because I was unnerved or any-
thing of that kind, you know (?)
I was so taken aback by the dogged coolness of the giant
Virginian, that he was halt-way to the house before I re-
covered my presence of mind. It then struck me that I
shouldn't let him slip so easily ; I hastily followed him and
called out —
A NIGHT ADVEKTUBK. 257
*' Look here, my friend, I am sorry to detain you, but the
captain may wish to see you."
' Well." That was all he said, and he stopped.
Meantime the signal to advance had been given, and all .
approached the house. Perceiving this, I called out —
" Captain, will you step this way a moment ?"
The barking of the dogs had now become stupendous, and
the captain did not hear me at first. I raised my voice and
•gain called to the captain ; he heard me.
" This is the wrong house, sergeant," said he, approaching
me; "this is a frame house — not a brick." Then commg
nearer he discovered the presence of a third party, and he
exclaimed —
''Who is this?"
^I don't know; I encountered him a^the stable."
" Who are you ?" asked the captain, addressing the Vir-
ginian.
** I am the owner of this house."
" What were you doing out there ?"
He made the same explanation which he had made to me.
The captain then asked —
" Can you tell me where one Boss lives ?" «
** Yes, sir; but he is not at home."
■ "Where is he?"
"I don't know — ^that is — a — "
*• He is in the rebel army, you mean."
«I think he is."
tf Well, where is his house?"
''It is on this same ridge; you take the path that leads
right past those buildings."
« How far is it?"
"Only a quarter of a mile.''
" Thank you. You mav now go into your house. I am
Borry that I have disturbed you. Come, boys."
All had gathered around by this time, and we started.
With some difficulty we followed a path that led through a
idover-field, and we soon found ourselves in the immediate
proximity of a large brick mansion. The usual process of
17
258 OUR 130Y3.
surrounding was resorted to. All being ready we crept
upon the house from all sides. All was quiet. Leaving
two men to watch the rear of the house, we approached the
/ront entrance en masse,
"Who comes there?" demanded a voice from the dark
shades of the piazza.
We remained quiet.
"Who comes there?" was repeated; and we heard the
sharp click of a fire-lock as the hammer was drawn back.
'* Be careful," said the captain, " we are in force. Resist-
ance would be in vain."
" By gosh, Joe, we're gone up. There is a whole lot of
'em," said the one who had challenged us, in an undertone ;
he was speaking to a comrade.
" I suppose we must go with them," replied the person
whose name seemed to be Joe.
" Come down, here ; you are our prisoners," said the cap-
tain.
There was no reply ; all was still as the grave.
"Are you coming? Or do you want three hundred
DuUets rattling up there in a second ?"
In% proof that they did not desire the articles mentioned,
two men with guns in their hands walked reluctantly from
the piazza, and approached us.
" What are you doing here ?" asked the captain.
"We were placed here to guard this property," replied
one of the affrighted rebels.
"But do you not know that you are in the immediirte
vicinity of the Union picket-lines ?"
" Yes, we thought we would be safe this close ; we never
thought the reb — the Southern soldiers, I mean, would
venture so near our lines."
" Why, whom do you take us for ?"
"For the reb— the— the— "
" And who are you .?"
" We belong to King's Division ; we — "
" My goodness !"
" Are you not rebels ?"
" No. We are of McCall's Division.*"
A NIGMT ADVENTUBB. 269
" You are I Why, we thought we were in for a trip to
Eichmoad-*-that you were rebels I"
" Ha, ha I We took you for rebels I"
"Well, that's/unnyr
"It might not have been funny — but who lives I ere?"
"A Mr. Ross."
" In the rebel army, is he ?"
" Rebel army ! No I He is a Union man ; we are hero
to protect his property from his secesh neighbors."
" And where is he ?"
" In Washington."
" What is he doing there ?"
" He is carrying on some business there."
" Well, isn't that astonishing ?"
" What is astonishing ? What brings you out here ?"
The captain, thereupon, explained the whole affair; then
he asked : —
" Are any of the family within ?"
" Yes ; Mrs. Ross, two children, and the overseer."
That individual at this moment made his appearance —
if appearance it could be called, for it was so dark that he
oould scarcely be seen. He invited us in, and we entered.
He lighted a candle ; and, in a short time, a pleasant woman
made her appearance, and quite a confab ensued.
It was near twelve o'clock when we left the premises and
started for camp. We arrived there, feeling very weary
after our wild-goose chase.
A few days after this, we were surprised at receiving or-
ders to recross the Rappahannock. As we passed through
Fredericksburg, on our return, the citizens, supposing the
movement to be a kind of reverse — that we were probably
compelled to fall back across the river — stood with their
hands in their pockets, at the corners of the streets, staring
and grinning at us with evident delight.
Once more on the north side of the Rappahannock, we en-
camped a little nearer the river than before.
Major Gardiner having resigned his commission. Captain
Baily, of Company *' I," was elected to the office of major ;
A^utant Kent, whc^was formerly a licutenaut oC G^^wgis^QL:^
280 OUR BOYS.
"I," was made captain of that company ; Lieutenant Witter,
a brave young officer of Company " H," was appointed adju-
tant of the regiment.
On the evening following our return from Fredericksburg;
I was detailed sergeant of the guard. The guard was
mounted at six o'clock ; the ceremony over, I went to our
company quarters, for the purpose of writing out the reliefs.
Our boys had finished pitching their tents, and rations were
being distributed ; George Wagner was engaged in cutting
up the beef.
Now, it was customary to have some little fight or alter-
cation of words over the rations when issued. Accordingly,
Enoch Calvert, of our company, remarked that George was
not cutting xxp the beef so as to divide it fairly.
*' What's the reason I'm not?" demanded George.
*• I don't know what the reason is," retorted Enoch, pro-
vokingly ; " unless it is that you want to cut it so that the
best may fall to your share."
" But I am cutting it fairly, by gosh I" said George.
" I know better ; you're not."
** It's a lie 1" shouted George ; and he abruptly stopped in
the midst of his work, and glared fiercely upon Enoch.
*' What's that ?" demanded Enoch ; although he perfectly
understood.
" I say, you lie /" repeated George.
" You'd better mind."
" I will mind; I'm not likely to forget it."
"Forget what?"
" That you are a LIAR I" •
" You're a — nother."
" Look out, sir, or — "
"What, what will you do?"
"I'll smash—"
"You will!"
" Yes, I WILL I You d— d— "
" What, you—"
Enoch seized a spade that stood near, while G^rge,
butcher-knife in hand, arose and seemed on the point of
rushing upon him. Both hesitated. There they gtood, palf
A NIGHT ADVJINTURIC. 261
and trembling with rage, glaring at each other in a truly
demoniac style.
" Why don't you come on ?" queried George.
''Why don't youT' asked Enoch.
"Til show you—"
"And I—"
Both now made a move as if to- advance ; simultaneously
ihey took a step forward. They presented a savage picture,
with those kill-tools in their hands ; and I thought it time to
interfere.
"Boys," I said, "I am on guard to-night; and if you do
not immediately desist, I shall be compelled, in course of
duty, to arrest you both, at once."
After a little consideration Enoch laid down the spade,
and George resumed his work, unmolested. It would be
natural to suppose that, after this aflFair, the parties engaged
would have been deadly enemies for many years ; but such
was not the case. Before the lapse of twenty-four hours,
they were on as friendly terms as ever ; playing " euchre,"
''poker," "seven-up," and "bluff" together, with innocent
delight. ^ Soldiers of one company are not apt to remain at
enmity very long at a time. '
I returned to the gate With my relief rolls.
Night came, and a dark night it was, too. It was near
eleven o'clock, and my eyelids were just beginning to feel
heavy, when I heard a low groaning within the camp of the
regiment. It gradually increased in magnitude till at last it
became intolerable. Evidently some poor fellow of our
regiment was undergoing some torment. What could be the
matter ? It was truly agonizing to listen to those groans.
At last I left the gate and soon stood by the tent from which
the cries of pain proceeded. Yes, within that tent lay a
wretched soldier tossing about, groaning, crying, and swear-
ing to the great unrest of his messmates; he appeared to be
suffering the most excruciating agony.
" I say, partner, what's the matter ?" I asked.
"Ugh?" was^ the singular query, as though he didn't
understand me.
" What seems to he the matter w\lV\ yoxiT'' 1 T^-^^^Xfe^*
262 OUR BOYS.
" I — — — 00— oo — ^IVe got — 00 — ^boo — ^boo — hoo — the
d — d tootl. — oo — ache," was the reply.
" Well, well, ray poor fellow," said I, soothibgly, "lie still,
and try to forget it."
'• To — 00 — ^for — what ?" he indignantly mumbled.
Fearing that he might chance to have a load in his gun,
I turned hurriedly away and ran toward the gate ; felling
over a stump in the darkness, as a matter of course, to the
great abuse of my shins.
Strange to say, the sufferer seemed to have taken my advice,
for his voice was now hushed, and I heard no more from him
during the night.
Reader, my conscience has often reproved me for mj want
of humanity and feeling in telling that poor fellow to "lie still
and try to forget" — the toothache. To forget the toothache !
Forget such a torment as that confined within one's very
mouth I A tooth jumping and dancing as though about to
spring right up through the top of the head I Beating,
and heaving, and throbbing like the heart of an angry lion I
Forget it ! Lie still I Oh, horror I who ever heard of the
like ! My great wonder is, that the fellow didn't shoot me.
My twenty-four hours of guard duty passed away without
further event.
About this time came news of the battle of Fair Oaks ; and
as we read stirring accounts of the brave conduct of our troops,
and of the glorious victory that crowned our arras, we again
cursed the fate that had cast our lot at so peaceful a place as
Fredericksburg. Again and again we wished that w^ were
with McClellan — ^participating in those scenes of strife — ^in
those struggles for the perpetuation of the liberties established
eighty years ago — coming in for our share of the glory as a
division of the "Army of the Potomac." McClellan had
repeatedly asked 'sfor reinforcements — had requested that
McDowell's corps might join him ; but for some reason they
could not be sent — it might endanger the Capital.
Meanwhile, Stonewall Jackson had followed Banks to the
banks of the Potomac, when, the latter being reinforced, the
former began to act on the defensive, and they had quite a
time of it manoeuvring thfere in the *' Valley."
AWAY DOWN SOUTH IX DIXXB. 263
The first week of June passed away. The railroad bridge
across the Rappahannock had been carried away by the rise
in the river, and the potitoon bridges had been taken up.
Measures were taken for the reconstruction of the railroad
bridge ; and it was no small task, for it had to be built fifty
feet above water. This required much lab?>r.
CHAPTBE XXII.
** HSAD-QUABTEBS, PeNKSYLVANIA RsSBRVE CoBPS,
Camp near Falmouth : Jane 8, 1862.
"General M'Call is happy to inform the soldiers of his
command, that he has^ received orders to embark with his
division, aj; Belle Plain, below Fredericksburg, where trans?-
ports will be in waiting, sail around to White House Landing,
and JOIN M'Clellan in front op Richmond.
"All will hold themselves in readiness to march this
evening for the place of embarkation.
(Signed) " Brigadier-General George A. M'Call.
"H. J. BiDDLB, Assistant Adjutant General."
Such was the order issued on Sunday morning, the eighth
of June. To embark in transports, for Eichmond I Oh, we
Were in transports already ! To join M'Clellan in front of
HiCHMOND I " Long-looked-for come at last I" Oh, it was
glorious I .
Evening came, and we broke up 'camp. Our knapsacks
Were packed and ready to sling ; the officers had their bag-
gage packed and conveyed to the wagons.
Now it so happened that there was a coolness at this time
existing between Colonel Hayes and the line-officers of the
regiment. I do not romomhor fromj.w^\al Qi2i\x?»^ Xlci^*^-^^'^^^
264 OUR BOYS.
arose ; but this I remember, that Colonel Ha^'es was down
upon all the line-officers of the regiment, and that ihey were
down on him. Further : that the non-commissioned officers
and privates sided with the colonel; so it was — "Line-offi-
cers vs^ Colonel Hayes and the soldiers of the regiment."
Well, as line-officers are allowed transportation for only
Beventy-five pounds of baggage (though this article of the
regulations is seldom observed strictly),^ the colonel thought
this an excellent opportunity to make a point. Accordingly,
he ordered the scales belonging to the Quartermaster's De-
partment to be placed by the wagon that was to receive the
officers' baggage, for the purpose of weighing it, to make sure
that none should have transportation for more than the
wonted seventy-five pounds. The first officer who ap-
proached — his darkey toting his baggage — was Captain John-
son. The baggage was about to go in, when the colonel,
who was standing by the scales, said : —
" Captain Johnson, is that your baggage ?"
" Yes, sir," was the reply.
" Well, you must have it weighed," said the colonel.
" Have — it— it — what ?" exclaimed Captain Johnson, open-
ing his eyes to an alarming width.
" Weighed," said the colonel, coolly.
"Weighed!"
"Yes, certainly."
" What for ? I am not going to sell it ; and if I were, I
would not sell it by weight."
" You had better sell it, or a part of it ; for if it's ovei
weight, it cannot be transported."
" And what do yQu call weight ?" asked Captain Johnson,
with awful calmness.
" Seventy-five pounds."
The baggage was placed upon the scales, and the colonel
proceeded to weigh it. Captain Johnson felt ill at ease ; for
well he knew that it weighed more than seventy-five pounds.
" It weighs ninety-tfiree ; it can't go," said the colonel.
"Can't go?"
" No, I can only allow you transportation for seventy-five
pounds."
AWAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE. 265
* And must it be left behind for only weighing so much
as ninety-three?"
" Yes ; if it weighed just seventy-six, it couldn't go. You
will he obliged to lighten it by leaving something ouLl^'
" What I leave something behind ?" ' '
•* Oh, yes — some little articles that — "
**! won't take out a d — d pound I" exclaimed Captain
Johnson, vehemently, -interrupting the colonel.
^ Then leave it all out, for it don't go into that wagon if it
weighs an ounce more than seventy-five pounds," said the
oolonel, emphatically; then seeing Lieutenant Carter ap-
proaching the wagon — ^baggage in darkey's hands — he called
oat:—
"Lieutenant Carter, don't put your baggage into that
Wagon until it's weighed."
" ^rill what's weighed ? — the baggage, or the wagon ?" asked
Lieutenant Carter, in a provoking tone.
" The baggage of course," said the colonel.
" The baggage — weighed ?"
" Yes."
« What for?"
"Because, it can't be transported if it weighs more than
fche Army Regulations allow."
" And what weight is allowed ?"
" Seventy -five pounds."
" Well, I'm sure my baggage don't weigh more than that."
"Very well, I hope it don't; but we must try it."
"All right, I'm sure it don't weigh that" said Lieutenant
Carter, confidently.
The baggage was placed on the scales, which now stood
at ninety 'three ; the beam did not move, showing conclusively
that it didn't weigh as much as the baggage of Captain John-
son, anyhow. The colonel moved the pea back to ninety,
but the beam remained still ; he moved it back to eighty-five,
bat without effect ; then to eighty ; still the beam did not
rise. The colonel then moved the pea one notch — they were
half-pound notches— then another, then another, then another,
and the beam gracefully rose.
"Seventy eight! Can't go I" said t\ie co\oiife\ VvOa. '"^^
266 OUR BOYS.
concealed delight Then, in a business-like manner, he
said : —
" Who's next ? Captain Lemon, put yours on."
Cwtain Lemon placed his baggage upon the scales ; the
cololel weighed it.
"A hundred-and-three 1 It can't go! take it awajl My
goodness, it's shocking the way men will impose on the
government I"
" But, colonel — " began Captain Lemon.
"It's no use talking; you can only have seventy-fiva.
pounds transported. Next! Captain Henry! Too heavy
— weighs eighty-seven — can't go I Next I — Captain Dawson,
yours ! Too heavy — seventy-nine 1 Away with it ! — Next I"
Thus it went on ; all were too heavy, and all alike were
rejected. The last one was just being weighed, when Cap-
tain Johnson again appeared on the scene — a slip of paper
in his hand.
''Colonel, read this," said Captain Johnson, triumphantly;
and he held the note within three-quarters of an inch of the
colonel's nose.
The colonel took the note, placed his glasses between it
and his eyes, and read : —
" Heao-quabters, Fibbt Bbioade,
McCaWs Division^ Jane 8th.
'* Colonel Hayes is requested to allow baggage weighing
from one pound to one hundred and seventy-five to be trans-
ported for each officer of his regiment.
(Signed) "Brigadier-General John F. Beynolds.
" C. Kingsbury, Adjutant."
" Well, yes," stammered the colonel — " all right — exactly
— one hundred and seventy-five — very well, you can put
your baggage into the wagon. I didn't like to give you
transportation for more than the Army Eegulations provide
without a special order to that eSect ; I didn't want to be
involved in any difficulties."
"Certainly, colonel, we all know that>" said half-a-dozen
officers, ironically.
AWAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE. 267
All the officers smiled ; and they ordered their darkeys
bo load up.
Captain Johnson, it appears, on being refused transporta-
lloii for his effects, had gone straight to General Reyi^lds,
nplained mattera, and obtained the small instruraen? of
^Rfnting just mentioned.
The sun was just sinking among the green pines far up
the Bappahannock, when we marched from our Falmouth
CSamp, and, with the division, took our way down the fair
sbores of the romantic stream. The sky was clear, and the
weather beautiful and pleasant. As the shades of night
btQgaa to gather over the moving column, the full moon
arose, and the bright steel of our arms glittered fantastically
in her mellow light.
By and by we struck a smooth road, on both sides of
which arose tall hedges. The scene, was delightful. The
fiiir queen of night mounted up into the heavens, and looked
calmly, smilingly, down upon the earth now green with vital
Tegetation. Slowly we moved along this delightful avenue
^•between those romantic walls formed half by Nature, half
"by Art. Nothing was heard save the steady, monotonous
tramp of the moving troops, and, perchance, the footsteps of
fte horse of a field-officer, or of an orderly.
We had marched six miles, and were clear of the hedges,
when we were brought to a halt and permitted to bivouac
in a luxuriant clover-field at the roadside. Our arms were
Boon stacked and we were ere long wrapped in slumber as
sweet as that enjoyed by any king on his bed of down.
When I again opened my eyes the morning sun was staring
One boldly in the face, admonishing me with mute eloquence
tliat it was time to arise. I arose, brushed the dew from my
bair, and looked around me. The cloveif -field was a scene
of busy stir. Here and there the blue smoke was curling
ap in playful wreaths from our bivouac fires. The boys
were making their coflfee. The fences of the vicinity very
kindly supplied us with fuel.
I observed that the river was no longer in view ; the road
lad diverged from it at some distance behind. We couldn't
1>3 far fr)m it, however.
268 OUR BOYS.
We were soon called into line, and filing throjgh agate ^
at the right of the road we marched down a lane towaini a
low valley that was thickly set with trees. What was oar
surprise when on nearing the valley we descried the tops rf
a number of iron chimneys intermingled, as it were, with the
green foliage. They were the chimneys of steamboats.
The Rappahannock at this point flows through a narrow
channel, and the shores are thickly lined with trees. At a
hundred yards distant no vestige of a river can be seen ; in
fact, one is not likely to discover the stream till he stands on
the very bank,, among the underbrush and trees. Here,
almost hidden by surrounding trees, lay a number of steam
transports that were to carry us into the presence of our
country's enemies.
Embarking a body of troops — infantry, cavalry, and ar-
tillery — is no trifling matter, and is not to be pflerformed in a
few minutes; it requires much time and is very tiresome.
It was, therefore, an hour past noon when we found ourselves
aboard the "K. Donaldson."
No sooner were we on the boat than the officers proceeded
to monopolize the state-rooms, leaving the floors of the decks
for the non-commissioned officers and privates. Seeing the
door of " No. 19" open, and the room not yet occupied, Ha-
man, Dick, Jim, and I rushed in, deposited our luggage, and
secured the door on the inside.
" I'd like to see an officer get this room," remarked Haman,
after we had made the door fast.
" I guess they'll have to bu'st the door open before they
get it," said Jim.
"And us, too," suggested Dick.
Bap, rap, rap-a-tap I came against the door at that moment
" Who's there ?" I asked.
"Open this door," said a voice without. •
"Who is there ?" I again demanded.
" Me !" was the definite reply.
" Which one ? — ^there are so many mes in the regiment;
you know."
" I'm Captain Gallop — I want this room."
" This room is already occupied."
AWAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE.
*But I must have it. These rooms are for officers."
; ''Well, what do you call w^?" said I, aflfecting to laugh.
-. ** Oh, is that you, lieutenant ?" Captain Gallop had sud-
Aimly imagined my voice to be that of some lieutenant of
(^ regiment.
. "CJertainly it's me. Didn't you know that I took this
room?"
' No. But is there no spare room in there ?"
' I'm sorry to say there isn't, captain ; there are four of us
w
''Four?'*
: -'Yes."
" You must be somewhat hampered."
. " We are, very much." .
*• Then, I'll go in with Captain Lemon ; there are only two
in his room ;" and we heard him walk away, leaving us in
peaceful possession of our state-room.
By ana by the boat let go her moorings, the machinery
liegan to operate, the wheels revolved with quick splashes,
mnd we glided down the stream — our band striking up the
•ir —
*'Awa7 dovm South in Dixie."
We were at last oflF for the scene of action.
The day was beautiful, and our voyage down the Eappa-
hannook was delightful. Here and there along the grassy
shores we saw throngs of negroes, who, on hearing the music
of our band, threw hats and bonnets into the air, shouted,
cheered, danced, and manifested signs of the wildest delight.
Lovely scenes, from time to time, unfolded themselves to our
view as we glided down the river. On the green shores
stood many a picturesque cottage of snowy whiteness in the
^idst of a cluster of trees. In many places the banks were
Very low and the bushy trees ^ grew, in wild luxuriance, to
the water's edge.
I had in my possession a copy of "Lloyd's map of Vir-
Rinia," and I found it an interesting companion. Comparing
^ with the river in its windings, I found it perfectly correct
in every curve — in every angle— in every nook.
The colonel talked and chatted with us pleasantly, as we
270 OUR BOYS.
moved along. During one of our little confabs, Hamau said
to him: —
*' Colonel, I just thought of something."
" What is that, JeflFries ?" asked the colonel.
" Why, if we privates were to take the notion, we ooald
just tie all the officers, and take the whole thing into our
own hands."
" Why — I — yes ; that's a fact 1 I never thought of that>"
said the colonel.
"But," continued Haman, "we won't do it, of course; we
think too much of you, colonel, for that."
"Exactly — yes, I know that," said the colonel; and h^
appeared pleased and happy to know that he occupied a^
warm corner in our hearts — which he did.
Colonel Hayes was ever loved and esteemed by those oT^
his command. Although some of the mischievous boys ot'^
the regiment took pleasure in teasing or annoying him, they "
really loved him. The colonel had no military education: :
but he has proved his comp^*.. .. v to lead his regiment
against the enemy.
While on board the " R. Donaldson," we sorely felt the need
of coffee ; we missed our bivouac fires now, for we couldn't
' boil our coffee. At length we hit upon a remarkable expe-
dient for boiling the article; it was to hold our tin cups,
over lighted candles. It is true it required about an hoar
and a half; but we had learned to be patient, during our
soldier's life, and we thought ourselves peculiarly favored to
be able to produce a cup of coffee, even in an hour and a
half. We had a plenty of candles, for during the short
summer evenings, we did not use all that were issued to a&
When night came, we cast anchor, and lay to till morning.
When the morning came, we discovered that the state of the
weather was materially changed ; the sky was overcast with
clouds, the rain was descending, a gale was blowing, and the
air was cool and disagreeable. The river, which is but one
hundred yards wide at Belle Plain Landing, had gradually
extended, as we neared the bay, to a width of several miles.
Aga^n we moved down the stream. When within twenty-
five miles of the bay,*! was lounging lazily in my berth
AWAY DOWX SOUTH IX DIXIE. 271
tn it occurred to me that it would not be out of place to
» a verse upon the snow-white panel, on which future
orations might look, and know that we were once there,
arpened my pencil, laid off my cap, pushed back my hair,
upright in my berth, and wrote : —
^ On the BapiMihaimook River,
twenty-five miles from the hay ;
June the tenth in two-and-sixtj'—
Ciondj, rainj, stormj daj.
" Who we are, and where we're going,
Reader, wonld jon like to know f
We are of McCalPs Div^ision ;
And to White Hoase do we go.
" There to join the hrave McClellan,
And to whip the rebels ont ;
Then secession and rebellion
WiU be ' clean gone np the spent.* "
Aer this little poetical effusion, as the reader may suppose,
At weary; ana I lay down and took a profound nap.
en I awoke, we were lying at anchor within sight of the
sapeake Bay. As a brisk gale was blowing, it was not
idtered safe to venture out till* the wind should abate ;
» the casting anchor. It was about one o'clock, and we
several hours.
gain headed down the stream, we steered out upon the
»m of the bay. We could scarcely tell at what exact
t the river and the bay met ; for the Rappahannock at
mouth is five or six miles in width,
hat night we cast anchor at the mouth of the York Eiver.
t day we moved up the river, passing the famous York-
1 and Gloucester. From what we could see of the forti-
ions, I judged that they were truly formidable; and
llellan, in dislodging the rebels, certainly displayed the
test military skill.
bout noon we arrived at West Point, the terminus of
York Eiver. Here two smaller rivers— the Mattapony
the Pamunky — flow into the one wide channel forming
York. Our course lay up the Pamunky, which hap-
jd to be the crookedest river I ever saw. We passed
272 OUB DOTS.
I
hundreds of government transports — steamboats, schoonert,
and tugs — and many gunboats.
At three o'clock in the afternoon we arrived at Whi^
House Landing. The boat touched the wharf, and we ha^
tened to put on our accoutrements. This done, we wel^®
about taking a final leave of our state-room, when Ham*-^*
for the twentieth time since we embarked, accidentally^
struck his head against a slanting beam therein. In wrat^^
he levelled the butt of his musket, ram fashion, and, althoug^^
I cried out " don't hurt it," he dealt it a shock that mad^^
the boat tremble. I laughed, and so did Jim and Dick
and Haman, cooling down a little, and seeing how ridiculoui^
the thing looked, laughed not a little himself.
On going ashore we pitched our shelter-tents for the nigfat^^s
near the celebrated " White House" — the property of Gene- —
ral Lee. The house stood, perhaps, three-quarters of a mile ^
from the river. It was then used as a hospital ; and however '
beautiful and picturesque it might once have been, it now
possessed but few attractions.
When morning came we struck our tents and took our
way up the railroad toward Richmond. According to the
mile-posts the distance was twenty miles; and we started at
a pace which, had it been maintained, would have taken
us to Richmond in just six hours and forty minutes. A great •*
pity we didn't keep straight on.
General Reynolds, on this occasion, gave the most explicit
orders that not a man must fall out of the ranks by the way;
lest, on arriving at Dispatch Station, we should be called upon
to cross the river, and all should not be present. The day was
an extremely hot one ; and Colonel Hayes, by way of carry-
ing out the general's orders, rode along the lines, and, after
remarking that the heat was "awful," broke forth thus —
" Boys, it's too d — d hard to march men on such a day as
this. General Reynolds has given strict orders for all to
stay in the ranks, but I'm not going to murder m^ men for
him, or anybody else ; so if you get too hot j.ust fall out under
some shade, and come along at your leisure. Confound any
man who would want to melt soldiers up in this style," and
AWAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE. 273
the colonel wiped the sweat from his brow in honest indig-
nation. •
Tne result of the colonel's well-meant admonitions was,
that the men all dropped off by the way, and the regiment
was strung bravely out from Tunstall to Dispatch ; the colo-
nel was also placed under arrest by General Reynolds for " dis-
obedience of orders." Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant accord
ingly took command of the regiment.
I We marched to Dispatch Station near the Chickahominy,
Vtere we remained for several days. Stuart made his cele-
brated raid about this time, and we were sent in pursuit of
Ikim, which occupied, several days more. It is well known
that we were unsuccessful in our pursuit of the rebel Stuart.
$0, on another hot day, during the third week of June, we
returned to Dispatch Station.
Next day we were ordered to be ready for review in the
afternoon ; it was stated that McClellan was to come from
beyond the Chickahominy to review us.
At four o'clock we were in line. Two hours passed away,
and McClellan did not come. And why ? Simply because
an artillery fight took place at the front, and Little Mac
wouldn't leave danger. As the sound of the cannon was
borne to our ears, we felt sure that we wouldn't get to see
liittle Mac that day.
We were about to be dismissed, when ^n orderly rode up
to General McCall and placed an official dispatch in his
liand. He read it and handed it to Captain Biddle, his aid
de-camp. The captain glanced at the paper, then ordered
the division to be massed, when he read to us an order to
march forward on the ensuing morning and take a position
" in the immediate presence of the enemy."
We were then admonished by General McCall that strict
silence must now be observed — that no unnecessary noise must
be made — that the bands must not play — that not a gun must
be discharged, and that cheering must be for a time dispensed
with. He told us that we should, no doubt, soon be called
upon to meet the enemy, jmd to fight for the banner we
loved — that he expected much of the Pennsylvania Reserves
and that he had great confidence in thdr NaVox.
18
271 OUR BOYS.
We felt like cheering the brave old general, but silent
having just been so strictly enjoined, we forebore.
CHAPTER XXm.
MECHANICS ViLLB.
At eight o'clock on the following morning, the Pennsyl ^
vania Reserve Corps moved slowly from Dispatch Station^ ^^
taking a right-hand road, and marching up the northeastC^/^
bank of the Chickahominy. This was somewhat unexpected-^-^
to us, for we had supposed that we were to cross the river, '^^'
and join the main army. The post of honor, however, had J^,
been assigned us ; we were to constitute the " extreme right."
Our destination was Mechanics ville, which lies just four- ""
and-a-half miles due north of Richmond, and on the left shore ^^
of the Chickahominy. When within two miles of that cele- '^
brated village,^ we halted, and pitched our tents to remain -^
till the following morning. It was not considered prudent ^
to advance with much haste.
Next morning, the coast being found clear, we resumed
our miirch. We marched but a mile, when we were led ofiF
the road a little way into a corn-field, and there ordered to
encamp. . The whole division was arranged in a proper posi-
tion and ordered to pitch tents for the present — all save two
regiments that were detailed for picket. I observed that our
position was entirely concealed by surrounding woods. We
were Hieing to the west, and we could see the village of
Mechaniesville, which stood on a hill a mile to our front and
a little way from the Chickahominy.
Several days passed away in peace and quiet. Scarcely,
either ; for poor Haman, being subject to neuralgia, or sun-
* That ***celebrated village" is composed of one dwelliDg-hoase, a black-
fimith-fihop, a tobacco-house, aud a weU.
ME0HAN1C3VILLB. 275
pain, as it is sometimes called, took a spell of it about the
time of our arrival at Mechanics ville, and his suflFerings
amounted to torture. The hot sun of the Peninsula was a
great encouragement to the disease. He positively refused
to be sent back to the hospital at White House Landing
and he lay in our low tent, half-frantic at times with pain
The disease is quite intermittent, and it would suddenly leave
him at times, to return in a few hours probably with in-
creased violence.
During the latter part of June, the First and Eighth Eegi-
ments were detailed for picket. We were to remain forty-
eight hours, and we took our tents and all oUr equipage with
us. One regiment was to form the picket line, while the
other was to lie in reserve at the viUage. The picket line
extended along the Chickahominy to a point half-a-mile west
of Mechanicsville, thence at right angles, toward Hanover
Court House.
We arrived in Mechanicsville during the forenoon. The
yinrt Eegiment was appointed to do the picket duty, while
we were to lie in reserve. We accordingly stacked arms in
a wood near the village, then set about amusing ourselves
by going cautiously to the edge of the woods, and gazing
across into rebeldom. Several earth-works were visible on
the opposite hills; and by the aid of a field-glass, rebel
sentinels could be seen, and now and thep a squad of men or
a baggage-wagon going from one redoubt to another.
Twenty-four hours passed away without event. .At the
expiration of that time, a battery of parrott guns that had
accompanied us to the village, opened fire on some of the
rebel earthworks. We stood in line ready for action, and
we could see the shells from our guns bursting about the
rebel fortifications at every discharge. But, although there
appeared to be guns mounted upon the works, the fire was
not returned. With a glass, however, rebels could be seen
standing by their guns as though awaiting orders to fire.
They did not fire though, and our battery, after an hour,
ceased to play.
It was just dark when an order came to the regiment for
one company to be sent to the Chickahominy at the bridge^
276 OUR BOYS.
the mon thereof to be posted at intervals from the river back
to the village — it was near half-a-mile — ^forming a kind of
line of communication through which any order or informa-
tion might be readily passed from one point to the other.
Company '*D" was selected ; and we buckled on our accoutre-
ments, and marched down the road toward the Chickahominy.
The night was dark, and ere we were aware of it we found
ourselves immediately at the bridge.
" Halt 1" said the captain, suddenly.
We halted. We were surprised that we had reached the
river without encountering any picket-line. We knew not
what to do. Could it be possible that the pickets had been
called oflF without our knowledge ? As the idea suggested
itself to my mind, I felt unpleasant ; for I did not know how
many rebels might at that moment be preparing to fire upon
us from the opposite shore, which, barely seen in the dark-
ness, looked very gloomy. The river could not have been
more than forty yards wide at this point. A moment we
stood in breathless silence. We listened. All was stilL
At length footsteps were heard approaching — coming from
the left. They came nearer and nearer till the dark form
of a man was dimly seen. The captain was about to chal-
lenge him, when he said —
" Good evening'j"
" Good evening. May I inquire who you are ?"
" I am an officer of the First."
"Advance and give the countersign."
The officer did so ; then the captain asked —
" How is it that we reached the river without encounter-
ing the pickets ?"
" Because they are extended to the other side."
" Oh, is that it I Well, we are ordered to form a line of
copmmunication from this point to the village, and here we
are. Are you in command here ?"
"Yes; you will please post your men at intervals of
twenty or thirty paces from here to the village, with orders
to pass along any message that may be intrusted with them
as speedily as possible."
This was done. Our head-quarters were established at a
MECHANICSVTLLB. 277
point about half way from the village to the bridge. Cap-
tain Conner was instructed to take his place at the head of
the line to see that orders were promptly delivered. Lieu-
tenant Blake and Sergeant Cue remained with him. At the
head-quarters were Lieutenant Moth, Sergeant Zee, Sergeant
Anawalt, ^nd myself. For awhile all went well— or rather
nothing went at all, for no communications were transmitted.
Near the hour of ten, a sentinel of the First Eegiment,
being on post beyond the bridge, saw, in the imperfect light,
an object cautiously approaching him from toward the
enemy's lines. As it came nearer he discovered that it was
a suit of light-gray clothes, over which hung a broad-brimmed
low-crowned hat. The sentinel little doubted that within
that suit of clothes and beneath that ample hat was a human
being, though it was too dark to discern face or feature, and
lie demanded —
" Who comes there?"
The object paused abruptly and stood motionless. This
looked rather ominous, and the sentinel cocked his piece,
brought it to bear on the suspicious object, and again de-
manded, in a peremptory voice —
*' Who comes' there ?"
" Be aisy — it's a frind," said a low, cautious voice, proceed-
ing certainly from beneath that interesting hat. The senti-
nel had no doubt that the speaker was an Irishman.
"Advance, friend, and give the countersign," he said, in a
formal way.
"It-8 mesel' 'at hasn't got that same," said the intruder,
advancing. jNow there could be no doubt that he was a
native of the Green Isle.
" Then you are my prisoner," said the sentinel, decidedly,
holding his gun in a menacing position.
" Sure I've kim all the way down hur to be tha%i' was the
reply ; and the man-in-gray drew near, holding up Ihfl ktmda
to signify that he had no arms.
" Have you come to give yourself up, then ?"
"Ye've guissed it entirely."
"And you are a Confederate soldier ?"
"Yes."
278 OUR BOYS.
"So you are tired of being in the rebel army 7"
" Yes ; an' was before I wint intil it."
" Were you pressed into the rebel service ?"
" I was forced to volunteer,^^ replied the deserter (for such
he was), with a show of that imperturbable wit and humor
peculiar to an Irishman.
" Well, you have got out of a bad scrape this night,"
" I was thinkin' that. It's glad I am to find meseP beneath
the good ould sthairs and sthripes once more."
" Have you anything to communicate to our commander ?"
" It's something particular I have."
"Then I will call a corporal and have you sent to the
picket officer of the day."
"That's it I"
The sentinel called for a corporal, and on his coming,
handed over his prisoner with explanations. The corporal
conducted him to an officer of the First Eegiment, who sent
him under guard to Colonel E. B. Egberts, then in command
of the picket line. As the guard passed us with their
prisoner, they asked us where they would find Colonel
Eoberts. Lieutenant Moth told them that they would
probably find him at the village ; and they passed on.
A few moments after, we heard the beatmg of a drum, and
several times, the whistle of a locomotive far in the direction
of Eichmond. A strange feeling came over me when I heard
this. I felt that some important movement was on foot
among the rebels — probably they were about to evaouate
Eichmond. I felt sure that that drum-beating was a " sell"
— that the rebels had left the opposite shore of' the river —
that the drum was beaten to make us believe that they were
still there. It afterward proved that my ideas were not
altogether at fault.
Not long after the guard had passed by with the deserter,
I lay down to take a nap, leaving Sergeant Zee to see that
the men on post were relieved at the proper time, telling him
to call me up in a few hours, and I would take charge and
relieve him.
I took my wool blanket from my knapsack, and made my
bed upon the ground. For some time occasional faint flashes
MECIIAXICSVILLK. 279
of lightning had been visible toward the nvNrthwest ; now it
was growing more frequent and brilliant, and the low rum-
ble of distant thunder began to be heard. I was about to lie
down, when I observed Lieutenant Moth sitting quietly upon
the trunk of a fallen tree ; he had no blanket, and I offered
to share mine with him, inviting him to lie down with me.
As I have before remarked. Lieutenant Moth had formed
an unaccountable dislike of me ; but I was determined not
to resent it, and I felt a kind of pleasure in doing him a kind-
ness; and as I offered to share my blanket with him, I
thought of the words : " If thine enemy hunger, feed him ;
if he thirst, give him drink : for in so doing, thou shalt heap
coals of fire on his head."
Lieutenant Moth lay down beside me upon my wool
blanket, and we used my tent-blanket for a covering.
The air had been still during the evening, but a breeze
now sprang up, and in a quarter of an hour a storm was
introduced — a thunderstorm. As the black clouds gathered
thickly over us, the darkness became intense. The light-
■ ning, however, became quite frequent ; and flash after flash
lighted up the angry heavens with a vivid glare. The rain,
at first slight, increased in violence until it poured down in
perfect torments.
Awhile — ten minutes, perhaps — we lay beneath our frail
shelter, secure from the rain ; but a great stream of water at
last came crawling through between us, and we found that
we must get up.
" Lieutenant," said I, " do you feel that stream of water ?"
"Yes; it would turn a mill."
" I suppose we must get up."
" Yes, we'll drown here."
"Then let us jump up. You may take the'tent-blanket>
and keep yourself dry if possible ; I'll take the other."
We sprang from our deluged bed, and acted upon my
suggestion.
The lightning was now almost incessant, and so brilliant
that it was painful to the eyes ; while peals of thunder fol-
lowed each flash of lightning, and sounded like the crashing
together of worlds. It was a terrible storm. It ^'a& m^^kok
280 OUR BOYS.
to attempt to keep dry ; my blanket was already saturated,
and it hung about me heavy as lead, while the pelting rain
went straight through it to my devoted hide.
At length the storm was over. The rain ceased to de-
scend — the lightning glimmered at intervals upon the far-off
horizon of the southeast, and the thunder rolled off and died
away in the distance.
Suddenly I became aware that the sky was lighted np
with an unearthly glare. I started. What was it ? It could
not be lightning. I looked toward Mechanicsville, and
beheld two bright-blue rockets mounting up into the
heavens.* I watched them and saw them burst into thou-
sands of brilliant stars, which soon went out, and once more
black darkness reigned.
A moment after an order was passed along the line, coming
from Mechanicsville.
" Call off the pickets I Return to camp I Quick P
Such was the message, and it passed speedily from post to
f)ost to the Chickahominy. In accordance with this start-
ing order, we hastily formed the company and marched to
the wood in which we had left the regiment. It was so dark
that we could scarcely find the place ; but when we did —
there was no regiment there. This was strange. Could it be
that the rebels had crossed the Chickahominy at some point
above, and were they about to come down upon us ? Oh,
impossible ! More likely they were evacuating Richmond.
Yet why these strange orders.
Stumbling, blundering, and falling over logs> running
against trees, and falling into ditches and pools of water, we
made our way out of the wood, and very naturally took the
wrong road for camp, which camp we reached about day-
light after a round-about march of four or five miles, during
which we had waded a reasonable number of swollen
streams.
We found the whole division standing in line of battle —
* It appears that the deserter, on being examined by Colonel Roberts,
had imparted the startling fact that the rebel force bejond the river had
suddenly decamped — probably to evacuate, more probably to cross the
river son^e mi^es above, and attack us. Hence the signals.
THE BATTLE. 281
their knapsacks packed, and their tents struck — the batteries
in position, and the artillerymen by their guns. This was
certainly an interesting state of things ; especially when we,
weary as we were, were ordered also to stand in line of battle.
After several hours it was ascertained, it seems, that an at-
tack was not immipent, and a new picket was sent out. We
were then allowed to pitch our tents again, and to build up
oar exhausted frames with refreshing slumber.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE BATTLE.
The day and night passed quietly away.
Next morning we were called out on regimental drill;
Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant of course in command. The
drill over, we were dismissed, with injunctions to be ready
for a skirmish drill at four in the afternoon, in case we
should not receive marching orders. We had but broken
ranks and returned to our quarters when we were again
called into line and ordered to stack arms. This done, we
were again dismissed and permitted to go to our tents, with
strict orders not to go far from camp.
As all was quiet, and there were no indications of moving,
I repaired to a mill-race a quarter of a mile in front of our
lines for the purpose of bathing. This race ran by the base
of a hill, while. beyond it was a swamp of several hundred
yards in width. I descended the hill toward the race. The
face of the hill being covered with timber and underbrush,
I could not help remarking what a quiet, secluded place it
was. The clear water flowed silently along, half hidden by
the overhanging branches of trees and bushes that grew
\ipon the bank. How little I imagined that before night
thousands of bullets, shot, and shell were destined to fly
across that race.
282 OUR BOYS.
Mj bathing accomplished, I returned to camp just in time
for a dinner of vegetable soup and hard crackers.
While at dinner we saw a balloon slowly ascend to the
height of a hundred and fifty feet, where it remained. It was
held to the ground by means of three guy -ropes. We could
see a man in the car ; he raised a telescope and proceeded to
take a survey of Mechanics ville and rebeldom in general.
Suddenly he lowered his glass, and in the most feeling and
eloquent manner signalled to those below to draw him down
quickly. The balloon had just begun to descend, when bang !
bang I went two cannon in quick succession, seemingly in the
vicinity of the rebel earthworks beyond the river, and a shell
and a solid shot came shrieking through the air over our
heads flying past the balloon — the shell exploding just be-
yond.
An hour later we were suddenly ordered to pack our
knapsacks, strike our tents, and be ready for a march. The
baggage-wagons and ambulances were soon in order and
ready to move. Poor Haman was suffering terribly with
the neuralgia ; he insisted on marching with the regiment
wherever it should go. I told him that he must not under-
take to march — that he must get into an ambulance — that I
would go with him to the surgeon and get him a place in
one. He stubbornly refused, saying that there would prob-
ably be a fight, and he wanted to be in it. I argued that
there would be no such thing — that the rebels were probably
retreating, and that we should no doubt have a hard march
before overtaking them.
" D— d if I'll go in any ambulance," said Haman, vehe-
mently.
" But just think, Haman — "
" No use talking ; I'm going with the regiment."
" But you can't stand it this hot day, in your present con-
dition. Suppose you should sink down by the way."
"But I don't like the idea— oh I"
"What's the matter?"
"That pain— oh I"
" Come, now," I urged, " you'll never stand it to march."
We were standing unprotected from the melting rays of
THE BATTLE. 283
the sun, and tbe pain had become awful. Haman, with great
reluctance, consented to get into an ambulance, provided the
doctor would allow him ; for the ambulances were generally
crowded on such occasions.
"Allow you 1" I said; "we'll see if he don't allow you I
Oome; I'll carry your things over for you." And we
walked across a little valley, an^ made our way to where
iSke wagon and ambulance trains stood.
"Doctor," said I, approaching that worthy, "here is one
of our men, who — "
" There is no room for any more," he interrupted.
"But you must make room for this one I" I said, savagely,
forgetting that I was addressing a man of superior rank.
" You talk very positive," he said.
" I am positive. Here — "
"Let's go back and let him go to h — 11," iutcrrupted
Haman.
"No, he must make room for you. I say, doctor, this is
one of the best men we have in the regiment; he is almost
jGrantio with a torturing neuralgia, and it would be no better
than suicide for him to attempt to march, or murder for
you to compel him to."
He looked at Haman, and he could see the beating and
throbbing of the veins on his forehead, and the feverish
glow upon his cheeks.
"Ill try to make room for him," he said; "though the
ambulances are pretty well crowded."
Ere long I had the satisfaction to see Haman in an ambu-
lance, and I bade him " good-bye," and returned to the regi-
ment. Soon alter, the wagons and ambulances moved oftj to
my surprise, down the Chickahominy toward Dispatch
Station.
As I have previously stated, our arms were stacked in
line in front of our camp. For awhile we lounged about,
our accoutrements on, awaiting orders to fall in. Half an-
hour after the w^igons and ambulances had departed, a
staff-officer rode by and said something to Lieutenant-Colo-
Bel Oliphant, who thereupon mounted upon his horse that
stood by already saddled and bridled, sluA ^\\Ci\\\.^?y.\ —
284 OUR BOYS.
" Fall in I fall in, men I quickly !"
At the same moment, a startling volley of musketry wu
heard toward the right of the division. Another followed,
and another, and a wild, fierce, continuous rattle ensnecL
With a wild shout we flew to our arms, and awaited the
order, " take arms ;" it was given at once by Oliphant He
-(lien rode along in front of the regiment, addressing each
company separately ; as he rode by our company, remember-
ing that he was a native of the same county with Ui^ he
said : —
" Now, boys, you will have an opportunity to show tbe
gray-backs what old Fayette County will do for tbe
Union I You'll do your county no dishonor — you'll stand
by your flag, won't you? — the flag presented you by — ^
His voice was drowned by a deafening cheer.
At that moment, Colonel Hayes came riding into our
presence at headlong speed.
"Boys — my gallant Eighth I" he shouted ; "I have just been
released from arrest I I can draw my sword once more 1 I
have come, my brave boys, to take command — ^to go witb
you into the coming battle I I trust that I will never leavd
you now, till we return to old Pennsylvania again I"
Then, reader, the shout that arose drowned the noise of
the musketry that was now raging on the right, and echoed
like a scream against the hill of Mechanicsville.
The roar of artillery now joined in, and a shell went shriek-
ing over our heads, striking the earth a hundred yards to our
rear, and bursting into fragments. Our brave colonel took
command of the regiment, and formed us in column of divi-
sions, giving orders with perfect coolness ; proving that he
was equal to his task — able to handle his regiment in battle.
He then marched us forward to the brow of the hill that de-
scended to the mill-race and swamp, and there halted us.
As I have previously stated, the face of the hill was covered
with a thick growth of trees and underbrush. At the mar-
gin of the wood the column was deployed into line, where
we stood for a few minutes, awaiting orders. Presently nn
order came, requiring Colonel Hayes to send four companie*
down to the mill-race, there to deploy as skirmishers. The
THE BATTLE. , 285
lamaii-ing six companies were to remain where they were,
as a support to Captain Easton's battery, which was posted
flbbnt two-hundred paces to our left.
The first four companies of the right of the regiment were
Ordered to go into the wood as skirmishers. Our company,
lieing the third company of the regiment, was sent among
Oihers. We were ordered to lay oflf our knapsacks in a
he ap, which we did, leaving Jim Hare to guard them.
- When we were ordered to enter the wood to deploy as
(Adrmishers, it was amusing to witness the excitement of our
fighting friend, Bob Young. He instantly cocked his musket
r*-4t was loaded of course — levelled it toward the woods, and
iaemed to be waiting and watching for a rejbel to make his
appearance. At the same time, he exclaimed : —
" They're coming I Hi'U shoot one I They're coming right
hup through the woods hat hus I Be ready I Look — loo —
hi thought hi saw one I" And he seemed on the point of
firing.
^ Bob," said I, speaking very loudly to make myself heard
above the din of battle, " let down the hammer of your gun ;
fAkere are no rebels in the woods ; we are going down to the
face, presently."
" But they hare hin the woods — hi know they hare !"
** But I tell you they are not. Uncock your gun, I say ;
you'll let it off- presently, and shoot some of our own men."
Bob reluctantly obeyed, declaring that the rebels would
be upon us before we could make ready.
Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant soon led us into the wood,
aad with some difficulty we made our way through the
underbrush to the race at the foot of the hill. Companies
"A," "F," and "I" were the others that went down. At the
base of the hill we halted, and deployed as skirmishers
among the trees and bushes that stood on the bank of the
race.
"Now, Young," said I, "you see there are no rebels in the
wood ; you must be more cool."
" But they were 'ere, hi believe yet," he exclaimed.
"Then what has become of them? Where have they
gone?"
286 , OUR BOYS.
"Thej retreated hat hour happroacL/'
"But how did they get over this swamp so quickly?"
Bob looked thoughtfully toward the swamp, but did not
reply.
We were deployed at intervals of eight or ten paces, along
the race — our company directly in front of the position occu-
pied by the regiment, Company " I" on our left, and Com-
panies "A" and " F" on out* right.
I could not help admiring the perfect coolness and bravery
of Captain Conner. He directed every movement, and gave
orders with as much complacency as though he were super-
intending the roasting of an ox. The whole regiment, indeed,
officers and men^ with few exceptions, behaved admirably.
Meanwhile, the fight grew fierce on the right, gradually
nearing us, and finally opened on the left. A rebel battery
had now taken position on the opposite hill, and opened fire
upon Captain Easton's battery. Another rebel battery
further to our right opened an oblique fire upon that of Cap-
tain Easton. The brave cannoniers stood by their guns —
their coats thrown of^ their sleeves rolled up. and the sweat
pouring from their faces — while the death- dealing projectiles
from the rebel batteries — one of them was not six hundred
yards distant — filled the air and flew about their heads
in all their terror. The brave Easton, too, displayed the
most invincible coolness and gallantry.
Our situation in the wood was not very enviable.
Hundreds of shells, solid shot, and charges of grape-and-
canister came crashing among the trees about us, or striking
in the race and splashing the water into our very faces. We
were truly in the midst of the fight; yet we could take no
active part, for the rebels beyond the swamp were hid from
our view. They were so near, however, that at times their
bugles could be heard among the trees that covered the face*
of the opposite hill at this point.
A number were wounded by grape or fragments of shell;
among them Will Dean, a brave fellow of our company.
The first of our regiment killed was Sergeant Huston, of
Company "A." He was standing beside Lieutenant Murray,
of the same company, and they were gazing int.ently into the
THE BATTLE. 287
woods beyond the swamp, watching for the appearance of tho
rebel skirmishers, when he suddenly clapped his hand to his
lireast, and sank to the ground, exclaiming : —
"My God 1 Fmshotl Tm dying I Fm dy— "
The death-rattle was in his throat ; it was all over ; his
apirit had fled.
Lieutenant Murray bent over him, and tore open his blouse
and the bosom of his shirt, and saw a few drops of blood
oozing slowly from a bullet wound near the heart.
The battle went on.; every moment ^t seemed to increase
in fury. The maddening rattle of musketry pierced the ear,
ftnd the thunder of the artillery made air and earth tremble.
A dense cloud of smoke gathered over us, and the sulphurous
Bmell of gunpowder was predominant.
At length, a mad shout arose above the din of battle, far
toward the right.
"Ah, that don't sound like one of our cheers — I fear it is
a rebel cheer I" said one of our boys.
" That's no northern cheer," said another. The difference
ia distinguishable.
" Perhaps they are making a charge," suggested another.
"No doubt they are," said the captain ; "but never fear —
they will be repulsed."*
Presently a loud, prolonged, and exultant cheer rose high
above the preceding one.
" That's one of our cheers 1" exclaimed the captain.
" I suppose our fellows are giving it to them now," I re-
marked, just as a solid shot went crashing through the tree
above ray head, tearing off a large limb which fell near me.
The next moment a shell came whizzmg over, exploding
among the branches of the same tree ; and an ugly three-
cornered piece came near dropping on my head. I picked
it up and was making some observations on its peculiar
tearing qualities, when Lieutenant- Colonel Oliphant walked
♦ These specnlations were correct. A whole brigade of rebels were
charging upon the little Second Regiment, which consisted of bnt seven
companies. Tlie gallant Second, commanded bj Colonel McCandless, stood
firm, charged the rebels in turn and effectually repulsed them. Three
times was this repeated on that dreadful afternoon.
288 OUR BOYS.
by. I perceived that he was laughing at me^ and I exhibited
the fragment to him — it was very hot — and remarked —
*' Colonel, those are a very inferior quality of shell which
they are throwing."
" Why so ?" be asked, taking the piece in his band.
"Because they break up into such homely pieces ; there
is nothing uniform about them."
"That may be, but they are quite military."
I laughed at this, and 1 fully realized that all things must
not necessarily be urdform because military. CSolonel Oli-
phant passed on.
The sergeants were placed along the line of skirmishers at
intervals of thirty or forty yards, with instructions to pass
any orders along that might be committed to them. Oliphant
had but passed when T heard on my right the cry of — " Bally
ON THE battalion!" Perceiving that it came from the
sergeant next on my right, I passed it on ; and the whole
line of skirmishers was soon called in and the companies
formed. We hurriedly ascended the hill and joined the
regiment. We had but done so when we heard a* loud cheer
in the direction of the rebel lines, a few hundred yards to the
left. Colonel Hayes, raising his voice to the highest pitch
to make himself heard above the awful tumult, shouted —
"By the left flank— marc^ /"
We marched at a double-quick toward Captain Easton's
battery, for it appeared that the rebels were about to attempt
to cross the valley below the swamp for the purpose of tak-
ing the battery. As we passed in rear of the battery in
order to gain the left, we could look across and see the rebel
battery; though it was dimly visible through the smoke.
At every discharge we could see the flash — they were firing
rapidly — and the next instant some horrid projectile came
flying about our ears. Ball after ball, shell after shell struck
in rapid succession around us ; now whistling a few feet above
our heads, now striking the ground in front of us and bound-
over. Now and then a charge of grape-and-canister spat-
tered around us. while a shell would come shrieking along,
and burst within a few yards, the fragments whistling and
singing in the air.
THE BATTLE. 289
In less time than it requires to relate it we had gained the
left of the battery and formed a line for its protection.
Simultaneoasly with our movement a brigade of rebels in
close column charged madly down the opposite hillside, utter-
ing the most savage yells that ever greeted my ears. Bush-
ing unhesitatingly across the narrow valley that intervened
between the two hills, they were about to ascend our hill,
when one of our regiments — ^I had not observed it before —
which lay in a concealed position near the base, arose and
poared such a murderous volley into the rebel ranks that
they broke and fled in dismay. As they were rushing up
the hill they had just descended, the battery, to add to their
ooufusion, sent showers of grape-and-canister after them ;
and hundreds fell to the earth torn and bleeding.
The battery now being in no immediate danger, we were
ordered to resume our former position. The first four com-
panies returned to the race and reformed the line of skir-
mishers, while the remainder of the regiment took position
on the right of the battery as before.
It was now evening ; the battle grew fiercer. Shell, solid
shot, and grape-and-canister poured into the woods, striking
against the hillside in perfect storms. Some of our boys
fired a few random shots, which only had the effect of reveal-
ing our position to the rebel skirmishers, and we were treated
to an occasional minnie ball.
As there were many large trees standing along the
race, we were ordered to take shelter behind them ; for as
the men were standing eight or ten paces apart, there was at
least a tree at the service of each. Near my position stood
a large pine tree. I did not fancy the idea of taking shelter
behind it, lest it should look like cowardice ; for I had not yet
learned that it was both customary and fair for both sides to
take advantage of every object that afforded the least shelter.
"Sergeant," said the captain, "you had better take that
tree there."
" I don't much like to, captain," I said.
"But you must; it's foolish to expose yourself unneces-
•arily."
I reluctantly obeyed. Another argument, ^ l\id.\» tsl^xol^^.
IP
290 OUR BOYS.
came to the captain's assistance ; it was a ponderous solid shot
that flew by, striking the hill-side with a stunning shock. I
observed that the captain himself stood surveying the scen^
perfectly exposed to the missiles of the rebels.
" Captain," said I, " why don't you get behind a tree ? You
are exposing yourself P
" Because, I must stand where I can see what is going on,"
replied the brave captain.
Thinking at that moment that / would like to see -what
was going on, I thrust my head from behind my tree, but
could see nothing but smoke, and an occasional flash, proba-
bly of the rifle of a rebel skirmisher, and just as I withdrew
my head, a bullet grazed the side of the tree, and cut a leaf
from a bush at just the height of my eye. I looked to see
whether the captain noticed it, but he had not ; he was stand-
ing with his marine glass, endeavoring to make oilt some
object in the smoke in our front.
Night closed in ; but the battle went on with unabated fury.
The Pennsylvania Eeserves, commanded by the brave old
hero, McCall, stubbornly held their ground. Not a regiment
gave way — not a regiment faltered, although out-numbered
three to one at the very least. We certainly had the advan-
tage in position, and our position was a good one ; to this
advantage may be partially attributed our success. It is
supposed that no leas a number than thirty thousand was en-
gaged against us in that battle. Captain Easton's Battery
engaged three rebel batteries ; for, besides those mentioned,
another farther to the left opened upon it. The whole divi-
sion behaved admirably.
The battle continued without intermission till ten o'clock.
when the firing gradually slackened, and finally ceased. We
lay down to rest, first procuring our knapsacks. Jim Bider,
Captain Conner, Dick,*and I lay down together.
The firing having entirely ceased, the groans, screams, and
shrieks of the wounded rebels on the opposite hill could be
distinctly heard. Occasionally, one could be heard to cry : —
" Oh, doctor I doctor I must I die ? must I die ? My God 1
Oh, my mother 1 My father !" .
Although they were our enemies, my heart bled for them;
THE BATTLE. 291
.'and I mentally ttanked God that I was not in the same situa-
- tion as they.
I began to think of the morrow. I little doubted that the
fight would be resumed on the following morning, in the
flame position. What would be the result ? Would we ai
last effectually re*pul8e the rebels ? Then would we pursue
them to Richmond ? Would the morrow's setting sun find
me alive ? Or would his last golden rays fall sadly on my
lifeless corpse. I felt no presentiment of death. 'Yet my
ideas of the deeds of the morrow were vague and vacillating.
I was about to compose myself to sleep, when I thought
of Haman. Jim seemed to think of him at that moment, too ;
for he suddenly exclaimed : —
" My gracious I Won't Haman swear because there was a
battle and he wasn't in it !"
" YA^" I replied ; " he will harbor no very amiable feeling
for tbft sun-pain ; it was the cause of keeping him out of the
battle."
" Listen I" said Dick ; " they are moving the artillery."
We listened. Yes, the dull sound of the wheels of gun-
earriages and caissons could be heard.
*' They are changing position for the morning," I suggested.
"No doubt; oh, we'll have a time of itl"
*' Captain," said T, addressing Am, " what think you will be
done to-morrow ?"
But the captain did not reply ; he was sound asleep, as hia
heavy breathing indicated. We soon followed his example.
There we lay, within rifle-range of the enemy, fully expect-
ing that the morrow would unfold scenes of the most terrible
carnage ; yet we slept soundly. I know that my sleep was
as deep as any I ever enjoyed.
It is, indeed, remarkable that men can lie down and sleep
BO tianquilly, when they know the danger that awaits them
on the morrow— when they hear the cries of the already
mangled — when they know that the dead lie strewn around,
and that, with the early dawn of the coming day, the work
of death will be resumed.
Such is the case — and it is well; for men never so mucli
need repose as on occasions like the one m c^vv^^X^ovi.
292 OUB BOTS.
CHAPTER XXV.
A I N B S' H I L L.-
A BATTLING discharge of musketry suddenly aroused va,
and we sprang to our feet. It was daylight. "^Ve packed
our knapsacks and returned them to the brow of the KU,
where we left them in a heap as before. Jim and I repaired
to a spring near at hand and filled our canteens with the
clear water. Having done so, Jim suggested that a cup of
coffee would be exceedingly beneficial to us. I told him that
there was nothing to prevent him from going over to the
camping-ground and making a cup ; but as for myself, I
could not accompany him, as it was my duty to remaib with
the line of skirmishers. He departed for the place men-
tioned, while I returned to the mill-race.
The fight was now progressing ; but with far less vigor
than on the previous afternoon. The musketry was pretty
brisk on the left, but was languid on the right ; the artillery
was working very deliberately, and Union and rebel shots
flew alternately over our heads, at intervals of a quarter of
a minute.
Half an hour had elapsed when I heard a command uttered
by some one who came down through the wood ; the voice
was that of Colonel Hayes, and he shouted —
" Rally on the battalion !"
The order was rapidly passed along the line, and we were
soon collected, the ranks were formed, and we marched up
the hill toward the regiment. Company '* F," however, not
comprehending the order, remained in the wood, consequently
they were taken prisoners an hour after, and they enjoyed
the delightful privilege of seeing Richmond.
On arriving at the margin of the wood where the remainder
of the regiment was, a question arose as to whether we should
take our knapsacks. It remained a question, for no one
could tell whither we were going. Some, therefore, took
GAINES' HILL. 298
their knapsacks, while others injudiciously left them ; I was
one of the latter. Yes, I left my knapsack, fondly, vainly hop-
ing to return to it ; but I never saw it again. Some grim rebel
I suppose, soon after took possession of it, and gloried over its
contents, which were as follows : A woollen blanket, a tent-
blanket, a change of under garments, a " Lloyd Map of Vir-
ginia," a copy of the New Testament, a port-folio containing
:ainple writing materials and stamps, a photograph, an ambro-
type, and half a dozen letters from my darling.
As we moved off, Easton's Battery, which had not moved
^during the night, limbered up and followed us. We took
Ae road toward Dispatch Station. It was necessary to move
.'toward the left in order to get to this road ; and we had but
reached it, when, looking back, we saw a regiment of our
division coming after us at a double-quick. The rebels were
firing after them, and hundreds of bullets flew over them and
whistled about our ears. The terrible truth flashed upon me
with stunning acuteness; we were retreating. My heart sank
within me. Eetreating ! Oh, what could it mean ? I knew
that we had not been worsted in the battle of Mechanicsville.
Then it occurred to me that we were falling back to prevent
being flanked — that the rebels outnumbering us, as I was
-sure they did, had probably thrown a force in a position to
menace our rear and threaten to cut off our communication
with the main army. It was true ; my conjectures were cor-
rect.
Our retreat, if such it might be called, was well conducted.
It was not precipitate ; it was not disorderly — no panic. All
was deliberation and perfect order.
We had marched two miles, when a rebel battery opened
upon us from beyond the Chickahominy ; and while passing
that point, solid shot were striking around us one after ano-
ther, ploughing up the ground in a style truly agricultu-
ral.
When we had passed out of range of this impolite battery,
we breathed more freely ; for while exposed to its deliberate
fire, how was a fellow to know at what moment one of those
balls would take the top of his head off?
A mile further a halt was ordered, and we sat dovrxv "b^ tlaa
294 OUR BOYS.
roadside, where we remained for a couple of hours. At last
we moved on ; and it was eleven o'clock when we reached
the vicinity now known as Gaines' Hill. There we found
the whole of Porter's Corps in line of battle. They cheered
us as we approached, for they had already learned of our
resistance at Mechanicsville. As we neared them, many
eagerly asked —
*'Are you the Pennsylvania Reserves?"
On being informed that we were that body of troops^ they
would exclaim —
" By jolly, boys ! you've give it to 'em ! Do you know
that you have been fighting Stonewall Jackson and his whole
force?"
" Stonewall Jackson ! No 1 We thought he was in the
valley!"
" No, he has left the valley, and come to reinforce the rebels
in front of Richmond."
"And where are McDowell and Banks ?"
" Probably they will follow him up."
" No doubt. Oh, we'll lick 'em yet 1"
"That we will."
The rebels were evidently advancing; our troops were
being placed in position, the batteries were being planted,
and general preparations for battle made. Our division
halted ; and we sat down to rest, waiting to have our position
assigned to us.
" Where is Jim ?" asked the captain, abruptly.
" Sure enough — where is he ?" said Dick.
" The last I saw of him," said I, " he was making for the
camping-ground for the purpose of getting up a cup of coflEee."
"When was that?" asked the captain.
" Early this morning."
" Then I am afraid he is captured."
" I hope not/' said I.
" Or he may be killed," suggested Dick.
At that moment our yellow contraband, Heniy Craig;
made his appearance — half grinning and almost asleep. It
was the first time I had seen the gentleman for twenty-four
hours.
GAINES' HILL. 2^6
• ** Where have you been, Henry ?" asked the captain.
"I bin back dar."
.. ^ Where — among the rebels ?"
. "Yes, sah." ^
" But how did you get away ?"
" I jes walked."
• ** Walked right away from them ?"
"Yes."
" Did they see you ?"
" Yes ; um couldn't help it."
"Why did they not take you prisoner?"
" Kase dey didn't know if I wasn't one ob deir darkeys.''
" Did you see anything of Jim Eider ?"
" Yes, sah ; I saw all ob him."
"Where?"
"Among de webels."
" What ! Was he a prisoner ?"
" Pooty near."
"How so?"
" Kase dey nearly cotch him."
'* Then they didn't catch him ?"
"I spec not. De last I saw, he was gittin'."
" Which way was he going ?"
" Comin' dis way."
" I'm afraid— "
" There he comes now 1" exclaipaed Dick, interrupting iho
captain's fears.
• We looked. Sure enough, Jim was deliberately approach-
ing us from toward the Chickahominy — his knapsack on his
back — ^an arch look upon his face ; while he was whistling
some old-time tune.
" Why, Jim," said the captain, " we supposed that you were
a goner — that you were either in for a trip to Eichmond, or
elfie a bigger journey."
Jim came to where we were sitting, deliberately laid off
his knapsack and sat down upon it, drew a long breath, and
finally remarked : —
"Not yet."
296 OUR BOYS.
At our earnest request he then related what had befalleD
him since we had seen him in the morning.
" When I went over to the old camp," said he, "I found it
necessary, before making my coffee, to build a fire ; for the
fires which we left burning yesterday were all out. There-
fore, it must have been an hour before my coffee was ready
for drinking. I noticed that the firing had ceased in the
vicinity of the lines, but I thought nothing of it ; I drank my
coffee and leisurely returned to the wood. I had not reached
it, though, when some fellow of Company " F" came flying
from the wood — capless, knapsackless, cartridge-boxless,
musketless, canteenless, haversackless, and almost witless,
crying :—
" * The rebs ! the — the — rebs ! They're— all — around us 1
You'd better skedaddle !'
"As I had supposed our boys to be still in the wood, I felt
somewhat taken aback ; however, I said : —
" ' How do you make that out ?'
" ' Oh, the division's retreated !' he exclaimed, excitedly.
" ' Eetreated !'
"'Yes!'
" ' Well, I'll go and get my knapsack before I retreat*
"'You'd better not!'
" ' Yes, I will,' I said, ' for my tobacco is in it ; and my
fife, too.'
"As these arguments couldn't be resisted, the fellow rushed
On, and I went to the wood and got my knapsack.
" I left the wood and was coming this way, when I looked
bapk, and saw a regiment of men coming. I soon saw that
they were not our men, and I quickened my pace. I heard
them shouting after me, but I wouldn't halt; and the whole
crowd fired, and a shower of bullets followed me. I increased
my. pace to a run, and volley after volley of bullets came
rattling about me, striking all the trees for rods around me
— I was then passing that little grove at the cross-roads —
and knocking up the dust at my heels. Every second I ex-
Eected to feel an ounce of cold lead walk gently in at the
ack of my head. Just then, looking to the left and front, I
saw a body of horsemen coming in such a way as to head me
\
GAINES' HILL. 297
oflF; and at the same time I saw Henry Craig about three
hundred yards ahead of me, and I never saw a bundle get-
ting over ground like the bundle he was carrying. As a last
alternative, I turned abruptly to the right, and soon reached
the river. I then walked down beside the river, till — here I
am."
"Old fellow," I said, "you had a narrow escape."
"Oh, that was— "
"Yonder is an order!" interrupted Dick.
An orderly just then rode up to Colonel Hayes, and
aaid: —
" Colonel, you are to take position in that road, near the
battery which you see on the hill yonder — ^by order of Gene-
ral McCall."
" Fall into your places, boys !" said the colonel.
" We are probably going into battle," said the captain, ad-
dressing his company ; " I advise you all to lay off your
knapsacks — those who have them."
All acted upon this suggestion, and the knapsacks were
left beneath a tree at hand. We then marched to the spot
which had been pointed out by the orderly, and took our
position in a road that ran northeast and southwest. The
road was a graded one, and was cut through the hill, so that
a bank eight or ten feet high rose on either side, the north-
west bank, of course, affording us some protection from the
rebel artillery which was expected soon to open upon us from
a range of wooded hills three-quarters of a mile in our front.
The Second Regular infantry lay in the road with us, so that
we were somewhat hampered. A battery of four parrott
guns and two brass howitzers was planted upon the bank
behind us.
In our front was a large open field, six hundred yards
in width. Beyond it was a thick wood. In this field were
several small hills, ridges, etc. ; and about midway, rarniug
parallel with the road, was a deep depression. A regiment
of zouaves (the Fifth New York) marched into this valley,
a little to our right, and marched up the opposite ascent till
their position remained barely concealed from any who
mi^ht be beyond ; there they stood in waiting^. "^^ ^<^\ss!^
298 OUR BOYS.
prepared to meet the approaching rebels. Now and thea
some field, or general officer, would ride to ibe brink of the
bank in our rear, place his glass to his eyes, and look long
and earnestly toward that frowning wood.
It was about noon, when, on an elevation beyond the wood,
several flashes, accompanied by puflFs of white smoke, sud-
denly burst forth, and in a few seconds a solid shot and a
shell or two flew over our heads. Our battery replied.
Another moment, and several additional rebel guns were let
loose, and a number of projectiles passed two hundred feet
above our heads. Our battery let off a whole volley ; and
we could hear the bursting of several shell in the vicinity of
the rebel battery. Then the rebel battery went to work in
earnest ; so did ours.
A number of batteries, right and left, now opened, and
were replied to by 9thers. The fight soon became generaL
The artillery began to play rapidly ; and shell after shell
screamed over our heads, coming lower and lower everv
ininute, and at last occasionally striking the face of the hill
in our front, and ricocheting over us. They were getting the
range. By and by a line of rebel skirmishers appeared at the
edge of the wood, and were fired upon by the zouaves. They
fell back into the deep shades of the wood ; but presently a
line-of-battle could be seen emerging slowly from the wood.
Our brave zouaves treated them to a volley, of bullets from
their " Sharpens Eifles." The rebels opened a brisk fire, and
a continuous rattle of musketry was added to the roar of
artillery. The zouaves stood their ground bravely. The
musketry was not, however, confined to this point. Like the
artillery, it was here introduced to be taken up by the forces
both right and left ; and it soon became general.
Colonel Hayes climbed to the top of the bank in our front,
to tlie imminent risk of having his head suddenly carried
away by a shell, and took a survey of the prospect with his
gJass. A moment he watched the zouaves, then he lowered
his glass, and exclaimed, in admiration : —
" I tell you, boys, those fellows are fighting bravely I"
A move was made by many to climb to the top of the
bank and look ; but the colonel said : —
GAINES' HILL. 298'
"Stay dowa! You musn't expose yourselves unneces-
sarily ! It will be time enough when you are called upon."
The colonel again raised his glass.
" Ha 1" he exclaimed ; " now they are having it ! They're
charging 1 Hurrah ! The rebels are standing their ground !
They have nearly reached them ! Ha ! Three cheers ! The
rebels are giving way ! They're running! they're running!'
The brave zouaves have pursued them to the wood ! Now
thev are returning to their old position."
A wild cheer rent the air.
Many of the brave zouaves now came limping from the
field — their red pantaloons stained with their still brighter
blood — some of them still carrying their rifles — some cursing
the rebels for shooting them. Some were being assisted from
the field by comrades. Many, though, fell dead where they
stood — ^their fingers on the trigger, perhaps, and their eyes
fixed in aim upon their country's foes. •
Captain Conner climbed to the top of the bank and viewed
the scene with his field-glass. After a minute he sat down
upon the face of the slanting bank, so that his head was just
bfelow its crest ; and as he did so, a conical shell skipped the
top of the bank, passed a few inches over his head and struck
the opposite bank without exploding. I was surprised to
observe that the captain betrayed no emotion at such a nar-
row escape ; there he sat, his face was calm, and he was playing
with the hilt of his sword in the most placid manner, t
oould not but admire his soldierly bearing.
Suddenly I heard an explosion a little to my right that
pierced to my very brain. I naturally turned in the direc-
tion, and saw a sight that is before my eyes yet. Twenty or
thirty feet from me, where the banks were not high enough
to afford much protection, I saw a cloud of dust and smok
in the very midst of Company "A." I saw a man throw hi
hands wildly above his, head, and fall backward, covered with
blood. A moment he lay quivering convulsively, then he
lay still — ^perfectly still. He was dead. Another stooped,
and picked up his own arm which had been torn off by the"
shell as it descended, and rushed wildly toward a small
hospital some distance to the rear flouriahmg^ XJaa ^^&\s^jot!l-
800 OUR BOYS.
bered limb above his bead, and shouting, in the broad
tongue : —
" Och, docther, me airm's ofl^ me airm's oflF!" just as though
the doctor could help it.
A percussion shell had struck fairly among the boys, kill-
ing three outright, and wounding four. It is a terrible sight
to see a shell strike and explode in the midst of a body of men.
It was anything but pleasant lying in that road ; the red
dust was several inches deep ; the heat was intense ; and it
was highly judicious for one to lie close to the ground, if he
had any respect for the terrible missiles whose peculiar quali-
ties were so impressively demonstrated to us, as described.
During the engagement, an ofiBcer of the battery on the
bank behind us came to the edge of the bank — ^I verily
believe he had his hands in his pockets — and with surpris-
ing coolness, said —
" Men, be kind enough to keep your heads as low as pos-
sible for a little while ; I want to try a round of grape-and-
canister — just one — and some of the shot may fly pretty
low ;" and he returned to the battery.
A moment the guns were silent. The rebel infantry, at
this juncture, were pressing out from the wood in solid bodies,
presenting great temptations for grape-and-canister.
Suddenly the earth shook — the hill seemed to be starting
from its place as the six guns were discharged in concert ;
and six charges of grape-and-canister went hissing over our
heads toward the wood. A moment after the battery officer
reappeared at the brink of the bank, and gleefully exclaimed :
" 'Twas ^ lucky shot, boys ! 'Twould have done you good
to see how they were mowed down ; and how the lucky ones
scrambled back into the woods, ha ! ha !"
The infantry fighting abated, while that of the artillery
was resumed with redoubled fury. There was not a second
that the air above our heads was fre^ from either shot or
shell. They were sent one after another so rapidly, that a
constant, prolonged, and connected whizzing, shrieking, and
screaming was maintained. Shell were exploding every
second — now in front of us, now in our rear, and frequently
over our heads. Grape-and-canister came whistling shrilly
GAINES' HILL. 801
about US ; while solid shot came rushing madly along, now
flying a few feet above our heads, now striking the hillside
with a dull crash, and ricocheting a hundred feet into the
air, and falling far in our rear.
When a shell explodes in the air above one's head, many
firagraents fly upward, and are heard singing and whistling
in the air for half a minute before they drop. During this
half minute the suspense of those beneath it is horrible to
endure. How is a poor mortal to know that it is not going
to drop plump upon his head ? Every one is sure to think
that, judging by the sound, it is descending in a straight line
for his head.
During the season of cannonading, of which I have just
upoken, a shell exploded thirty or forty feet above us ; and
we could hear a large fragment singing in the air in the usual
style. We looked at each other ; every man felt that it was
coming right down upon his head ; and all sat motionless —
breathless. Down it came — whiz-z-z-st — chuck 1 and it
struck fair upon the heel of Page's shoe ; for he was reclin-
ing on his side — his feet extended. He took up the ragged
piece of metal, examined it a moment, felt its sharp corners,
and exclaimed —
"Holy horror!"
About four o'clock there was a lull in the storm of battle ;
the artillery gradually slackened, and finally ceased to play ;
and only now and then could be heard a solitary shot from
a rifle or musket — scarcely heard either ; for after the dread-
ful tumult that had reigned during the afternoon, the sound
of small-arms was scarcely superior to a snap of the finger.
Such a silence is always ominous in battle ; it betokens pre-
parations for something of vital importance.
Presently a stafif oflBlcer rode along the lines and enlightened
us as to the state of things, in these words —
" The enemy have^ been repulsed on all sides. Our lefl^
though furiously beset, has stood firm ; the artillery fighting
on the right has been terrible, and Captain Tidball's battery
has knocked the rebel batteries into pie. The rebels, it is
supposed, are preparing to make a vigorous demonstration
at this point with a force about two thousand ^tio\\%\ ^sq&
802 OUR BOYS.
the Second Regulars, and the Fifth and Eighth Reserves kco
detailed to repel the attack."
I
CHA.PTEE XXVI.
THESTBUGGLB.
The field in our front was now clear. The rebel infantry
had withdrawn, to the wood ; and our own exhausted infantry
had retired across the road in which we lay, to reform their
broken and thinned-out ranks — among other regiments, the
gallant zouaves, who had been in the field during the whole
afternoon.
About five o'clock the rebels began to show themselves at
the edge of the wood, and to manifest signs of an intended
attack. A line of skirmishers was sent toward them to
develop their intentions, and the battery behind ns sent
several charges of grape-and-canister toward the wood. The
rebels appeared firm, however, and even proceeded to advance
in excellent order upon our line of skirmishers. A fire was
soon opened, and for a few minutes quite a rattle of small-
arms was kept up. They began to press our skirmishers
rather closely — the firing increased in severity — and it began
to be time for the battle to open in earnest. An officer rode
precipitately to the position we occupied, and shouted —
•" Second Regulars — stand to arms I"
With a shDut the boys of the Second Regulars rushed to
their ranks, and the regiment was soon formed. They then
marched into the field that was already strewn with gory
corses, and met the advancing rebels. The conflict was
terrible. Both sides, right and left, stood oS awhile, as
though the battle was to be decided at this particular point
A brigade of our division lay on our left to be ready to take
up the fight after we should be " used up." I will not at-
tempt to describe the encounter of that evening. It was
THE STRUGGLE. 303
indeed awful ! The batteries resumed their work, and the
hand of death was busy bearing men into Eternity.
' By and by an orderly rode up to the colonel, and said
something to him ; thereupon, the colonel shouted —
"Fall in, Eighth 1"
Our turn had come.
Our readiness in forming was not surpassed by that of
the Second Eegulars ; and in a moment the regiment was
formed.
We entered the field. The conflict was gradually nearing
us ; the Second Eegulars had been so pressed by overwhelm-
ing numbers that they were forced to retire to the brow of
the hill that descended to the valley of which I have spoken,
where the ground offered some advantages. Bebel bullets
were already beginning to reach us. We had just entered
the field and were marching along the valley in order to
gain the right of the Second fiegulars, when Nick Swearer —
brave fellow! — who had left us a few minutes before we
were called into line for the purpose of filling his canteen,
came rushing after us at the top of his speed, exclaiming —
" By jolly, boys, I must be in that scrape I I won't be left
behind in that style !"
He had but uttered the words when he fell headlong— a
bullet in his hip. Poor Nick I It was sad that he should
thus be robbed of the privilege of participating in the glorious
struggle about to ensue. Jim Eider was following us into
the field, when, seeing Nick fall, he ran to his assistance, and
did not leave him till he saw him safely conveyed to a
hospital.
We marched to the right of the Second Eegulars, and lay
down under the hill. We saw many horrid sights while lying,
there. Men staggering from the field with mangled hand or
arm, or limping oflF— a leg covered with blood ; some crawl-
ing away, only a few inches at a time ; some — an officer now
and then — were being carried off, covered with blood, and
groaning in agony.
The rebels, it seemed, were aware of our position beneath
the hill mentioned ; for the bullets began to whistle over our
heads in an industrious style. I supposed that there was\i\
804 OUR BOYS.
a bit of danger of any of those bullets flying low enough to
hit any of us ; I did not suppose that they were coming in a
sufiBciently declining course to curve over the brow of that
hill. But I soon discovered that our situation was not
entirely -without danger; for a ball suddenly whizzed right
past my foot, and struck the hand of Heinrich Bouschen-
schwacker, with a startling chuck ! Heinrich sprang up, utter-
ing some Dutch word, and the captain admonished him to
go at once to a hospital, and have his wound attended to.
He did so, leaving the field at a beautiful pace.
The brave captain was standing fearlessly erect, watching
the conflict through his glass.
. " Captain," said I, observing that the bullets were flying
thick, " had you not better sit down ? One of those stray
bullets might find you."
" Oh," said the captain, indifferently, " that's what we enlist
for — ^to get a dip now and then."
From time to time the captain apprised us of what was
going on.
" I tell you, boys, they're having it ! Oh, how our fellows
are standing up to them I I wish we would be called to their
assistance now — "
At that moment the Second Eegulars turned fiercely upon
the almost exultant rebels, and made a desperate charge.
Thereupon the captain exclaimed : —
"They're charging! they're charging!"
Presently the rebels broke and fled to the wood ; and the
captain grew enthusiastic, and eagerly exclaimed : —
" The rebs are skedaddling 1 they're skedaddling !" — Thjen,
raising his voice, he shouted : —
"Give 'em tt— ll!"
The Second, after driving the rebels into the wood, fell
slowly back before a fresh force of rebels that came to the
assistance of the vanquished. Our turn had come.
''Now, Company 'D,'" said the captain, "remember that
you are just as good as any rebel company we may meet.
Don't be afraid, boys ! Never let them call us coumrde /"
" Up, boys, up !" shouted Colonel Hayes, at that moment.
We sprang to oiir feet as one man.
THfi STBUGOLS. 805
' " Forward !'' shouted the colonel.
At that magic word we pressed on, directing our course
■ toward the rebels who were engaging the Second Eegulars,
' relieving that regiment and allowing it to march from the
' field. Perfect showers of bullets greeted us. The brave
colonel led us forward, himself taking the advance, direttly
in front of the colors. Oh, I'll never forget how noble he
looked ! How, in the face of death, he pushed forward,
waving his sword above his head, and shouting: —
" On, my brave Eighth ! . Onward !"
And we did go on. Not a man wavered. The bullets
whistled shrilly about our ears; Major Bailey fell with a
* wound near the temple, and was carried from the field insen-
sible— some thought, dead; Captain Johnson, Captain Wis-
hfirt. Captain Gallop, Lieutenant Carter, and several other
officers, besides many men, fell wounded.
In the midst of all this, an incident occurred, at which I
could not help feeling amused. Among other casualties, a
bullet whizzed unceremoniously along, striking Bob Young
*on the hand, near where the thumb grows out, you know,
inflicting a slight wound. He instantly dropped his gun —
clasped his hands in agony — screamed, " my God !" — fell —
struggled up to an erect position — fell again — scrambled to
his feet again, and rushed from the field in a jiflfy.
The rebels gave way before our firm front, and we pur-
sued them to the edge of the wood, when a battery opened
upon us at short range.
Just within the wood the rebels made a stand ; and we stood
and fought them, loading and firing as rapidly as we could.
Now a number of rebel sharpshootefs had concealed them-
selves among the branches of the trees for the purpose of
picking oflFour officers. One of these gentlemen fired at the
colonel, missed him, and struck a soldier of Company " C."
The colonel chanced to observe the sharpshooter, who was
seated upon the limb of a tree fifteen feet from the ground ;
and seizing the rifle of some fallen soldier, he levelled it upon
the rebel.
" Don't shoot ! don't shoot ! I'm coming down !" screamed
the rebel.
20
806 OUR BOYS.
"Yes, I know you're coming dowrif^ replied the colonel;
and he pulled the trigger, and down came Mr. Reb.
Our conflict with the rebels at the margin of the wood was
very desperate. We stood within twenty or thirty paces of
them, loading and firing at will. The smoke was so dense
that they were but dimly visible. But the flash of their
pieces could be distinctly seen, and I each time chose a flash
as the object of my aim. I remembered, in this critical hour,
the great injunction, "FiKE low;" and I was ever careful
not to elevate my musket too much. Bullets, with their fierce
hissing sound, were passing my ears by scores. I wondered
that I could escape.
The captain was among us instructing the boys about
firing.
*' Not so high !" he shouted, as Jake Archibald elevated his
musket to an angle of forty-five degrees ; " you're not firing
a salute ;" and with his sword he pressed the musket down
to a horizontal position.
Meanwhile the enemy's bullets were doing their work on
all sides. Here a man would suddenly start, drop his gun,
and limp away — the blood flowing from a wound in the leg;
another would suddenly spring into the air, uttering a
piercing shriek, then fall back, quivering — lifeless — his eyes
staring vacantly — his teeth set — his hands clenched till the
finger-nails cut into the palms. Another would sink to the .
ground without a groan — without a gasp for the suddenly-
departing breath. Another would convulsively clasp his
' hand to bis breast — perhaps his brow — a moment stand, thea
stagger, reel, and fall to the earth gasping for breath — the
hot .blood gushing from his wound. Only the mad excite-
ment of battle prevents one from growing deathly sick at
such horrid sights.
''Fall back r.
I was Ipading and firing with all the rapidity I could
muster, oblivious to everything save what was before me,
when these words reached my ear. I recognized the voice
of the colonel, and I was glad to know that he was yet safe.
I was in the act of loading as the regiment acting upon thLi
command formed in order, ts^c^eA. ^omX* ^\A xaax'^iei^i from
THE STRUGGLE. 807
that fatal wood. I resolved to fire that shot yet before I
should go ; and I did so, at the imminent risk of being sur-
rounded and taken. Having fired this farewell shot, I faced
about to follow the regiment, which had already gone
Uiirtj or forty yards. I didn't just like to run, so I walked
at a brisk pace, loading again as I went, eventually coming
off the field with a loaded gun.
The rebels, perceiving that we were falling back, fired after
OS with increasing rapidity ; and the bullets rained about us
in perfect storms. Every moment I thought 1 should be
perforated. For the rebels, or anybody else, in fact, can take
a much cooler aim at a man's back than at his breast. .1
overtook the regiment in safety, however, before it reached*
the road. We came off the field in perfect order, and were
treated with voluptuous cheers by the admiring regiments
that had remained spectators of our actions.
The Fifth Eegiment stood in line ready to take our place.
The brave Colonel Simmons sat upon his horse, tranquilly
surveying the scene. He was in his element; the prospect
of an encounter with the rebels delighted. him.
The rebels had so suffered in their fight with us, that they
did not venture to follow us when we fell back from the
wood. But now being reinforced, they at last sallied forth,
when the Fifth walked bravely into them, holding the field
till near sunset. We, or rather those left of us, returned to
our old position in the road.
About sunset the rebels were reinforced, and they made
the most energetic onset along the whole lines. Our troops,
already exhausted and praying, like Wellington, for night to
oome, began to give way. The enemy pressed vigorously
on ; and our whole line fell back to a position on another
range of hills. The rebels followed closely ; already their
bullets began to sing about our ears. We left our position
in the road, and descended the slope in our rear ; the battery
ceased to play, limbered up and accompanied us.
This movement dampened our spirits. We fell back in
perfect order, it is true, but some, half seized by panic, left
the ranks and hurried away. Several left our regiment and
dived into a deep wood on the right. Ca^X.^iiCjOxcCkSi.'^V^
S':>
OUR BOYS.
i>:. i:
Zlz "V J^
:':.e nght with us in safety, shouted after
riej .iii not heed him, and, drawing his
: ar.er tr.em. But the dusk of evening
' :- — nT.i the smoke added to the darkness
h m. He pursued them a hundred yards,
. . r.:en: then he stood, hesitating whether
:-.- Z-jzr. :\:r:her or return to the regiment.
: -^"is ^v\ring dark, and he knew that the
\i:Z >.vz be in that wood. He was just
: : : re'iTzi to the regiment, when he waa
:=: :nr-:r.d by two persons, his revolyer
J.-I :y one, his sword seized by the other.
M:ir::
re*d:i.r'i oar new position and formed line of
i- :=:r«:r:Ant elert&m, a little way to our lefi^
: :iiz Ecisson s baSteiy; it now opened fire upon
huLrr ODlnmn& It was
' wMle position that this
;, mpoitBd by a r^ment
to MA it Char
' -d against t'
. stuV
them
le bait
.-. :.*v; -^ceCiw and
." ..al j^7;s&:ion.
:v ^: .-*« ::pon
A 7 i^ and '
>c:»woi'^
i «: ^-./jtinTin
rv bra-
THE STRUGGLE. 809
The rebels did not waver. As they advanced to within forty
or fifty yards of the battery, they were treated to shell with
the fuse pulled out, which exploded within a second after
leaving the cannon, making sad havoc among them. But,
now that they were so near, they would not give way ; and
with a savage yell they rushed upon the battery. The last
oharge was being put into the guns as the rebels came to
within pistol-range. Aye, the rammers, as they were with-
drawn from the pieces, after putting home the last charge,
actually touched the breasts of the rebels — their ranks were
so near. The guns were all charged for the last time ; all
•was ready.
" Fire !" shouted Captain Easton ; and at the same moment
he fell dead from his horse — a bullet had pierced his heart.
The pieces were all discharged, doing fearful execution
among the rebel ranks.
Perceiving that it was impossible longer to hold their
guns, the artillerymen, to escape capture, ran from the hill,
and were soon among us relating the sad tale.
The tide of battle was now going sadly against ns. But
hark I What wild shout is that ? Ha ! There comes the
"Irish Brigade!" Yes; burning with eager desire for
battle, they have come from beyond the Chickahominy — they
rush madly upon the almost triumphant — the already exult-
ant rebels; and they drive them from their blood-gained
position I On, on they charge! driving the rebels before
them with the swiftness of the wind. Another battery is
planted upon the crest of that blood-stained hill. The Irish
brigade halts. The brave Irishmen take position, and stand
by the new battery ; and relentlessly it plays upon the panic-
stricken rebels I Night thickens ; the array is saved from
panic and ruin ; the firing gradually dies away, and all is
still.
That night the whole corps moved quietly across the
Chickahomipy. All the Union forces, and all property of
the government were safely over atfd the bridge was de-
stroyed.
' Next day — Saturday, the twenty -eighth of June— we found
ourselves near Savaoje Station.
tlO OUR BOYS.
Tt became known that General Reynolds was missing;
inquiry was made throughout the division, but no tidings of
him could be gained ; and it was evident that he was either
kilijd or taken prisoner.
As yet we did not know Captain Conner's fate ; we feared
that he was killed. A number of OUR boys were missing —
among them George Scott, one of my former messmates.
Haraan now made his appearance. ' He was still suffering
terribly from that neuralgia. But he had not missed all the
fighting. Not he! Being in a hospital near Gaines' Hill
on the previous day, and hearing the firing he had torn him-
self away from the doctors, seized a gun and rushed into the
fight of that terrible afternoon, with the first regiment he
came across — and it chanced to be a Massachusetts regi-
ment.
During the whole of the day succeeding the battle of Gaines*
Hill, we lay near Savage Station. When night came, we
lay down to sleep — it was too hot to sleep during the day —
and had lain a couple of hours, when we were aroused by
the cry of —
"Fall in!"
CHAPTER XXVn.
C H ANGE OF BASE. •
LoNGSTREET and Hill having crossed the Chickahominy
above Mechanicsville to attack us, General McClellan sent
from the main army sufficient reinforcements to enable us
to hold our position against those two generals and their
forces. But Stonewall Jackson, with a force of thirty thou-
sand, slipped quietly away from the presence of General
Bsflis, Jeft .the valley, passed through Gordonsville almost
ivitbin g-unshot of McT)owd\, axi^ vxtm^^ ^\. ^^^Vi^siviaville
CHANGE OF BASE. 811
on the very day of the battle — in fact, a portion of his forces
participated against us. For McClellan now to have sent
from the army south of the Chickahominy sufficient reinforce-
ments to secure our position against all these forces would
have so weakened the main army as to render its destruction
certain; But how should he save ils from annihilation?
But one feasible plan presented itself; it was to call us
across the river and concentrate the army. He adopted this
plan, and, in consequence, on the morning succeeding the
battle of MechanicsA^ille, we received orders to fall back to
Gaines' Creek, at which point there was a bridge across the
Chickahominy. Had our retreaf been delayed six or eight
hours, we would certainly have been cut oflFfrom this bridge.
To have crossed the river immediately after arriving at this
point would have beeii impracticable on account of various
encumbrances in the shape of wagon-trains ; or if even prac-
ticable, it would have been injudicious — nay, absurd: for
McClellan having now sent orders to White House Landing
to place all the commissary stores, munitions of war and army
equipage aboard the transports, burn the White House,
evacuate the place and sail down to the bay and up the
James, it was indispensable that we should hold the rebels
in check till the orders should be executed. Hence, the
Battle of Gaines' Hill.
McCleilan's only plan now was to move the army by
flank toward the James Eiver, that supplies might be received
through a new line of communication, viz., the James River.
Had he even been able with the force at his command to
take Richmond by a coup de main^ it would have been mad-
ness ; for he would suddenly have found himself entirely
without supplies, as the transports could not have reached
Richmond on account of Fort Darling. Moreover, our situa
tion would have been very critical there with a large rebel
force in our rear.
But when we consider that the rebel forces at Richmond
outnumbered us two to one, and possessed advantages iu
fortifications and in the proximity of their supplies, it is not
to be presumed for a single moment, by any intelligent per-
son that Richmond could have beexi lakeu, \iCi\^u^^iS.^^^^^^^s^%
812 OUR BOYS.
that a great warrior, and a man fondly yclept "Fighting
Joe," asserted that *' Eichmond might have been taken."
Many censure McClellan for his operations on the Penin-
sula, simply because they wish to, though they are totally
ignorant of anything connected with them. McClellan, the
most able general we have had, has many enemies — snarling
politicians at home. Whenever you find an enemy of Gene-
ral McClellan, you will find an inveterate civilian. No brave
soldier will ever turn his tongue against Little Mac. Among
the most prominent of that noble man's enemies are army
contractors, etc., who, as a matter of course, will be in favor
of any measure that will prolong the war, and dead opposed
to any man who is likely to end it soon.
Reader, what think you of the " Committee on the Conduct
of the War ?" What do you think of the stupendous inves-
tigations they made — ^that intelligent body ?
If purely a committee on the conduct of the war, why did
they begin their investigations at the very date of McClellan'a
instalment at Washington, and conclude them directly after
the date of his removal ? I allude to the report published
in the spring of 1863. Why did they not investigate his
West Virginia campaigns ? Why did they not investigate
the doings of other generals ? Why did they not investigate
the conduct of the generals in the West ? Why not the con-
duct of General Hunter? Why not that of Butlei*? Why
not that of Banks ? Why not that of Fremont ? Why not
that of Halleck— of Buell — of Rosecrans — of Grant, and of
many others? Why did they so carefully gather every
little fact and incident that could by anj possible means be
made to appear to the discredit of McClellan ? And why
were all these little clauses and sentences printed in italics in
that report ? It would not be unreasonable to answer all
these questions thus: Because the investigations of the so-
called committee on the conduct of the war were made and pub-
lished for the sole purpose of destroying, if possible, the reputa-
tion of our most faithful, brave, able, and patriotic commander^
George B, McClellan I
The little instrument might have been, with great propriety,
entitled ;—
change of base. 813
"Report
OF THB
Committee to investigate and condemn
THE
WOBDS, ACTIONS AND TELEGRAPHIC DISPATCHES
OF
General George B. McClellan."
When, during the night of Saturday, the twenty-eighth
day of June, we were aroused by the cry of " Pall in,'* a
slight mist was descending, and it was dark. We were lying
about two miles north of Savage Station, and when we formed,
we marched in that direction. Our way lay through a thick
wood, and at times over marshy ground ; but we had a good
corduroy road under our feet, so that the nature of the ground
was immaterial.
During this march, owing to the concourse of baggage-
wagons, artillery, and various bodies of troops moving on
the one road, but a few steps were marched at a time, when
there would be a "choke up," then a halt of a few minutes
— ^which is decidedly unpleasant.
We had halted after travelling a couple of miles, and were
standing upon a corduroy road, when feeling very weary, I
thought to step off and take a seat upon a log which I could
dimly see a few yards distant. The road appeared to be
raised about a foot above the ground which also appeared
solid at this point. But height, distance, shape, and dimen-
sions are very deceptive to the eye, in the darkness ; and as
I stepped from the road to the ground, instead of from the
moderate height of one foot, I stepped from the rather im-
moderate height of four feet, and fell forward with a ven-
geance against the supposed log, which, however, proved to
be a dead horse.
"Forward!"
I hastily picked up myself and my gun, one at a time^
and, in no very amiable humor, climbed upon the road and
trudged on with the regiment. We progressed so slowly,
that when daylight came, we were barely beyond Savage
Station. So many army wagons atvd ^m\yo\vyxv.«^^'Si \Jt^^^^
811 OUR BOYS.
up the way, that we did not average a mile an hour. It waj
past noon when we arrived at White Oak Swamp. Of course
a strong rear-guard was left behind the teams, which were
making their way toward the James Eiver as fast as possible.
Though the sky was thickly overcast with clouds in the
morning, they rolled away before noon, and the sun blazed
forth upon us in his wonted style.
While halting once near White Oak Swamp, General
McClellan rode by, accompanied by his staff; it was the
first time we had seen him since we landed at White House.
We had felt somewhat cast down at this movement of the
army ; but when we saw Little Mac ride by — a calm, confi-
dent, pleasant expression on his face — we were reassured,
and our spirits were raised to an unusual degree. The pres-
ence of our loved commander ever had this effect.
We crossed White Oak Swamp on a corduroy bridge, and
halted in a field a short distance beyond, where we stacked
arms. We were surprised that we had not yet been attacked,
for that the rebels would attempt to annihilate us during this
movement, we little doubted. Our brigade was now com-
manded by Colonel Seneca G. Simmons, of the Fifth Eegi-
ment — General Reynolds being among the missing. Lieu-
tenant Moth commanded our company — Captain Conner
being also among the missing.
We had rested several hours beyond White Oak Swamp,
when we were called into line ; we resumed our march, and
the sun was just sinking when we reached New Market
Cross Roads. We stacked arms in a large field, and thought
to rest for the night.
We could now hear the cannon at Savage Station ; for it
was on that evening that the battle was fought there— the
evening of Sunday, the twenty-ninth of June.
Night came on. The sound of thunder was heard in the
distance, and dark clouds were hurrying hither and thither ;
now rolling and crowding together, now scattering. Mingled
with the sound of thunder, were now and then the heavy
discharges of artillery. The thunder storm, which appeared
to he also in the vicinity of Savage Station, did not reach us.
The shades of uigiit, \iad ^j^jCS^t^Sl \ki\$M:^ over us, when
GLENDALE. 815
onr regiment was ordered to proceed out the road toward
Bichmond, accompanied by a battery, and establish a strong
outpost for the night. The road we took ran at right angles
with the one we had been travelling during the day. The
night was so dark that we encountered many difficulties
in establishing ourselves in position. We were not molested
during the night, although the rebels were certainly not far
off.
Next morning we returned to the large field where the
whole division lay, and stacked our arms with the rest. The
forenoon wore quietly away.
CHAPTER XXVin.
GLENDALE.
All I then and there was hnrrjing to and fro.
« « « « «
And there was mounting in hot haste ; the steed,
The mustering sqaadron, and the clattering car
Went pouring forward with impetuous speed,
And swiftlj forming in the ranks of war.
Btbok.
"Fall IN, TALL in!"
It was one o'clock when this cry suddenly rang out, and
spread with whirlwind swiftness over the division. In a
moment we rushed to our stacked arms, and seized them.
" Cool, boys, cool 1" said the gallant Colonel Hayes, who
was mounted upon his steed, and riding in front of our line
in less than half a minute.
Poor Haman was with us, and he was still suffering the
most excruciating pain from the neuralgia. The colonel
seeing him in the ranks, and knowing how he was suffering,
said —
"Jeffries, you are not able to "be \w \Jclq t^\^^, ^\^ i^"^*^*^
816 OUR BOYS.
"I'm — going — ^to — to try it," said Hamaii; scarcely able to
articulate for pain.
" You're a brave fellow I" said the colonel, in admiration,
" but I am afraid you can't stand it ; we shall probably have
warm times."
" That's why I want to go along," was the reply.
The various regiments began to take their positions in
line-of-battle. We marched toward the left, and took our
position in a wood.
Having formed line-of-battle, facing to the west, we stood
awaiting the attack. I ever made it a point to go into battle
with my canteen full of water, if possible ; for the excitement
of battle, and the strenuous exertions, together with the
fumes of gunpowder, create a burning thirst. I discovered
that my canteen was empty. I knew that there was a spring
of cola, clear water a few hundred yards to our front, but I
did not like to go that distance from the regiment. I looked
about me, and presently discovered in the wood a pool of
stagnant water ; with this water, I filled my canteen.
The sound of artillery began to be heard some distance
toward the right ; it was at White Oak Swamp ; the battle
had already opened there. For an hour the artillery could
be heard playing away with some fierceness ; but it grew no
nearer.
One by one OUR boys grew weary of standing, and began
to sit down; some laid off their accoutrements. At last, as
the air was very hot, I laid off mine. Knapsacks, we had
not; for all who did not lose them at Mechanicsville, lost
them at Gaines' Hill. As I sat down at the root of a tree I
remarked : —
"Well, boys, a fellow may as well rest ; I don't believe
we are going to have a row after all."
I had scarcely uttered the words, when a tremendous dis-
charge of artillery pealed forth, and a perfect storm of grape-
and-canister, shot and shell, came dashing and crashing
among the trees above our heads, tearing off limbs and
branches and scattering them around us.
" Up, boys !" shouted the colonel.
J think that I buck\e^ on m^ ^Sa^\s. o^xi tta^t occasion in
GLENDALK. 817
a little less time than T ever before performed the same ope-
ratioQ. The ranks formed, our line was advanced to the
edge of the wood, and we were there ordered to lie down.
A Dattery on our right replied to the rebel batteries ; and
for a few minutes an active artillery fight was carried on.
As we lay near the battery, we were much exposed to the
projectiles from the rebel guns ; and, for awhile, shell were
exploding about ns, and solid shot were flying over our
heads, tearing the trees shockingly; while charge after
charge of grape-and-canister rattled among the trees, and
spattered the ground in our midst. Our artillerymen stood
by their guns, loading and firing with a rapidity that kept
up a constant roar. It was soon evident that the rebels were
getting the worst of it in the artillery fight ; for a regiment
of infantry soon emerged from a wood a few hundred paces
in our front, and advancing half the intervening distance,
prepared to charge. They came so close, in fact, that we
neard their colonel give the following command : —
" Sixth Georgia, fix bayonets ! Give the Yankees a little
eold steel r*
We heard the clinking rattle of their bayonets as they
placed them on their guns, and we felt that warm work was
at hand.
We saw that a charge was about to be made upon us, and
we nerved ourselves to resist it ; but ere the rebels had well
succeeded in fixing their bayonets, one of General M'Call's
aids rode hastily up, and shouted : —
"Eighth Eegiment, General McCall orders you to
CHARGE I"
'Twas enough. Our bayonets were already fixed; and,
with a savage yell, we sprang up and rushed madly upon
the Georgians. They couldn't stand it; away they went
flying hither and thither in the most disorderly style. Hav
ing charged half-way across the open space between the two
woods, the regiment halted. Seeing some rebels in the act
of disappearing among the trees in the marshy valley to our
* The latter part of this oommand is not to he found in our tactics ; hat
tt xnaj he in those adopted hy the rehela.
818 OUR BOYS.
left and front, a dozen of us — Haman among the rest — im-^
prudently rushed down the descent, in pursuit. On arriving,
at the eige of the marsh, we discovered that the rebels had
crossed ; and we very rashly followed. A fire was opened
upon us from the bushes, and several of our boys fell ; but
we rushed on, with some diflBiculty gaining the opposite side
of the swamp. The swamp was narrow, and running from
the left of our lines, toward the northwest. Having crossed,
we saw a squad of rebels toward the right, and we followed
them, firing an occasional shot as we went. Half-a-dozen of
them, supposing that there was a host of us at their heels,
instead of a dozen, suddenly stopped, threw down their arms,
and held up their hands in token of surrender — their £aces
pale, and they: eyes starting from their sockets, they were so
terrified. On reaching them, I told them not to be alarmed — ►
that they were prisoners of war, and as such should be treated.
" There are our guns," said one, pointing to the muskets
which they had thrown down.
I glanced at them, and perceived that they were old
muskets altered from flint-lock to percussion; and I let
them lie.
"Never mind," I said — "Boys, some of you will take
charge of these prisoners, and conduct them to the rear."
Several of the boys thereupon took charge of the rebels,
and started back with them. Will Mitchel was among
them ; it was the last time I saw him.
At that moment, I observed a brawny gray-back standing
just among the bushes, about twenty paces from me.
" Come here, sir I" I yelled, savagely, and with an impera- *
tive gesture.
He raised his foot, and a moment hesitated as to which
way to step — whether to advance or retreat. He concluded
to try the bushes, and take the chances of the contents of my
musket rather than fall alive into our savage Yankee hands ;
and he darted deep into the bushes, and was lost to view in
a moment. I sent a ball and three buck-shot after him, but
whether they hit him or not can never be known. I hastily
reloaded. I had but completed the task, when I saw another
rebel ran from the bushes to^itT^i ^\\\x\fe>i^x3^^\>LVjkTjrould
GLEN DALE. 319
afford him greater protection. I drew a bead on liim. He
was scarcely forty paces from me, and the idea of missing
idm did not even suggest itself to my mind. I fired. The
rebel did not fall — he did not start — he did not drop his gun,
nor take to limping suddenly ; but he kept steadily on, at
the same brisk pace. I had missed him.
I loaded my musket for another shot ; but of course the
rebel succeeded in gaining the little breastwork spoken of.
The rebels began to discover that there were but a few of
us — that ten or a dozen of us had chased them several
hundred yards, taken half-a-dozen prisoners, and almost
frightened them out of their wits ; and they grew bold, and
began to make their appearance, emerging from the bushes
by scores. They opened a brisk fire upon us, and we began
to realize the danger of our situ£^tion and the importance of
returning to the regiment at once. Acting upon this, we
commenced a retrograde movement, keeping up a retreating
fire. At every tree one of us would stop, take shelter behind
it, and fire upon the pursuing rebels. The bullets were
following us at a great rate, whistling past our ears, and
knocking up the dust at our heels and upon either side of
us. The air seemed alive with the leaden messengers of
death.
We recrossed the swamp. On reaching the right side
once more, Haman — his face flushed with the excitement of
battle, together with the pain he was suffering — called out
to me: —
** Old boy, I killed one d — d gray back !"
The regiment was now forming to receive a brigade of
rebels that was about to advance from the wood a little to our
right and about two hundreds yards to our front. Another
regiment had now come to- our assistance, and the whole
force had taken position behind a slight swell in the ground.
I had returned to within thirty paces of our new line, when
one of our . fellows looked, I thought, right toward me, and
called out —
" Hilloa, you rebel there, are you wounded ?"
I thought that he was addressing me — that he had taken
mo for a rebel; but glancing to my T\g\i\»l«aw^,m\»\i\\>L^i^^
820 OUR BOYS.
yards of me, a wounded rebel lying under a peach-tree — the
blood gushing from a wound in the breast. Although the
rebels were already beginniug to rally on us, I could not
refrain from stopping a moment with the sufferer — he was
trying to support himself on his elbow. I bent over him and
asked —
"Are you much hurt ?"
He did not reply, but looked imploringly into my face,
and seemed struggling for breath.
"Are you much hurt?" I repeated in a louder tone, that I
might be heard above the din of battle, which had now
opened, and was raging fiercely on the right.
" Oh, yes — ^I — ^am — dy — dying !" he muttered.
" Can I do anything for you ?" I asked.
He tried to speak, but could not. I observed that his lips
•were dry and parched, and I did not doubt that he wanted
water. So I asked —
" Do you want water ?" And at the same moment a bul-
let whistled by my ear and struck the' peach-tree.
"Oh, yes! oh, yes!" he replied, with all the energy he
could muster.
I placed my canteen to his lips, and he eagerly drank.
Then wishing to make a good impression upon him, regard-
ing us Yankee.Sy of whose cruelty I had no doubt he had
heard the most horrible tales, I said —
" You see, my friend, that we know how to treat even an
enemy with kindness."
"Ah," said he, solemnly, speaking with more ease, ^'yovlre
no enemy of miney
" Why," said I, thinking that he had taken me for a rebel ;
" I am a Union soldier."
" You're no enemy of mine I" he repeated.
The rebels were now decidedly advancing ; bullets were
whistling about my ears in great luxuriance, and I found
that I must hasten on. I took the dying man's hand in
mine, and said —
*< Good-bye!"
He did not reply. I cast a parting glance upon him — a
GLBNBALB.
deathly pallor had settled upon his face--his eyes were set^
and staring yacantly. Se was dead,
A moment after I was with my regiment. The first man
whom I met was Adjutant Witter. The brave fellow said
to me —
" Well, sergeant, I perceive that you are still unhurt."
" Yes, adjutant, I. am glad to see that you are not hurt.
You esoaped those bullets, did you ?"
" Yes, I escaped <Aem, but I got a charge of shot in the
shoulder, but tney are the small ones ;" and he pointed to'
his right shoulder, which was perforated with small shot.
The rebels were now firing as they advanced, and we were
ordered to lie down to avoid the bullets. Colonel Simmons
stood by his horse within a few feet of where I lay.
" Boys," said the brave old veteran, " lie still ; don't arise
or fire till I give you the word. I'll give you the word in
time."
The bullets of the rebels were now flying over us in per-
fect swarms. Every moment I expected to see the gallant
Simmons fall. At length the rebels arrived to within thirty
paces of us.
" Now, boys, let them have it I" shouted Colonel Simmons,
and at the same moment he was struck in the breast, and
fell dead, almost beneath the feet of his horse.
We arose ani poured a murderous volley into the rebel
ranks.
" Fall back into the field beyond the wood !" shouted Cap-
tain Biddle, McCall's aide-de-camp, riding up at that moment.
He had but uttered the words, when he fell from his horse
mortally wounded.
It so happened that as I arose to fire, some fellow stepped
in front of me, so that I was afraid to fire lest I should hit
him; and I walked forward a few steps, while the whole
line fell back. The smoke was so dense that of the whole
brigade of rebels I could only see three. They were stand-
ing together beneath a peach-tree, in an attitude that led me
to suppose that they were hesitating whether to advance, or
retreat — after that volley. By way of advancing an argu-
ment in hYOT of the latter plan, I blazed a^a^ ^\. ^JckWccL^^*^^^
Q7
822 OUR Boi's.
followed the regiment which had already gained the wood.
This rendered my situation rather delicate, and I walked
hurriedly after the regiment, loading my musket as I went,
turning and firing when I reached the wood. Hundreds'of
bullets followed me, striking the trees around me with a
perfect clatter. I hurried through the wood, again charging
my gun.
On reaching the edge of the wood, I saw before me a large
clover field. In this field, about two hundred yards from
hie, our lines were being formed anew to receive the rebels
in case they should foUoW us through the wood. Directly
in front of me was the battery that had first replied to the
rebels at the commencement of the fight — and the guns
looked frowningly at me as I emerged from the wood. It
occurred to me that the battery might open upon the wood
before I could get out of range. Just then I saw six flashes
and six clouds of smoke suddenly burst forth, and then six
charges of grape-and-canister rattled about me — some striking
the ground, others flying over my head and striking the
trees. I felt my situation to be a peculiarly embarrassing
one ; for I knew that I could not get entirely out of range ere
another charge should follow. I suddenly swerved to the
left, and made my way toward a line of infantry that was
being formed on the right of the battery. Again the battery
was let off. I dropped upon my face, to evade the missiles,
and a shell and about a quart of grape-and-canister whistled
savagely over me. I then sprang up and hurried toward
our lines ; and before the guns were again discharged, I was
out^ of range. I now wondered whether some impulsive
fellow of our division would not take me for a rebel and
blaze away at me, accordingly. I did not relish the idea
of being killed by our own men — in fact, didn't care
a]x)ut being killed at all. But I reached the regiment in
safety. The first one of our boys whom I met was Ed.
Morgan, who informed me that Sergeant Zee was killed —
that he had been killed in the wood through which I had just
come.
The whole .division now formed a new line on General
jETooker's division, w\i\c\i \i^4. \>^e.\i lying at our left and
GLENDALE. 823
rear.^ Presently the rebels made their appearance at the
edge of the wood, and the battle was renewed with vigor by
both sides. Our battery played upon them in a delightful
way ; and the reformed lines of infantry opened upon them
•fiercely. We were in the open field— not a tree, not a bush
to protect us from danger or from observation. The .brave
colonel sat fearlessly upon his horse, the bright buttons of
his unifbrm, and his shoulder-straps rendering him a con-
spicnous mark. Every moment I feared that I should see
him fall. Presently his horse was struck by a shell and it
fell upon its side dead. The colonel was caught beneath the
horse, and was in imminent danger of being crushed : but
several of the boys rushed to his assistance, and succeeded
in extricating him from his perilous situation under the
animal. He arose, and the boys gathered around him and
asked him if he was hurt.
"Oh, no; none to speak of!" he said; although it was
evident that he was suffering much pain.
The fight was kept up at this point till near sunset, when
the rebels gave way, and fell back through the wood. They
were effectually repulsed in front of our division ; but it was
at a terrible cost that we succeeded in holding the field. Yet
I am sure that the rebels suffered equally. We stood in line
for some time waiting for them to reappear ; but they had
had enough of it at this point, and they deemed it prudent
not to attack the Pennsylvania Eeserves any more that
night.
Meanwhile the battle raged savagely on the right; the
musketry rattled fiercely, and the hoarse thunder of the ar-
tillery made the earth tremble.
About dark I began to look about me to see how many
of the boys were yet safe. Many were missing, but Haman
and Dick were yet with us.
" How does your head feel, Haman ?" I asked.
" Oh, itd awful I" he exclaimed, and he groaned to prove it.
* In his official report, it pleased General Hooker to say that we were
"routed." I have onlj to say of his statement, that it U false we were
ordered to faU back to this position, and we did so in order.
ft24 OUE BOYS.
"Have yon any water?" I asked; "I have drank all
mine."
"No, not a drop — oh 1"
"I wonder where we could get any?"
"I don't know; I guess the rebels won't be back — \9e
might go and look for some."
" I am willing."
Acting upon this suggestion, we obtained leave of the
colonel, and started toward the right — we didn't like to go
to the rear. Half-a-mile brought us to a small house near
which was a well. We succeeded, with some difficulty, in
obtaining a little muddy water, which we eagerly drank.
Directly in front; of us the battle was raging fiercely, and
hundreds of bullets, and many shell came singing around us.
About this time the troops at this point, being heavily
pressed, began to give way. Gradually theyfell ba<5k — step
by step, and the rebels followed closely. The result might
have been serious, but a brigade just arrived from White
Oak Swamp dashed up to the rescue. With a yell they set
upon the rebels and forced them back. The rebels rallied
again, and for a while the conflict was desperate. The rebels
were ultimately repulsed, however, and this point was held.
It was the gallant ''Irish Brigade" that so fortunately
came to the rescue. They had been fighting at White Oak
Swamp during the whole afternoon ; now they came to our
assistance, as they did at the battle of Ghiines' Hill, at a most
important crisis.
It was now growing very dark, and Haman and I pro-
ceeded to return to the regiment. It was a difficult task, too ;
for our way lay through thick woods, and the darkness had
increased since we left the regiment. In passing through
these woods on our return we got mixed up with some dis-
ordered regiment — I know not to what division it belonged
— got lost from each other, and, in fact, almost from ourselves.
After looking in vain for Haman, I sank down upon a log
to rest, for I was much exhausted.
In a few minutes I arose and groped my way through the
wood toward the point where Haman and t had left the
regiment I lost my way, wi^ «X\»^t ^^odmn^ about the
KALVERN HILL. 825
wood for an tour, now and then falling over the body of
8ome fallen soldier — a knapsack — a dead horse or mule — I
came out upon a road which I followed a short distance, and
found myself near a hospital. Walking to the rear of the
hospital, I found a number of men lying beneath a large oak
tree against which a flag was leaning.
"Are any of the Pennsylvania Reserves here ?" I asked.
" Yes. IS that you, sergeant ?" was the reply.
''Yes. Is this the Eighth?"
''Yes; what's left of it."
"Is that you, Charley?"
" Yes. Come and lie down."
It was Charley Brawley, a brave young fellow of our com-
pany. I lay down beside him, and, notwithstanding that
cries of agony proceeded constantly from the hospital at hand,
I was soon wrapped in slumber.
CHAPTER XXIX.
MALVERN, HILL.
"I SAT, sergeant, wake up! The regiment has gone, and
the rebels will be on us in ten minutes."
It was the voice of Charley Brawley.
" Wh— a~t ?" I said, about half-awake.
" Rouse up I The regiment's gone ; and we'll be captured
if we stay here long."
I sprang up and found that the sun was already up, and
glaring hot.
" Why, how is this ?" I exclaimed.
"I don't know how it is, but so it is; I just awoke, and I
find the regiment gone."
"I wonder which way it went?"
''Hard to say. Toward the James, 1 svx^^o^?
826 OUR BOYS.
Oar accoutrements were buckled on in'a moment, and we
departed.
We had but gone when the advance of the rebels arrived
at the hospital, and took possession. We barely escaped
capture.
A few miles were passed over, and we found ourselves
witliin our lines, and ascending Malvern Hill: The batteries
were already posted, and the cfinnoniers standing by their,
guns awaiting the approach of the rebels. The troops were
in position, and everything was in order of battle. A Brass
band was playing " Yankee Doodle" with a cheerfulness that
must have sounded very invitingly to the advancing rebels.
Charley and I were informed, upon inquiry, that the
Pennsylvania Eeserves lay at the summit of the hill. As we
ascended the hill we met Little Mac riding down toward
rebeldom, accompanied by his staff. We saluted him, and
he was careful to salute us in return, although he was busily
engaged in conversation with an oflScer of his staflF. I heard
him say something about bringing a cavalry force into uSe.
I saw that he was expecting an attack ; there was something
of eager earnestness in his manner, but more of confidence.
Charley and I, on arriving at the crest of the hill, distin-
guished our regiment by its battalion flag, and found the
boys sitting by their stacked arms.
" Why, sergeant, is that you ? I feared that you were
dead ; I felt sure that one of those balls must have hit you,
and left you lying dead among the bushes in that wood."
The speaker was Haman.
" Yes,,Haman," I replied; "and I feared that one of them
might have hit you after we were separated. I am glad you
are safe."
" Where did you sleep last night ?"
"With the regiment under that tree by the hospital.
Why did the regiment go off and, leave Charley and me
asleep?"
" O, we were aroused and hurried off very suddenly ; it
was not daylight yet."
"Have you learned of iVv^ leswlt of the battle ?"
" We'vQ heard sometVmg. GK^xiet^^vi^^Sss.\si\^scs\!^^
MALVERN HILL. • 327
"Then General Meade has command of the division "
"No, he is wounded. General Seymour is in command."
[It will be recollected that, some time previous, General Ord
iad been transferred to a command in the Western Army,
and that General Seymour had been appointed to the com-
mand of the Third Brigade.]
" How does your head feel this morning ?" I asked of
Haman.
" It's nearly as bad as ever; but I'm getting used to it npw "
"How about our company? How many are killed or
wounded ?"
" Lieutenant Moth is missing."
"Ah, I believe I did not see him after that charge. Who
else are missing ?"
" Mitchel is missing, and so is Jake Archibald ;"* also
Jim Roland, Hen Underwood, John Young, Ike Mayhorn,
and Will Haddock. Sergeant Zee and Mc Williams were
killed. John Gue was badly wounded. John Woodward
was slightly wounded, too ; also Finley Whitmire."
The report of a cannon was heard at this juncture, and a
solid shot flew over our heads. Several others speedily
followed ; our batteries replied,' and a hot artillery fight was
soon in progress. Bodies of infantry were soon pushed for-
ward ; but our division having suffered severely in the battle
of the previous day, we were ordered to remain in reserve.
The infantry of the opposing .forces began to meet. Here
and there were heard scattered discharges of musketry;
volleys followed, and finally the sound of small-arms swelled
into a fierce incessant rattle. The operations of the artillery
increased in magnitude, its hoarse thunder chimed in with
the rattle of musketry, and echoed in heavy peals against the
opposite shore of the James. The Battle of Malvern Hill
was opened.
Suddenly, there arose behind us a stunning report that
made the old hill shake ; and a monstrous shell went scream-
ing over our heads, dropping in the vicinity of the rebel
♦ It was afterwards ascertained that Jake Archibald was mortally
wounded, while crossing the swamp alluded to, in the previous day's bat-
a^—that he died iiai/-an-hour after. MitchoVa i&lft \?^^ tx^n^xVolw^x^..
828 • OUBBOYS.
batteries, and exploding with a terrific crash. It was from
a gunboat that lay quietly at anchor on the bosom of the
James. In a few minutes another followed — another and
another, at intervals. Surely, the shrieking sound of those
terrible projectiles, as they were hurled through the air, was
enough to appal the rebels. The very sound was terrifying ;
it was like the howl of some wild beast ; the scream of a
panther is scarcely worthy to be compared to it.
The fight went oy. Shell after shell, hot from the mouth
of the rebel cannon, whistled over us, or exploded near us ;
while many a solid shot ploughed up the ground in our front,
or, flying over, struck in rear of us, and went bounding and
rolling down the hill toward the river.
Meanwhile, our batteries were thundering away, pouring
death and destruction into the rebel ranks ; while ever and
anon the heavy, jarring report of a gyn on the James was
heard, and a great howling, shrieking demon of a shell would
make a circle in the air, over our heads, striking and explod-
ing among the rebels, generally, as some of cub boys ex-
pressed it, *' clearing out an acre of ground." The musketry
raged fiercely ; we could see the bullets dropping upon the
ground in front of us, but few reached us.
How worn — how weary we felt ! There we lay ; we had
Blept but little, eaten but little, and fought three hard battles
within the past week. Our spirits were low. Even there,
lying in line of battle — the thunder of the artillery bursting
upon the ear every second— the missiles of the rebels flying
about us — the sound of musketry continually piercing the air
— I, before I was aware of it, grew drowsy ; my eyelids grew
heavy, and refused to stay up — they fell — closed — shut out
the battle-scene. I was asleep.
Presently, a wild cheer aroused me. It was on the right
of the division. I opened my eyes — looked — listened. Why,
what does this mean ? I sprang up. Look at our fellows !
A few minutes ago, they lay, amid the tumult of battle, dull,
drowsy, languid — no life, no energy in their exhausted
frames. Now they are dancing, shouting, cheering — tossing
their caps into the air. Ha! Who is that riding along^the
MALVERN HILL. 329
lines, amid descending fragments of bursting shell, the bound-
ing shot ? 'Tis McClellan !
Who so Tinjust as to associate with that man's fair name
so base a term as coward — to cast reflections upon his bra-
very ? Reader, in the " Report of the Committee on the
Conduct of the War," publiAed in the Spring of Sixty-
Three, it was stated that on the morning of the first of July,
General McClellan posted the troops at Malvern Hill, then
left the field until the afternoon. The falsity of this state-
ment, wherever it may have originated, is too palpable to
need comment. But, oh, reader, it is galling to me to see .
men resort to means so foul as this piece of slander in order
to tarnish the pure name of our loved commander— my com-
mander — the noble, generous, brave, true-hearted McClel-
lan!
Little Mac rode along our lines — his cap in his hand —
that calm, quiet, confident smile upon his face. We cheered
him till we were hoarse. The very thunder of the storm of
death was drowned for awhile by our voices.
During the whole of the day, from morning till night,
McClellan was on the field riding from point to point — ^from
battery to battery — from regiment to regiment — from divi-
gion to division.
Throughout that terrible day the battle raged. The rebels
marched in heavy columns to the very mouth of the cannon ;
but they were moym down by hundreds, and thrust back.
Again and again they charged upon our batteries ; but in
vain ; each time they were compelled to retire, leaving the
ground strewn with unsightly corpses.
The sun had just set when they made a last, desperate,
determined gnset. They came /orward in good order, and
with a firmness that seemed to defy death. They were cut
down by the artillery like grass before the scythe. They
would not yield; on they came. Our infantry met them.
Then the struggle was fearful. Sheets of fire blazed savagely
forth ; and showers of lead were rained upon the contending
parties. The rebels pressed steadily on. Our fellows, worn
and exhausted, began to waver before the mad fury of the
iesperate rebels. Evidently we eihoxM \>^ (i^'^ftL xic^w ^^^ .
880 OUBBOYS.
The fight grew nearer ; the bullets began to reach ns. Sud-
denly a staff officer rode furiously toward us and shouted —
" Pennsylvania Reserves, stand to arms 1"
In an instant we were up — in line. But jUst then the
" Rush Lancers" rode madly to the front, formed, and pre-
pared for a charge. The way^was made clear for them ; they
Avere ready.
. '* Forward— charge!"
Like the wind they dashed forward, followed by the loud
cheers of thousands— on, on — and while the death-dealing
. bullets flew thick and fast, they disappeared in the smoke
of battle. Like a hurricane they bore down upon the almost
victorious enemy. Terror — dismay seized the rebels ; their
ranks melted away — they fled. Hundreds fell bleeding to
the earth — cut down by the sabre, or thrust through with
the spear.
Hope died within the rebels ; they could rally no more ;
their whole lines gave way — many of their guns being aban-
doned, and falling into our hands.
Darkness was now coming on. Our batteries were moved
forward; they took new positions and resumed the work of
death with redoubled vengeance. Flash after flash lighted
up the earth and sky with a red glare — peal on peal shook
the hills — the air was alive with the instruments of destruc-
tion — storms of shot and shell were sent whistling and
screaming after the panic-stricken foe. The woods and fields
• were strewn with the wounded and dying, and with the
ghastly forms of the dead.
At last the battle was hushed, and all was still. Night
veiled the earth. Its gloomy shades were thickened by a
sulphurous cloud that, like a pall, hung sadly over the field
of the dead. We lay down upon the crest of that immortal
hill, and were soon wrapped in slumber.
Near midnight we were aroused, the regiments were formed,
and we moved quietly down the James.
The campaign was over.
Our loss during the Seven Days' Fight was, in killed,
wounded; and .missing, fourteen thousand, nine hundred
Hnd twenty-four. T\ie T^\ie\a ^a.m\\Xfe^ 'Ockfcxt \<5r& to be
HARRISON'S LANDING. 831
* •
eighteen thousand ; which, of course, means thirty-six thou-
sand. Twenty-six pieces of artillery were taken at Malvern
Hill by our forces; which repaid us for all that we Jost
during the grand movement of the army.
OHAPTEE XXX.
HARRISON'S LANDING.
. Slowly we took our way down the left shore of the
James. It was past midnight when we started, and the night
was very dark. We were very much worn, and we still felt
most sensibly the need of repose. The road as usual was.
blocked up here and there with teams and artillery, causing
many a halt in our march, and rendering it very trying.
As the gloom of night melted into the gray of morning
dawn, rain began to fall, and it gradually increased in vio-
lence till it finally came down in torrents.
Slowly, steadily we marched on—the rain beating merci-
lessly upon us. About the middle of the forenoon we neared
Harrison's Landing. As we did so, a for«st of masts and
steamboat chimneys loomed up to view. It was evident
ihat we were near our journey's end — that here was to be
our camping-ground. A large plain lay before us, and it •
was covered with bodies of troops, baggage-wagons, ambu-
lances, etc.. The rain was still pouring down with great
violence, and we were led into a pine wood, where, under
these peculiarly gloomy circumstances, we bivouacked. Dick
Haman, Jim, and I found ourselves able to produce, among
us, three tent-blankets, with which we constructed a rude
shelter. Then going to. an adjacent wheat-field — the wheat
had lately been cut — I procured several sheaves, carried tbem
to our shelter, and spread them out beneath it. We then lay
down, wet and uncomfortable as we were, and slept for
aevc il hours.
882 OUR BOTS.
« •
When I awoke it was still raining, ai^d a gentle stream
was pouring through a rent in one of the tent-blankets, right
down into my ear; and if it was not sufficient to "turn a
mill," it certainly caused me to turn with great rapidity.
Feeling very much refre^hed^ I arose and satisfied my appe-
t'te by wishing for something to eat.
As the rain could make me no wetter than I already was,
I walked forth to have a look about me. The moving of
cavalry, infantry, a1*tillery, baggage-wagons, and ambulances
had worked up the plain to a perfect bed of mortar. For
miles around the mud was from six inches to a foot in depth.
The last of our forces had just arrived ; and after* them
came General McClellan and staff. His garments were
saturated with rain, and hung about him as heavy as lead.
He rode straight to the landing. It was half a mile distant,
and I walked down. When I reached it, there stood Gene
ral McClellan knee-deep in the mud. He had dismounted,
and was holding his horse by the bridle — surrounded by
hundreds of soldiers from various divisions ; he was shaking
hands with them, and talking freely with them as they
eagerly crowded around him.
" God bless you, boys," he said, warmly ; " God bless you.
You have done your duty nobly; you have suffered much;
you have stood resolutely by your flag ; you have braved
the dangers and endured the hardships attending the move-
ment of the army, with truly soldier-like fortitude. * Yoi^
shall rest now, boys ; reinforcements are coming, and they
shall take your places in the front."
And reinforcements did come. Several divisions arrived
that afternoon — among them Shields' Division — and were
immediately sent to the front where lines of defence were
formed. Several corps of the "Army of the Potomac," which
had least suffered during the Seven Days' Fight, took the
front also ; and a strong line was formed in a semicircle, each
flank resting upon the James.
How singular that men have the effrontery to assert that
McClellan, after arriving at Harrison's Landing, remained
idlj there for twenty -foui Taowxs, ^Kithout taking any position,
forming sl line, or makiivg an^ ^crw o1 \^1«^^^, X^\.*^^ss«i
HABRISON^S LANDING. 338
gre some who have the audacity, and utter disregard of
manly principle, to stand up in the face of the truth, and
make such false, outrageous assertions.
Between three and four in the afternoon the rain ceased
to fall.
When night came we again lay down beneath our frail
shelter, and slept soundly till morning.
An hour after daylight we were suddenly ordered to fall
into line ; the report of a cannon was heard, and a solid shot
charged furiously ovier our heads and struck in the mud with
a splash. It came from a point on the right. A rebel bat-
tery had approached very near our lines, and opened fire ;
and many of the shot reached us. One of our batteries re-
plied, and soon silenced it. When the artillery fight was
over we repaired to a field near Heron Creek, stacked our
arms, and called it our camp.
•We were soon supplied with rations ; for McClellan took
care to have provisions landed at once. Knapsacks, shelter-
tents, and blankets, too, were soon issued to us.
The following day was the " Fourth of July." The sky
was clear, the sun shone forth, and the mud began to dry up.
In the afternoon, we were drawn up in line for review, ancj
Little Mao rode along, wearing his usual smile; and we
cheered him enthusiastically, as was our wont. His address
as issued to the Army of the Potomac was read to us ; it was,
as nearly as I can remember, as follows :
''Soldiers of the Akmt op the Potomac : —
*"You have been attacked at your position in front of
Bichmond by far superior numbers; and, there being no
hope of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing
your base of operations by a flank movement — always con-
sidered the most hazardous of military operations : you have
borne the privations and perils attending you with a forti-
tude never surpassed ; you have repulsed the enemy in every
encounter, always holding the field at night; of guns and
munitions of war, you have captured more than sufficient to
repay you for all that you have lost. Our lines are now re-
established^ ovr position is strong-, aiv^i M \Jcka ^^issojcsV^^^
834c OUBBOYS.
the hardihood to attack us, he will be severely punished, and
effecLu illy repulsed. There can be no longer any doubt that
each one of you may say, with pride, ' I belong to the Army
of the Potomac!' Ana on this, our nation's birthday, we
declare to our foes who are rebels against the best interests of
mankind, that this army shall yet enter the capital of their so-
called confederacy, ^t whatever cost of time, treasure, or blood.
(Signed) " Gbo. B. McClellan,
" Major- General Commanding^
How different this* address from the proclamation issued
by General Pope not long after : —
"No more ditch-digging; no more strong positions; no
more lines of retreat ; no more base of supplies ; no thought
of any position save one from which the army might most
easily advance against the enemy— head-quarters in the
saddle!!!" — in fact. General Pope was just going to "win*
this thing up without any more fooUn^ about it." The world
knows how well he succeeded.'
The excitement and fatigue attending the Seven Days'
Fight now began to tell upon some of our brave fellows.
Colonel Hayes grew ill, and his strength began to decline.
At last, at the urgent advice of Assistant Surgeon-Gemeral
King, he resigned and very reluctantly left us.
Lieutenant-Colonel Oliphant, not strong at the best, having
also been constantly at his post during that trying week, was
now attacked with fever ; .for a time, his situation was critical^
and his recovery was despaired of; he recovered, however,
but with the total loss of his hearing. He, of course, was
compelled to resign, and he left the regiment with many a
regret, and went to his home in Western Pennsylvania.
Major Baily having been dangerously wounded at Gaines
Hill, the regiment was now entirely without field officers.
Captain Lemon, of Company "H," being senior captain, took
command of the regiment.
Lieutenant Blake was the only commissioned officer re-
Tnaining in our company. He, too, grew ill, and resigned.
First'SergeeLUi Cue was ipTomoXsA. Vi \)aa «ft^»\iac^\M^\\^tiajicy.
HARBISON'S LAKDINO. u^^
A number of our boys were sent off to hospitals in
;he north. A number, also, were discharged on account of
disability ; among them were Enos Strawn and John Snydfer,
The latter died after reaching home.*
The division was now commanded by General Seymour ;
Generals McCall and Eeynolds being prisoners, and General
Meade wounded. The conduct of all these officers during
the Seven Days' Fight was brave and soldier-like, and entitles
them to a fair place among the heroes of the nation. General
Reynolds was captured late in the evening of the Battle of
Gaines' Hill while endeavoring to rally some disordered
troops. The brave Meade was wounded just at dark near
the close of the Battle of Glendale, and refused to be carried
from the field, but remained upon his horse. General McCall,
OVL the same evening, having posted a regiment at a certain
point, left it for a short time to attend to another part of the
line. On returning to the spot, he found "that the regiment
bad Iretired, and that he was surrounded by the enemy.
Rebels who assisted in capturing him, and have since been
taken prisoners, have stated that the blood was dropping
from his sword at the time.
On our coming to the Peninsula sutlers had been excluded ;
but now they were allowed to visit us once more, with their
usual prices; for instance, butter one dollar per pound;
cheese seventy-five cents ; eggs sixty cents per dozen ; tobacco
one dollar and a half per pound; preserved peaches one
dollar and a half per pint-bottle ; raisins seventy -five cents
per pound ; ham thirty cents ; cards — the common article-
sixty cents per pack ; whiskey (on the sly) two dollars per
pint ; and, in fact, everything else in proportion.
It is amusing, when a sutler has been for some time
excluded from a regiment, to see how eagerly the boys
crowd around him on his reappearance. As soon as the
establishment is open and the propriet6r ready for business,
hundreds throng around, money in hand, all asking for some-
thing at once, and the confused sutler hears something like
the following—
*' Here, sutler, give me — " "cents' worth — " "I want — '
« dollars—" " some o' that—" '' I—" ** tobaci— '' " ^n^xci^^^xsj
r
S86 OUB BOYS.
— ** cheese and — " *' bologne sau — " " four sheets o' — " " enve^
lopes — " "sutler, hand me — " "your money for — " "in a
hurry; I — " "for any sake, give— " " ain't you goinff to — ^
** a fellow to wait all day — " " sutler, wait on me ; I — " " pre-
served peaches — " "those cigars—" "of butter — " "here,
( — " "stamps — " "that ham worth — :" "how do you — "
•* eggs — " " those suspend — " " pies, and — " " a pouad of-—"
'steel pens—" "that—" "sutler, do—" "cards—"
"Who says the rebels are advancing?" suddenly asks
some soldier of the crowd, in a loud, distinct tone.
In a moment all is still — every voice is hushed.
" Sutler, give me four pounds of that cheese, and here's
your three dollars," continues the shrewd soldier, who had
resorted to this nLse to make himself heard.
He gets his cheese, hands the sutler a " two" and a " one,"
and retires. The old proceeding is then resumed, and con-
tinued throughout the day.
Meanwhile the weacher was very hot. Although Harri-
son's Landing is but three degrees south of Pennsylvania, it
certainly appeared to me to be at least ten degrees hotter
than I had ever seen it in my native State. I remember
one day that my canteen was accidentally thrust out from
beneath my tent, and it remained for some time exposed to
the rays of the sun before I discovered it. When I. did dis-
cover it, I noticed that it felt very hot ; and I poured some
water from it upon my hand to ascertain how hot it had be-
come. It proved to be so hot that I could not bear it upon
my hand ; it seemed almost boiling.
OHAPTEE XXXI.
A MIDNIGHT SOBNB.
Tab month of July wore away.
On the last day — and it was a hot one — of the month, Jim
and I walked down to ^^toil Ct^^ VcaOcl ^t«k ^ ^exter
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 887
of a mile from camp. It was past noon, and the heat being
excessive we repaired to the bank of the creek, beneath a
spreading tree. Beneath its grateful shades we took a bath
in the waters of the stream.
Heron Creek is from eighty to one hundred yards in
width ; it winds its way through a swamp six hundred yards
wide. This swamp is covered with tall reeds, which, at high
tide, stand actually in the water. The creek, in its wind-
ings, touches the solid ground alternately north and south of
the swamp. The stream touched our side- at a point not far
from camp, and a great many were bathing there. Jim and
I repaired to a spot a hundred yards above; it was beyond
a nook or swamp that was fed by the creek. We were
obliged to walk three or four hundred paces to get around
the barrier.
At this point, several large boats, belonging to a pontoon
corps, were lying at anchor. A small boat or skiff was
usually there, but at this time it was down among the
bathers who thronged the shore and the water a hundred
yards below.
" Jim," said I, after our bath, " I think it would be very
nice this hot day to take a ride up the creek in that small
boat yonder."
"I think so, too," he replied.
" Then suppose we do."
" But those fellows yonder are playing with it."
"No matter; they won't play with it while we are riding
in it."
" But they won^t give it up."
"Oh, I think they will; they ought, at least, for they have
had it to themselves all day."
" All right ; if you can get it, well take a ride."
" Then remain here a few minutes, and I will bring it ovei
and take you in."
I walked around the nook previously mentioned, and was
soon star ding on the shore of Heron Creek, at the interest-
ing bathing place. I suppose there were two hundred
soldiers in the water; and they were splashing, and floating,
and swimming, and diving among one another, in a maiiuec
22
838 OUR BOYS.
that reminded me of the tiny creatures seen in a drop of
water, through a microscope. I stood a moment watching
them, and at last, in an authoritative tone, called out : —
"I say, boys there, you have the captain's boat, ^nd I have
come after it."
" Captain who ?" asked several.
"Why, Captain Grover," said I, inventing a name; "Cap-
tain Grover,* of the pontoon corps." "
" Well, we'll bring it ashore presently," said one.
'* Be in a hurry* about it then," I said.
Supposing me to be a sergeant- of the pontoon corps, they
soon brought the boat to the shore.
" Where are the oars ?" I demanded.
" There wasn't no oars in it whwi we got it."
" Are you sure of that?"
"Yes.'^
I knew this myself; but I only asked the question to
confirm them in the belief that I had something to do with
that boat.
" I suppose they are lost, then," said I, " and I will be obliged
to paddle it along with this board." And I picked up a
small board about the size of a common shingle.
I then got into the boat, and paddled toward the spot
where Jim stood. As it glided from the throng of bathers,
some of them began to suspect that I had deceived them,
and that I had no greater claim on the boat than they ; accord-
ingly, one called out : —
" Old fellow, I don't believe you have any business to take
that boat away."
" Ot, yes, I have— lots o' business," I replied. I was now
^4 dozen yards from them.
'* Look ! he's laughing I" said another.
I was laughing, and they looked upon the fact as being
the clearest evidence that I had " done" them.
" Bring that boat back I" sTaouted several.
I did not reply.
"Don't let him take it, fellows," said one, who, too big a
coward himself to attempt to prevent me, thought to incite
others to do so.
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 889
''Oh, do let me take it, fellows!" said I, mockingly.
"But we ioonH let you," said several.
"How do yott propose to prevent me?" I inquired.
" We'll show you !" And half a dozen plunged in, and
swam after me with a rapidity that led me to just wonder
whether I could paddle fast enough to escape with the boat.
They gained on me, and a chase of considerable interest
was soon in progress ; Jim saw the state of things from where
he stood^ and he was watching me with some anxiety.
"Hurrah!" he shouted; "you can distance them!"
"I know I can," I replied, although I was far from know-
ing it.
The crowd cheered my pursuers.
"Hurrah! hurrah !" catch him! you can do it!" shouted
a multitude of Voices.
" Then diu:k him when you catch him," added a number
6f others.
Duck me I Oh, horror ! I wondered whether they iimuld
undertake to put this fiendish suggestion into execution, in
case they should overhaul me. With redoubled energy, I
plied my paddle, and the boat skimmed the water with in-
creased speed. The distance between the pursuers and the
pursued began to increase ; save that one resolute fellow — a
better swimmer than the rest — continued to keep pace with
me ; nay, he was still gaining on me. The others gave up
tiie chase, but he kept on. I felt quite at ease now, however,
for I was not much afraid of one man taking a boat from me.
It was obvious that he would overtake me before I could
reach the shore at the point where Jim stood. When he was
within a few yards of me, I began to negotiate with him.
" I say, partner," I began, coolly, " are you aware that a
very slight tap on the cranium with some small weapon — a
piece of board, for instance— is sufficient to have the effect
of drowning a man when he is in the water ?"
" You^d better try it," he said, savagely ; atid he continued
the chase.
" I've just made up my mind to try it ; I think that after a
gentle tap on the crest, you will go down quietly this hot
840 OUB BOTS.
It must not be supposed that I really had the least notion
of hitting him.
" Hurrah I hurrah ! Don't give the chase up now 1 * Catch
him 1" shouted the spectators.
" Don't let him have it," said Jim. I was now within a
dozen yards of the shore.
" I fear I will be obliged to let him have it" I replied,
alluding to something else than the boat.
Upon hearing this my pursuer struck out with' such deter-
miuation, that the next moment he laid his hand upon the
stem of the boat. I was sitting aft, and looking, in an aw-
ful (?) manner, upon the fellow, I asked —
" Well, what do you propose to do ?"
"J am going to take this boat," he replied.
"Do you intend to swim all the way back with it, or get
in, throw me out, and paddle it back ?"
"I'm going to swim back with it>" he replied, with dogged
assurance.
"We'll see," said I.
" We will see," he retorted ; and he made spasmodic eflforts
to swim toward the crowd, and draw the boat after him.
But he discovered that he could only use one hand to
swim with while the other held the boat, and that my paddle
was superior to his one hand ; the boat, propelled by the
paddle, moved slowly toward the shore.
"I advise you to giv^o it up for a bad job," I said, in a
quiet, business-like way.
"No, I won't," said he, savagely; and he proceeded to
climb into the boat for the purpose of trying "that other
plan."
I did not interfere with his proceedings till his body was
poised upon the edge of the boat ; then, suddenly dropping
my paddle, I gave him, with both my hands, an impetus that
sent ^ him into the water several yards in rear of the boat
with a fearful splash I Before he recovered I reached the
shore and took Jim in. The gentleman who had given me
BO much trouble now thought it prudent to relinquish the
enterprise he had in view, which he did very reluctantly.
Me was verj wrotb, Tiovrev^i, «i.xA>aa ^oAl—
A HIDNIGHT SCSNS. 841
•^ Confound you I I wish the boat was in h — ^11, and you,
toor
"If so," I replied, provokingly, "you might stand a chance
of having another chase after us. But say, my friend, are
you going to swim all the way back to where your clothes are,
or shall I take you into the boat and convey you thither?"
" Oh, you scoundrel I You think you've aone something
sharp ; but I'll pay you ; I'll watch for you till you come
back, then d — d if I don't tan you."
" It won't be necessary, my covey," I replied ; " for if the
sun shines so hot as this all the time, I will be already tanmd
before I return."
" Oh, you needn't make light of it."
" I won't ; it would be difficult to make light of anything
you say."
We glided up the stream, leaving the foiled adventurer to
swim back at his leisure.
" L expect that fellow will be watching for us when we
return — ^he is so angry," said Jim.
" I scarcely think so ; it's a hot day, and he'll cool down."
" I don't know ; I think the crowd will urge him to wait
for us, that they majr see the fun."
The tide was commg in, and we soon disappeared from the
throng round a curve among the tall reeds. It was not so hot
on the water. Indeed, it was quite pleasant ; a slight breeze
fanned us, and we enjoyed ourselves prodigiously. We went
far up the stream, propelling the boat by turns, till it began
to grow more narrow and crooked. Having gone "about
fer enough," we concluded to return. Jim was at this time
using the paddle, and thinking that he was scarcely using it
with sufficient energy or skill, I said : —
"Jim, I can beat all such paddling as that."
. " I don't know," he replied.
^" I'll wager the buttons of my blouse that I can."
"Well, vou may try it."
I took the paddle, and Jim sat down amidships.
" I guess I'll try it standing up ; I can execute a longer
stroke," I suggested.
"Well, be careful that you dotf t IwioVA^ omV^
842 OUB BOYS.
"No danger."
I then brought a tremendous stroke, and the boat being
unsteady, I began to totter to and firo.
" Don't fall," cried Jim, laughing.
But I did fall. As I lost my equilibrium, I caught at the
side of the boat, but missed it, thrusting my right arm into
the water, and going in after it, upside down. The water
was very deep, and I did not go to the bottom ; I returned
to the surface. As my head popped out of water, I looked
about, and could see no boat — no Jim. Hearing a loud laugh
behind me, I turned me about in the water, and lookS.
There sat Jim in the boat, eight or ten yards from me, almost
bursting with laughter. I swam after the boat, and was soon
crawling up over the side.
" Where s your cap ?" asked Jim.
Sure enough ; where was my cap ? I knew it wasn't on
my head. Presently I espied it floating lazily upon the
water's surface at the spot where I had fallen in, I was
about to swim after it, but Jim said : —
" Get in ; we'll row the boat to it." And he laughed till
the tears ran down his cheeks.
Having procured my cap, I wrung the water •from my
clothes as well as I could, and the sun soon dried them.
•^That's your improvement in propelling a boat^ is it?"
said Jim.
"Certainly; anything is an improvement that decreases
the weight of the cargo."
As we rounded the bend above the point from which we
had started, Jim said : —
" There are those fellows waiting for us, as sure as I live !
They are determined to give us some trouble, for taking that
boat away."
" I do not presume that any of them will molest us but
that one; he will probably pitch into me. I wonder whether
he is as good a pugilist as he is a swimmer ?"
"I believe I recognize him standing there on the shore;
he doesn't look dangerous." And Jim pointed out the one
to whom he referred.
I recognized, in the oxve ^ovcvXft^ o^iJ^ "^^^ ^^^ V-^^.^ '^
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 348
desperately attempted to prevent me from taking the boat
away. He didn't look dangerous at all; he was rather
smaller than myself, and, I thought, not very compact.
There he stood, however, awaiting our approach, and looking
altogether as though he were determined to have satisfaction.
I didn't like the idea of mixing up with a rude fellow in a
rough-and-tumble aflfUif ; yet I was determined not to be
intimidated. Having landed our barque and made it fast,
Jim and I walked boldly up the sloping bank, talking about
the war. We would have passed on, but the soldier con-
fronted me, and said : —
" Now look here — I see by your stripes that you are a
sergeant, but I don't care a cuss for that ; I want to know
what you took that boat away for awhile ago ?"
" Oh, is that you ?" I asked, with a show of surprise.
"Yes, it's mc."
'^Oh, yes, I know you now by that cut on your face."
"What cut?" he exclaimed, raising his hand to his face.
" That great gash th^re from wnich all those profane oaths
came when I took the boat away," I replied coolly. He had
a very large mouth.
There wa& a laugh at his expense, and several of the
crowd said —
"Will you take that ?"
"Now," said he, decidedly, beginning to square off, "I
want to know what you took that boat away for ?"
" Why, is it possible that you don't know ?"
"No.'^
" Can't you guess ?"
" No, nor aint a goin' to try .'^ ,
" Well, then,' I'll tell you. I took it away for the purpose
of having a ride up the creek."
"You did, eh?"
"Yes, certainly."
"And do you know what I am going to do?"
"No; I have just been wondering."
" Why, I am going — ^I — I have a d — d notion to thrash
you." He was beginning to vacillate.
844 OUR BOYS.
" Have vou, though? Now that sounds dangerous — have
a notion, eh ? Well — why don't you do it ?"
" For a cent, I would."
" Well, I won't pay a cent to have it done. You know
how scarce change is here. You had better do it for no
liing."
" If it wasn't for raising a row — "
"Bah I bah I" shouted the spectators in derision; they
were somewhat disappointed, for they had expected to see a
fight as soon as I should land.
" Is that the whipping you were going to give that fellow
for taking the boat away ?" asked one.
"And for pushing you into the water, and nearly drown-
ing you ?" suggested a second.
" And for taunting you about having to swim back 7" put
in a third.
My adversary was silent.
'* If I was him, I'd whip you now," said a fourth.
My antagonist turned a little pale at the idea. The great
courage and determination which he had manifested in the
watei seemed to have deserted him now.
" Don't be alarmed," said I ; " I am not going to pitch into
you."
"I'm not afraid of that," he replied, a little stung, and
recovering a little of his wonted bravado.
For a while nothing was said.
" Well," said I, at last, wishing to bring the affair to a
crisis, " what do you intend to do ? li^ you are determined
to fight about the boat, why don't you go to work ? If not,
I will pass on ; ^it is growing late, and I expect to be on
guard this evening."
He was silent.
Now was my time to^impart a moral lesson; and I be-
gan :—
"Don't you see that those fellows are making a fool. of
you by urging you to fight about nothing? They care no-
thing for you, so that they see the fun."
"I think so myself," he said, thoughtfully.
' Then you are very iooWda \o ^^«*a^3 'Ca««vV
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 846
Jim and I walked on, and were not interrupted. The un-
fortunate youth, who had been made a dupe, was now freely
ridiculed by the crowd.
" Ha I ha I That's the great fight that Was to come off I"
"That's the 'way you were going to knock that fellow off
his pins. Ha I ha t"
. Presently the youth replied : —
"If you want to see a fight, go and fight the fellow your-
selves ; for be darned if /do I"
It was five o'clock when we reached camp. We had not
been there long, when Ser^^eant Anawalt came to my tent and
said : —
"You are detailed for guard to-night."
" I expected it," I replied.
"You are to act as officer of the guard"
"As what?"
" Officer of the guard."
"How is that?"
" Because our company must furnish an officer of the guard,
and Lieutenant Cue being in command of the company will
be called upon in his turn to act as officer of the day ; I being
first-sergeant, my duties will not allow me to do guard duty.
You are next in command, and must of course act as officer
of the guard."
This was true. Captain Conner and Lieutenant Moth were
missing ; Sergeant Graham had long since been transferred
to the Construction Corps ; Sergeant Zee had been killed at
New Market Cross Roads ; Sergeant Anawalt was now first-
sergeant, and I was next.
" Well," said I, " I will go of course ; but it will be awk-
ward for me to act in that capacity. I presume I must wear
sword ?"
"Yes; Lieutenant Cue will lend you his."
At six o'clock the call was sounded for guard-mount, ani
I walked out and took my place at the right of the line— the
sword I wore knocking awkwardly against my heels. As
the reader is probably aware, there is much eeremonjr con-
nected with the mounting of a new guard ; the forming in
order; the counting off; the inspeclion c& ^tkis.-, '^^\^5a&jas^
846 OUR BOYa
off; the close order and present arms; the wheeling into
sections and passing in review. During these delightful
little proceedings on this occasion, a cheer arose within the
camp, and swelled out over the whole division. Contrary
to military order and discipline, I turned my head toward
the camp, as did all, and saw the boys of all regiments run-
ning hither and thither, and forming groups here and there
apparently around some interesting or delightful object.
The truth flashed upon me ; an exchange of prisoners had
been effected, and those of OUB boys who had been captured
during the Seven Days' Fight wer%now returning to us from
Eichmond.
When the ceremony of guard-mount was concluded, I
marched my guard to head-quarters, relieved the old guard,
took a short ledve of absence, and went to our company
street. Sure enough, there stood Jim Roland, John Young,
Hen Underwood, and Mr. Ike Mayhom — all returned priso-
ners — surrounded by the boys, who were eagerly asking
questions in rapid succession.
" Did you see the captain or Lieutenant Moth in Eich-
mond ?" was asked.
" Yes, both of them ; and Greneral McCall and General
Eeynolds. We saw them in prison at Eichmond ; but we did
not remain there long till we were removed to Belle Island.
The oflBicers are not yet exchanged."
" Do you know anything of Mitchel or Jake Archibald ?"
" No ; but we saw Will Haddock. He is wounded."
It was amusing to hear the returned prisoners relate what
they had^seen and experienced during their captivity, espe-
cially on Belle Island. Mayhem's doings there were par-
ticularly interesting. Jim Eoland related an amusing anec-
dote of him of which I will give a brief sketch.
During the first day of their sojourn on the island, May-
horn observed a rebel lieutenant — an officer of the guard —
wearing a pair of magnificent boots. It at once occurred to
him that he would like to possess those boots. Being at
liberty to walk about the island, he watched the officer, fol-
lowed him from place to place, and haunted him like a
Blmdow till night. 'W^«t^ «A» \«&\»,\!D>fe 'qSjl^^ x^lxsod^ May-
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 847
horn succeeded in hooking the boots and making off with
them. Next morning, however, he began to grow ill at ease,
lest the oflScer, missing his boots, should institute a search,
discover the boots iu his possession, and deal summarily with
him, for he remembered that he was in a rebel camp. He,
therefore, carried the boots to another part of the island, and
sold them to one of the rebel sentinels for twenty dollars,
which was very cheap. The rebel supposed that he was get-
ting quite a bargain ; and so he was, as we shall presently
see.
Meantime, the bereaved officer missed his dear boots, and
took active measures to recover them, in the shape of offering
twenty dollars reward. Mayhorn* heard of it, and seeking
out the officer, he said : —
'* Will you give me the reward if I tell you who has your
boots?"
"Yes, certainly; why not?"
"I thought because I was a Yankee—"
" Oh, that makes no sort of difference ; tell me who has my
boots, if you know, and here are twenty dollars ;" and the
officer produced a twenty-dollar confederate note.
" Well," said Mayhorn, " I will point out the fellow who
has your boots, but I don't want him to know^ho informed
on him or to see me ; he would kill me if — "
" Very well ; he shall not see you. Come with me and
point him out, and here is your money."
The unfortunate rebel sentinel was on post aj; the time, and
wearing the stolen boots, large as life.
* " Yonder he is I He has them on I" exclaimed Mayhorn,
as he led the officer to a point from which the sentinel could
be seen.
" So he has I 0, the villain I The barefaced scoundrel I
— to steal my boots — here, take your money — O, I'll fix
Lira! Who would have thought it? — to steal my — and
from an officer — O, the — "
"It's too bad," said Mayhorn, sympathizingly ; and he
thrust his twenty -dollar bill into his pocket, and sought a
position from which he could see the — as he called \\>—fun.
TJse rebel ofBcer approached the afeTilYCvd^^V^ >w^&^^i&!^cs^%
848 OUR BOYS.
I
his beat displaying his boots to the best advantage — ^his
pantaloons thrust within .the tops.
"You burglar I" exclaimed the officer, savagely.
The sentinel looked up in innocent surprise.
" You criminal !" thundered the officer.
" What 1" And the rebel sentinel expanded his optics to
n incredibly large size.
" You complicated villain I"
"Why— I— what— "
" You unsophistipated knave I"
"What have /done?"
"What have you done! Varlet, look at those boots I"
The sentinel surveyed his boots with evident pleasure ; he
began to think that the officer was jesting with him. Suppos-
ing this to be a piece of unpardonable impudence and reckless
defiance, the officer grew violent.
"You infernal rascal! Off with those boots'!" he
vociferated.
The sentinel now perceived that the officer was in earnest ;
and he asked : —
" What do you mean, any how ?"#
"What do I mean! You d — d thief! You insolent
villain ! Thdise boots are mine ! You stole 'em : you know
you did!"
" They're my boots ; I bought 'em."
"You lie! You didn't!"
" I did ; I lyught 'em of a Yankee."
" You lying scoundrel ! I'll — Oobporal of the guard !"^
And the corporal made his appearance.
" Corporal," said the officer, " bring another man here, and
put him in this one's place. He has stolen my boots, and he
must be arrested."
" Yea, sir," replied the corporal, retiring.
" I didn't steal the boots," persisted the hapless sentinel.
" Yes, you did ; you — "
• "No, I—"
«Yes— "
"But—"
A MIDNIGHT SCENE. 849
" Not a word, or I'll punch a hole right through you, you
miserable icamp !"
The corporal soon reappeared, accompanied by three men ;
one to relieve the sentinel, the others to arrest the oflfender,
take off the stolen boots, and escort him to a place of confine-
ments What was afterward done with him is not known.
The returned prisoners related many other pleasing (?
stories ?onuected with their imprisonment on Belle Island.
'*It was remarkable," said one of them, in conclusion,
" what a snappish humor seemed to prevail among our fellows
while on Belle Island. The least thing in the world would
lead to a fight. For instance, one in walking by the tent of
another would accidentally strike his foot against a tent-pin or
cord. Then — ' Confound your d — d old tent V he would say.
'D — n your black-hearted feet; keep them off my tent I'
would come from within. *Go to the d — II' would be the
retort. 'I'll send you there mighty quick!' would be the
next thing ; and out would rush the ill-tempered inmate and
pitch right into the ill-tempered offender. Then they would
nave it, rough and tumble, up and down, pulling hair, goug-
ing eyes, and knocking teeth down throats. I cannot ac-
count for the ill-humor that pervaded while we were on the
island, save on the grounds that our allowance of rations was
80 small as to keep down our spirits. Short rations, you
know, will put any soldier out of humor."
"Yes," suggested Gaskill, who had been listening with
interest to the narration, " it's enough to put a fellow out of
humor when spirits can't be raised!^
1 returned to the head-quarters of the guard. Between
eight and nine o'clock that evening a tremendous rain, ac-
companied by thunder and lightning, visited Harrison's •
Landing and vicinity. The sky was overcast with heavy
black clouds, and the darkness, save when brilliant flashe
of lightning revealed everything, was intense. The rain
prured down in floods; the wind blew savagely; the
lightning gleamed in all its fierceness athwart the angry
heavens ; and the heavy thunder vibrated stunningly upon
the air. Nine o'clock came ; still the storm raged violently.
Aa I did not deem it really ne(ieaaaiT^,at ^^^^ \ss2c^^tv»S!i^
860 * OUR BOYS.
that men should be kept standing car.ip-guard during such
a night, I went to Captain Lemoii and asked his permission
to dismiss the guard for the night, assuring him that everj-
thing about camp would be perfectly safe without a gnanL
The brave are ever kind-hearted ana generous, and Captain
Lemon, who was about to retire, came to the door of his tent,
and peered oat.
" Yes, sergeant," he said, warmly, " dismiss thei guard and
let them go to their quarters ; it would be inhuman to keep
men exposed to such a storm as this, when there is no urgent
necessity."
I thanked him, and at once sent the sergeant and corporal
to the various posts with instructions to call off the sentinels
and send them to their quarters. I then repaired to my
quarters, laid off the sword I wore, stretched myself beside
my comrades, and was soon lulled to sleep by the steady
patter of the rain on our low tent.
A terrific discharge of artillery aroused me from my
slumber. It was followed by the whizzing of a solid shot and
the bursting of a shell over our camp. Another solid shot
struck the ground so near that I could feel the shock ; and
I sprang up. The rain had ceased to fall, but it was pitch
dark. Several shell went screaming over, bursting — the
fragments flying and singing in all directions. What could
it mean ? I sprang from our low tent and stood erect. As
I did so, I encountered Mose,'a contraband cook. He was
much terrified, and he exclaimed —
" My Lod I whar ar dey flingin' dem from ?"
I was just asking myself that question ; where were they
flinging them from ? The missiles — they were now flying
• through the air in great profusion — were certainly not coming
from the front; they appeared to be coming from the -river,
wliich was three-quarters of a mile distant. What could
it mean ? Had the artillerymen at the river batteries arose
in their sleep, turned their guns upon us, and opened fire ?
Or was it that rebel gunboat that was reported " iust finished"
come down from Eichmond to shell us. I lighted a match
and Jooked at my watch; it was twelve precisely. Jim,
Dick, and Haman emerged ?Tom \!>aa \«ktL\» ^m\Q\^^
A MIDNIGHT SCENE« 861
" What's up ?" they exclaimed.
" Why a big shell is w/>, and it's coming dbi^m," I replied ;
for at that moment I heard a shell approaching, which I
judged by the sound was coming in a neat line for the spot
where I stood.
I had barely uttered the words, when a monster shell struck
the ground with a shock, a dozen yards in our front, bound-
ing over our heads and bursting some distance behind.
" Why, it's getting warm I" exclaimed Jim.
" Yes — ^I wonder what it means ?"
At that moment, a solid shot struck in the street of Com-
pany " H," right at the feet of a sound sleeper who was yet
snoring away. It had the effect of arousing him, though,
and supposing himself to be killed, he sprang erect with such
violence as to tear up his low tent by the roots.
For a while, the hostile cannon seemed to have it all to
themselves ; but presently one of our gunboats, which lay a
thousand yards down the river, commenced operations. We
began to comprehend the true state of things. Several rebel
batteries of heavy artillery had come down to the opposite
bank and taken position under cover of the darkness ; they
had opened fire just at midnight between July and August to
give tne af&ir a romantic touch and facilitate the writing of
a novel on the a^ir, in future ages. — So I suppose.
A battle of some magnitude now took place. One of the
rebel batteries turned upon the gunboat, while the others
plugged away at us. The picture was a 'grand one — a
terribly grana one. The night being very dark lent great
effect to the scene. Flash after flash burst forth from the
gunboat, lighting up the surface of the James with a vivid
glare; and at each flash a stunning report with a dozen
echoes shook the earth, and a shell, with its tail of fire, could
be seen making a circle against the gloomy heavens, scream-
ing like a veiy demon, and bursting near the rebel batteries
with a crash. They followed each other so rapidly, that che
operations of the rebel batteries were thrown entirely in the
shade. The rebels couldn't stand it; their batteries were
soon silenced, and they beat a hasty retreat. Our gunboat
852 OUBBOYS.
continued to hurl "feelers" until it was obvious that they
liad fled beyond reach.
It was one o'clock ; the fight was over ; and we resumed
our slumbers.
The James River at Harrison's Landing is a mile wide.
As the rebels had no force opposite us, neither within miles
of us, on the south side of the river, no pickets had heretofore
been posted there. It now became a matter of importance
to take possession of the opposite shore of the James.
Accordingly, next morning, a regiment was sent over to
take possession, and to burn several beautiful mansions that
stood upon the green shore opposite our camp ; for it was
supposed that from observatories on these houses the rebels
had been, for some time past, keeping watch over our camps.
No opposition was offered to their landing, and they burned
the houses to the ground.
The day passed quietly away ; and at six in the evening,
I was relieved from guard.
About this time, we received '* Springfield Rifles" instead
of our muskets, and we were now a rifle regiment. We were
highly pleased at this ; for it cannot be doubted that the rifle
is a more effective weapon than the musket.
On the third day of August, a cavalry recbnnoissance was
made upon the south side of the James, to within ten or
twelve miles of Petersburg. When about five miles from
Harrison's Landing, our cavalry encountered a regiment of
Virginia cavalry drawn up in line to receive them. Our
fellows at once charged upon them, put them to flight, pur-
sued, drove them several miles, right by their camp near
" Sycamore Church," routing them completely. As they re-
turned, they destroyed all the tents and equipage about the
rebel encampment.
That evening, our regiment was detailed for picket duty
beyond the river ; and we were carried over l;^y one of the
transports. Nothing of importance occurred; and next
evening we returned.
On the fifth of August, McClellan recaptured Malvern
Hill; and but for a mistake that occurred in the disposition
KAK OVSJ^OARD. S58
of his forces, he would have bagged about thirteen thousand
rebels who were posted there.
At the same time the Army of the Potomac received orders
to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice, and we
supposed that a movement was about to be made on Bich*
mond. How little did we dream that the Peninsula was to
be abandoned I
CHAPTER XXXn.
"KAN OVBBBOABDI"
It was evening. We were about to leave our camp at
Harrison's Landing — ^about to march — we knew not whither.
It was obvious 'that we were going to embark, for we
marched toward the landing. Whither were we going? -
Probably to Malvern Hill ; probably to City Point, in order
to move on Petersburg ; probably we were going around to
join Pope. We halted near the landing to await orders.
Night came on, but it was not very dark ; the full moon
was looking serenely down from a cloudless sky. After
much delay, we embarked. We found ourselves aboard a
crowded steam transport, with scarcely room to lie down.
Every nook and corner was speedily occupied, and I began
to ask myself where I should sleep ? After some considera-
tion I ascended to the hurricane deck ; I found it so crowded
with soldiers who had already lain down to sleep, that to
walk from stem to stern without stepping upon some one's
shins, stomach, or head^ would be a very skilful feat,
indeed.
By and by it occurred to me that to sleep on the wheel-
house might not be impracticable. Yet, would there not be
danger of rolling off? No, I could arrange that ; there was
a beam extending across the top of l\i^ ^\i^^\-W\^^^ ^:cA. \.
28
8M ' 0UBB0Y9.
might lash myself to it by means of my knapsack-straps, I
resolved to try it ; and I was soon at the summit of one of
the wheel-honseS) with my accoutrements. I lashed my gun
to one side of the beam, and myself to the other. I lay with
my feet at the edge. Not long after my arrangements were
completed, the boat was got under way, and we moved off —
down the James.
My eyes were soon closed in sleep.
''Jumping Joseph! if that isn't a place for a fellow to
sleep 1"
"Isn't it, though!"
" Why, I wonder that he didn't roll off during the night I"
" He might have done so, and it wouldn't hare awakened
him— if one may judge by the way he is sleeping now."
"Ha, ha I Come nowl" and I received a hearty thrust
on the ribs.
The voices were those of my messmates. I was about
half awake — in that dreamy state when one hears all that
is said, yet is not sufficiently himself to speak. At last,
however, I opened my eyes, and found that it was morning.
Haman had climbed up to my lofty perch, and was endeavor-
ing to break the stubborn chains of slumber wherewith I
was bound; Dick and Jim remaifaed upon the hurricane
deck, which was eight feet below, and they were enjoying a
laugh at my expense.
" How is this ?" asked Haman.
'• How is what?" I queried, rubbing my eyes.
" What ever put it into your head to come up here to sleep?
— we have been looking for you al^ over the boat."
** I selected this place as being the least crowded, and the
most airy."
•' You might . have found it more watery. Suppose you
had ratted off 1" •
"Nofliingdr of my rolling ofl^" I replied, carelessly, opn-
ceallTig the fact that I had lashed myself to the beam.
" I wouldn't like to risk my life that way," said Jim.
" Nor would I," said Dick.
''Ob, it wasn't mucVv o? 2^1 t\^\ \ ^j«i%\«e it would have
HAN OYEBBOABD. 865
aroused me from my sleep had I fallen off. But vrhere dre
we ? Are we still on the James ?"
"Yes."
" Then the boat has not been moving all night ?"
** No ; she has been lying at anchor ever since eleven o'clock
in the night."
" And how long has she been under way ?"
"An hour."
" Have we passed the mouth of the Chickahominy yet ?"
"Yes, only a quarter of an hour since."
" Well, really, I wish you had not disturbed me for a while ;
I was just in the midst of a glorious dream of sitting down
to a dinner of ro^st turkey." •
"We awoke you to give you some coffee; we have suc-
ceeded in getting some boiled at the furnace, by paying the
fireman a quarter. So, come below, and we will drink it."
"What! can it be possible that you have left it below
without any one to watch it?" I asked, in surprise.
" Oh, nO; not by any means. It is still in the hands of the
fireman."
" Oh, I thought — " and I set about unbuckling the straps
which bound me to the beam.
"Oho I I see now why you didn't roll off, ha! ha! Yott
lashed yourself to the timber," exclaimed Haman, observing
the secret; and my comrades rallied me immoderately.
Leaving my ejects lashed to the beam, I accompanied the
boys below, and we regaled ourselves with a cup of coffee —
the soldier's friend. This done, we returned to the hurricane
deck, in order to enjoy the delightful scenery that adorned
the shores of the James. Many beautiful cottages and man-
sions, surrounded by romantic trees, stood on the picturesque
shores.
About noon we arrived at Hampton Roads. Here we saw
all that" was visible of the wreck of the Cumberland ; viz.,
three masts, with the wonted rigging, protruding in a slant-
ing manner twenty or thirty feet from the water.
We also passed a number of schooners each with a heavy
mortar mounted upon deck. Transports, tugs, and gunboats
greeted our vision in great numbers.
856 OUB BOYS.
By and by we approached the bay. Near the mouth of
the river we ob/terv^ a hill, as it were, rising from the
water. On nearing it, it appeared to be a hu^e heap of
stones ; and it was. It is known as the " Rip Raps." Oppo-
site this on the left was Fortress Monroe, and is yet, I pre-
sume. We glided out upon the bay and cast anchor, which
afforded me an excellent opportunity to view the stupendous
fortifications. It is scarcely in my line to describe them.
Suffice it to say that two hundred and fifty barbette guns
frowned upon us ; and an equal number of heavy guns could
be seen peeping out from the port-holes. The two celebrated
guns, " Lincoln" and " Union," were mounted upon the sandy
shore in front of the fort.
Splash I
" Man overboard I man overboard I"
" Where ? who ? where is he ?"
There was an unreasonable amount of confusion, of run-
ning to and fro, of bumping against each other, and of tread-
ing, upon each other's toes. Evidently a man had fallen
overboard. We had been lying off Fortress Monroe at
anchor for an hour. All heard a wild splash, but none, saw
any one fall ; none knew who it was that had fallen over-
board, or where he fell from. Whoever it was,,if he was not
a swimmer, certainly* stood an excellent chance of drowning,
for the water was no less than ten fathoms deep, and that is
" over any man's head." Men were anxiously peering over
the sides of the boat at every point ; but no one could be
seen in the water.
" Who is it ? who is missing ?" asked some one.
No one could tell ; each one looked at himself to make
sure that he wasn't missing.
I was at that time aft on the lower deck ; I looked over,
but could see no one. I listened. Presently I thought I
heard a movement in the water below — a slight: ripple.
Owing to the projection of the deck I could not see the rud-
der. I climbed over a low railing, and stood upon a space of
three inches; theu I gtaaijjed the railing for support, and, "
MAN OVERBOARD. 357
leaning over, saw, in the grefen water below the leg and foot
of some mortal, minus any apparel.
"Here he is I" I shouted.
/'Where? who is it?" and a rush was made for the stem
of the boat, and many heads were thrust over the railing,
making my situation precarious
" Some one appears to be holding to the rudder."
A boat was soon lowered and rowed to the stern.
" Why, it's a fellow in a swimming 1" exclaimed one of
the boatmen.
" Yes," said a voice, which, I doubted not, belonged to the
owner of the foot and leg which I saw, " of course it is ;
what is the use of making such a fuss about it ?" .
" Why, it's Teddy Smith, of our company 1" exclaimed one
of the boys of Company "A," on hearing the voice.
" Yes, and he's boozy, too," said another.
" I say, Teddy," called out one of his comrades, " get into
the boat and come out ; the transport will move up the bay
soon."
" Not a bit of it till I get my swim out," replied Teddy ;
"it's not every day that a fellow has such a nice chance for
a dive— no danger of striking one's head against the bottom ;"
and Teddy let go the rudder, disappeared beneath the water,
and presently came up near one of the wheel-houses, climbed
aboard, and proceeded to don his garments.
It was near two o'clock when we moved up the bay.
About four o'clock we encountered a squall ; and the wind
was so strong as to materially retard our progress. The
waves rolled savagely and threatened to capsize us; for our
vessel was not a sea-going one.
That night we anchored near the mouth of the Potomac, and
I retired as on the previous night, and was soon wrapped in re-
pose. When I awoke, it was yet dark, and the air was very
cool ; the temperature of the atmosphere was here quite at va-
riance A^ith that at Harrison's Landing. The air felt decidedly
too chilly and damp to sleep with much comfort on the
wheel-house. Loosing myself from the beam, I crawled
down, and made my way to the hold of the vessel; which
operation was attended with sundry ^l\iiu\:i\\\v'gi ^^^^itS.^x^'^-
858 OUB BOTS.
over-men, whereupon the stumbled-and-fallenover awoke,
and called down numberless imprecations upon mj unhappy
head. At last, finding a vacant spot of three feet by eiglit
inches, I doubled myself up and lay down for a nap. Whea
I again awoke, I discovered that my arms and legs were
still asleepf owing to stagnation of the blood, the result of
compressing myself into so small a space. It was day, and
the boat was in motion. I made my way to tlie upper deck,
and there, near the wheel-bouse, I beheld a scene which I shall
never forget. There stood Dick, Haman, and Jim, the most
solemn-looking men in the world ; they were gazing sorrow-
fully upon my goods, which still lay lonely and desolate upon
the spot where my form had slept Dismay was written on
the face of my messmates.
" Poor fellow I" I heard Jim say.
The truth flashed upon me: they supposed that I had
rolled oflf during the night, and was a '*goner". In truth,
indications certainly favored such « conclusion, l^ere
were my accoutrements, just as I might have suddenly and
unexpectedly rolled away from them — my knapsack, cart-
ridge-box, and haversack, where my head had been ; my
wool blanket still stretched out as it bad been when I lay
upon it, and my tent-blanket fast by one corner, and hang-
ing lazily over the side of the wheel-house.
"He ought to have known better," said Dick, a tear
thrusting itself from his eye.
" I suppose there is no hope of recov— "
Haman could not finish the sentence.
• " Oh, it's awful !" said Jim. No doubt he was beginning
to ruminate upon the task that would fall to his lot — writing
to my friends.
They had not the least doubt that I was drowned. This
circumstance gave me opportunity to observe the fact that
my messmates harbored the warmest feelings for me— affec-
tion, in fact. I thought that it would be cruel to keep them
any longer mourning their supposed losg. Accordingly, I
abruptly confronted them, remarking that it was a ''fine
morning ; though a little cool after the rain, to be sure."
" Why— ah— I— what I"—" Well !— "
KAN OVEBBOARD. 859
"If he— this — well—" were their broken exclamations.
" What's up, my coveys ?" I innocently queried.
"Oh, we thought it was'aZZ up with you 1"
" How so ?" I coolly asked. " •
" We felt sure that you had fallen oflf the boat and were
drowned.*
"You did?"
"Yes, certainly."
" What, in the name of all that's mysterious, ever put such
an idea into your heads ?" I asked, in pretended amazement ;
at the same time, I thought the idea the most natural in the
world.
''Because we knew that you slept here, and seeing your
eflFects hanging in this way, and you gone, it was very natu-
ral for us to suppose that you had fallen oflF during the
night."
"Well, that's a joke," I said.
" If you ever do such a thing again — " began Jim.
" Oh, you have no room to say anything," I interrupted ;
"you know what a fright you gave us all at Mechanicsville,
when we thought you either killed or a prisoner !"
We went below, and took breakfast ; which means drink-
ing a cup of coffee without milk or sugar, and eating two
hard crackers.
Meanwhile, our boat glided up the Potomac ; and about
ten o'clock, we arrived at Aquia Creek Landing, and there
disembarked. This done, a rush was made iipon all* the sut-
lers and storekeepers in the vicinity ; and we purchased all
the cakes, pies, apples, cheeSe, lenjonade, and whiskey which
they chanced to have on hand.
Here we heard the most interesting stories of what was
going on. Pope had just fought a terrible battle with the
rebels, at Oedar Mohn tain, and both sides had held their
ground. Then three hundred thousand volunteers had.
arrived in Washington, and were about to join Pope. The
latter individual was to take command of all the troops east
of the Allegheny Mountains ; and he was going to call them
"The Army of Virginia." He was also to enter Kichmon3
" the ]ast of this week, or the first, ot Xie^tC C>V, $vftax\
860 OUR BOYS.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
TALMOUTH AGAIN. •
The reader is probably aware that there is a railroad
running from Aquia Creek Landing to Richmond via Fred-
ericksburg. A train of cars was soon ready to convey us
to the latter place ; we embarked and away we went. On
this occasion I placed myself, in company of a number of
others, on the roof of one of the cars. About half way
between Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg the railroad crosses
a deep gorge, through which a small stream quietly flows.
The depth of this gorge is ninety feet; its width three hun-
dred feet. The bridge over it consisted of tressel-work. The
. train was moving very slowly over the bridge, and I could
not help thinking what a fall it would be from the top of
the car to the brook, a hundred feet below ; for, setting my
mathematical faculties to work, I supposed the car to be ten
feet high, and I added it to the height of the bridge, arriving
at the sum of one hundred feet. While making these scien-
tific calculations, the train suddenly separated ; the fore part
moved on after the locomotive, leaving several cars, mine
among them, standing upon the unsteady bridge. Thus wB
were left on the bridge for ten or fifteen minutes, while the
train was being reconnected. During that time I felt very
uncomfortable, especially as a d'runken fellow of Company
"G" was on the same car, and talked of jumping over just
for exercise, and even proposed taking one of us along. He
was a stout fellow, too, and I feared that he might take me
along, as I sat near him ; which, considering that there was
nothing on the roof of the car to cling to, was very unpleas-
ant to contemplate. At last, to my relief, the train was
joined together, and we moved from the bridge.
The train stopped at a depot of Government stores half a
mile from the Rappahannock, and we disembarked and
inarched to the top of a\x\\\ ^\\\xXa ^^i \Rk "vki^ VS\.,^Wte wa
FALMOUTH AGAIN. 861
found an unoccupied encampment of Sibley tents of wnich
we at once took possession. Several other regiments soon
after arrived.
When we were settled down in our new quarters, Jim
an^ I concluded to take a walk in quest of fruit. We
rambled over the country for several hours, and on our
return we observed a flock of fine sheep in a field at the
right of the road. Jim suggested that we might get up a
crowd and come out after one that evening ; and with this
idea we hurried to camp, which we reached about six o'clock.
As we approached, the most coJ)ious cheering arose and was
borne to our ears.
" Hark, what's that ?" said Jim.
" It sounds like cheering," I replied^
" I wonder what's up ?"
" Hard to say. It's scarcely marching orders^
'No; perhaps Pope has taken Richmond."
"Or perhaps the rebels, alarmed at his approach, have
'aaocumbed."
''That's it, no doubt."
Our conjectures were miserably at fault. Two horsemen
rode into camp ; they were the brave Reynolds and Meade :
the former, having been a prisoner, was now exchauged ; and
the latter had suflSciently recovered from his wounds to be
able to take th^ field again. General Reynolds took com-
niand of the division, and General Meade* of tlie First Bri-
gade. We felt like cheering when we saw these heroes with
us again.
After supper we made arrangements to go sheep-ptealing
as soon as night should come. Our party was soon made
up ; it consisted of Jim, Haman, Dick, and myself, and ano-
ther mess, namely, our friend Dennis, George Wagner, and
Mr. David Cease. When eight o'clock came we found it
dark enough to embark in our enterprise, and we sallied*
forth. Just think of it, reader, respectable men' like our-
selves going out deliberately and premeditately to steal sheep.
Sheep-stealing, you kncTw, is universally acknowleged to be
of all thefts — of all crimes — the meanest and the niost d^-
grading. Bat we were soldiers.
362 OUB BOYS.
We arrived at a gate that opened into the sheep-field, ana
there held a council of war. How should we set, about
tackling one of those sheep ? Each proposed a plan of his
own, which he considered to be infinitely superior to those
of all the rest put together. At last, however, the foUowftig
plan was agreed upon : that we should all get over into the
field at once, and " try to catch one, some how." This wise
plan could only have originated with a deep-thinking, far-
seeing man (?). I am not prepared to say who the proposer
was, but I think it was Mr. Cease.
We entered the field, and, after much searching, found the
sheep. They smelt a rat, sprang up, and bounded away like
the wind. One of them had a hoil on, too, and it rattled and
rung so prodigiously, that all the dogs for tw^ity miles
around had a good bark over the aflBair.
After much skillful manoeuvring, we succeeded in driving
all the sheep into a comer of the field; then we felt sure of
one. Slowly, steadily, we advanced upon them, ivt a kind
of "line of skirmishers." At last, our proximity became'
painful to the sheep, and they made a wild, vk>knt, desperate
rush through our lines. I grabbed a big fellow by the wool,
but he was going by with such velocity that I was thrown
at full length upon the ground, my head striking a stone
with such violence that the quantity of fire exhibited to my
vision was truly wonderful. The rest of the party fared
similarly — all save Haman. He, more fortunate than any
other of the party, succeeded in capturing a nice animal;
though the way it struggled was anything but nice.
" Hold him fast, Haman I" said Jim, arising from where he
had last lain.
" Don't let him get away, Haman I" said Dick, rising to
a sitting posture.
" Knock him on the head, Haman 1" exclaimed Cease ; and
I wondered what he would do it with.
" Take this, and cut the throat of him," suggested Dennis,
handing him a knife which he had brought along for the
purpose.
Haman did cut "Oi^ t!ato^\» of him" whereupon his
Btmggles ceased. • TViia ;ob ^aa y^^x. ^m^^xs^ %s^^^
FALMOUTH AGAIN. 863
wondering whether we were observed, when Cease suddenly
exclaimed : —
"Listen I I am sure I hear somebody coming!"
I then felt relieved; for, when Cease said that he heard
some one, I was convinced that no one was about. Mr.
Cease, in addition to -his peculiar untruthful qualities, pos-
sessed anything but iron nerves ; And he felt ill at ease, lest
the owner of the sheep, who resided in a house near at hand,
should come out with a shot-gun, and kill us all at one shot.
George Wagner, being a butcher, removed the hide of the
animal in a business-like way, and we hid it. He then cut
the sheep up into seven pieces ; and half an hour after, we
entered camp, each carrying the one-seventh part of a sheep.
The result was that we had mutton three times a day for
twenty-four hours.
We had been in camp several days, when our company
and another were detailed for railroad guard. We were to
guard the road from the river to the high bridge previously
mentioned. We started at eight o'clock in the morning, and
marched up the road toward Aquia Creek, dropping off in
squads at the various posts. I was left in charge of a squad
of ten, at a point near our old camp-ground. Having posted
several sentinels, I concluded to visit our old homes ; and,
crossing a thickly-wooded valley, I found myself at the spot.
Two months had wrought a great change ; I could scarcely
recognize our old camp-ground. It was overgrown with
weeds and grass; and thick bushes had sprung up and
covered the spot where our tent had stood. 'Twas very quiet
and lonely now in that pine wood. A bird here and there
might be seen hopping from branch to branch, uttering, ever
and anon, some little note that sounded too mournful for a
song. Only here and there the sun penetrated the thick
foliage. The scene was one of solitude.
My mind reverted to the time, but a few months gone,
when that green grove was a scene of life and mirth— when
the roll of the drum and the bugle notes floated gaily cut
among those green pines. I fancied I could still hear our
brass band playing some favorite air at guard-mount or at
AresS'parade. Where now was iVial \^<^A\i«^\\wi% ^^'vss^^
864 OUB BOYS.
Gone I* I thought of the many merry voices, now hushed
forever, that once rang out in joyous peals of laughter, at
some amusing little scene of camp-life — at some trick or
prank of Gaskill, perhaps ; 'twas at th.e spring's early open-
ing. They were gone now ; they would join our ranks no
more ; they would answer to roll-call lio more ; their names
were no longer called now ; the word " killed" or " missing"
was written opposite the names of many on the roll-book. I
thought of many of our brave comrades, once so full of care-
less glee, whose forms now lay mouldering away in front of
Bichmondl I thought of many who, two months before,
full of eager anticipations of glory, marched with us from
that camp-ground, to return to it no more forever 1 Near
at hand lay the old camp-ground of the Fifth; and as I
looked upon it, I thought of the brave Colonel Simmons.
He, too, was gone — gone to the land of shadows !
I returned to the railroad.
At two o'clock Lieutenant Cue came to my post and re-
quested me to go to camp for the mail, which would probably
arrive at three. I walked down the railroad, and soon found
myself in camp. I went to the quartermaster and inquired
whether the mail had yet arrived; he said it had not. I
then concluded to wait till it should arrive, and, in the mean-
time, I went to my tent to write a letter to a friend. I took
my writing materials from my knapsack, and was soon fen-
gaged in telling my friend "all about it." I had about
finished — in fact, I had just written " I remain very respec — "
when a voice called out —
" Hilloa, sergeant I all alon^ ?"
I looked up, and there, just without the tent, stood Capiain
Conner and Lieutenant Moth. T dropped .my pen — it was
full of ink — right on my letter, niaking a savage splotch,
and, springing out, seized them by the hands.
"Why, captain, is this— can it be you?— and you lieu-
tenant ?"
"It's us— where are all the boys?" asked the captain,
eagerly.
♦ While we were on tVe Ywa\Tv^\j\«k, «XV \iwAA, «was^\. \sias\.v».\ b&mU«
jrere dispensed with, by otdw ol \\ia ^«at^\.w^ ^1 ^R^t.
FALMOUTH AGAIN* 866
"They're on railroid-guard a few miles above; I came
down for the mail."
"And how are the boys ?"
"As usual — those left of them. But, captain, you look
thin ; does not Bichmond agree with you ?"
"No; provisions are scarce there."
"And you, lieutenant," said I, addressing Lieutenant Moth,
••you, too, look slightly slighC
"Y^s," he replied; "life in Eichmond is not what it is
tracked up to be."
I conducted them to Lieutenant Cue's tent, and they sat
down ; whereupon we all related what had befallen us since
we were together before.
. It was past four o'clock when the mail came. When it
did arrive, I took that of Company " D," and was abput to
go up the railroad when Captain Lemon rode into camp, and
seeing me, said —
" Sergeant, are you going up the railroad ?"
" Yes, sir," I replied.
" Then as soon as you reach the first post send word up
from post to post that we have marching orders — that we
will march to-night, and that the two companies on duty are
to return to camp immediately."
I hastened to the railroad at. a*startliDg pace; when I
reached it, I hurried up, going over four ties at a step. On
reaching the first post, I sent a messenger up the road, giv-
ing him the mail to distribute, and charging him to deliver
the marching orders at each post without delay.
At dark we stood in line in front of our camp, waiting for
orders ta march-*-we wondered whither.
888 OUB BOTB.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
BULL BUW.
A LONG time we awaited the order to march. A^ last,
when it began to rain, the order" came and we marched from
camp. We moved down the hill, crossed the railroad near
the depot, and crossed a small creek which I fell into, it was
so dark, and got thoroughly saturated ; and as it was raining
at a reasonable rate, it was probable that I should remain so
for a while. The darkness every moment grew more intense,
till it arrived at a pitch of perfect gloom. After crossing the
creek we found ourselves upon a level plain of some extent
just below Falmouth ; but it was so dark that the proper
point by which to leave the plain could not be found, and
we actually made a circuit of a mile and arrived at the place
from which we started. We were then ordered to stack
arms and rest for the night. After several hours the rain
ceased to fall.
Next morning we arose, passed through Falmonth, and,
taking a northwest road, marched up the Bappahannock.
We marched during the whole day, and near evening were
visited with a tremendous rain of an honr's duration. Soon
after, we halted, having marched twenty-nine miles since
morning. During the whole day the so^nd of artillery had
been beard at intervals in the distance. It was still further
up the river, and at night it sounded scarcely nearer than
it had in the morning.
We bivouacked for the night in a clover-field at the road-
side.
Next morning we were taking our coffee, when, seeing
Lieutenant Moth pass by, I invited him to sit down and take
a cup with us ; and, thanking me, he complied. I imagined
he gave me a pkasantet loot ^w this occasion than he had
ever given me bcfox^. lAevvXsvi^tA. "\!LoSki^^a %.\st^i:^<^\fissaM^
BtTLL BUN. ' 307
and naturally warm-hearted^ and he could not pass lightly
over a little act of kindness. |
• Presently the captain approached, spoke pleasantly to us
all, and addressing Lieutenant lioth, said—
*' Lieutenant, you will take comjnand of the company ; I
am to assist Captain Lemon in commanding the regiment."
" Yes, sir ; I imagine things are fixing up for a fight, don't
you ?" •
At that moment a discharge of artillery was heard up the
Bappahannock.
"There," said the captain; "that sounds like it."
** Yes ; do you know where it is, captain ?"
" I have understood that it is at Rappahannock Station."
" I suppose we will move soon."
''Yes; the division will march in half an hour."
Bre long we were in motion. We took a road that
diverged slightly to the right, and which seemed to lead
directly toward the firing, the sound of which continued to
reach our ears. By and by we noticed that the sound was
growing gradually nearer as we advanced.
During the forenoon the clouds rolled: away, and the day-
became very hot. Water was very scarce during this. day's
march; not a stream lay in our way; houses we seldom
passed ; and when we did, we wereHiothing the better for it,
fbr we were strictly forbidden to leave the road. My can-
teen was empty, and so were nearly all in the regiment. For
several miles I looked eagerly and in vain for some small
stream at the ipoadside. At last I resolved to strike for the
first house that should come in view, hoping that, perchance,
I might not be observed by any general officer, and might
succeed in filling my canteen at a spring or well.
At length a house hove in sight; it stood several hundred
yards from the road. On arriving at a point not quite
opposite, I scaled the fence, and ran across the field toward
the house. I was half way to the house, when I heard some
one calling out, from the road —
'^ Hilloa there, you 1"
Very naturally supposing myself to be the "hilloa-there-
you" addreased, I turned toward the To^ii wA ^a»^ Xb^^swsst^
868 OUB BOT8.
t
If eade, who was riding at the head of the colamn, heiS}^cs£ng
to me in a decidedly savage manner. . y
" Come back here !" he cried.
There was nothing left for nje but to *obey ; for I knew
that the old general carried a brace of strong-shooting revol-
vers, and how was I to know that he wouldn't blaze away at
me if I didn't return ? I, therefore, retraced my steps, wish-
iilg General Meade's spectacles* at the bottom of the well at
that house, and three pints of water in my canteen in ex-
change for them.
A mile further, we passed through a little valley in which
lay the bed of a stream ; but there was no water in it. The
column halted here, and, following the course of the brook,
I at last arrived at a pool of stagnant water, through which
all manner of "wiggle-tails" and overgrown animalcules
were sporting. I unhesitatingly filled my canteen from this
pool, taking care to exclude those innocent little creatures.;
for it would have been cruel to deprive them of liberty, and
to confine them within the narrow limits of my canteen. I
returned to the regiment.
The reader may think it strange that, after so much rain,
there were no streams of running water. It is easily ex-
plained; for some weeks back, the weather had been un-
usually dry ; and when the rain did come, it was speedily
swallowed up by the parched earth.
At two o'clock, we reached Rappahannock Station. A few
pieces of light artillery, planted upon a small redoubt, were
playing away upon the rebels, who occasionally made their
appearance a mile beyond the river. The bridge was
leisurely burning, and a few trains of cars that stood near the
station, laden with commissary stores, were undergoing the
same delightful operation. We expected that a halt would
be ordered here, but it was not ; we marched on. About
four o'clock, we were once more treated to a magnificent
storm of rain, wind, thunder, and lightning. At night, we
halted and bivouacked at a place which was "no place;" for
* General Meade usnaUy wore a pair of spectacles, and it was through
tbem that he bkw me *, hi« v^^«i« ol v^jc^^^Wnu^^t^ Mtonishing.
^ BULL RUK. 369
there" was tid village, house, nor habitation in the vicinity.
We lay down on the wet grass, and a kind of miserable
sleep stole over ns, and rested on us till morning. When
morning came, it was discovered that it was Sunday ; though
how i^ was found but, I never could tell, nor even conjecture.
We ag^in took up our line of march toward Warrenton j
we readied it about noon. Sheering off to the left, we took
positicifcfc^ a range of hills one mile west of the* town.
There we lay till the following day. We became aware that
fighting was going on some distance to the west. We could
see the smoke arise from the field, and now and then the
explosion of a shell in the air. We were ordered to fall into
line, and be ready to march.
The division soon moved out the road, and at a point three
or four miles west of Warrenton, we halted and stacked arms.
We lay at this point for two days. On the second night
we received two days' rations, together with orders to be
re ady to march on the following morning.
When morning came, we fell into line, and after standing
three or four hours;, we marched from the field in which we *
stood, into the road — back toward Warrenton.
We marched directly through Warrenton, taking the
Alexandria pike, eastward. •
While passing through the town, I observed a sergeant
whose form appeared familiar, standing upon a sidewalk; as
we marched by, he turned toward us, and I beheld Sergeant
Graham. He recognized me, and rushing out, seized '»jiy
hand!
" Why, how are you ?" he exclaimed. .
" I'm all right — how are you ?"
"The same." '^
"Are you still with the construction corps ?"
" Yes ; but it shouldn't be called that now."
"What then?"
" It should be called a c?estruction corps."
"Why so?"
" Because, for the last week, we have been busily engaged
in Durning bridges, destroying stores which could not.be re-
moved, and tearing up things, generally."
24: ^'
870 OtJRBOYS. ^^
** Have you an idea as to where we are bound for 1^
•' Why, it is reported that Pope has dextrously decoyed
the rebels through Thoroughfare Gap, that he has enticed
them to follow him to Bull Bun, and that we being on this
tide of them, they are entirely surrounded."
" 0, that's glorious ! I suppose that this movement is to
hem thf m in more closely — to tighten on them."
" No doubt. But I must return to our rendezvous ; we,
too, will march soon. Good-bye."
"Good-bve."
During this conversation. Sergeant Graham walked beside
me as we moved along. He now returned to the head-quar-
ters of the construction corps.
It was generally reported that the rebel army was — bagged
at last I We began to think that General Pope was a very
great man, and that, after this mighty achievement, the great
warlike deeds of Alexander the Great, of Julius Caesar, and
Napoleon Bonaparte would be cast entirely into the shade —
would sink into gloomy oblivion.
We marched slowly toward Bull Run; it would not do to
inarch fast; it was necessary that much caution should be
observed, lest a part of the rebel force should escape us ; and
we didn't want that to happen, we wanted to capture all.
The country was, accordingly, scoured on all sides, as we
moved slowly along. We thought this a sure guard against
the escape of the leader of the rebel army, who would cer-
tainly endeavor to eftect his own escape.
When night came, we found ourselves only ten miles east
of Warrenton. We halted, formed Jine of battle facin<r
toward the northeast, stacked arms, made our coffee, dranl*
it, and lay down to sleep.
Early next morning, we arose, formed, and resumed our
inarch. For a quarter of an hour, we marched very fast ;
but at the end of that time, we were suddenly brought to a
stand-still. After a few minutes, we moved on again ; but
very slowly — very cautiously ; so slowly that it was noon
before we found ourselves five miles from the place we left
in the morning. Again we halted ; and again we moved on.
Several miles were passed over in a reasonable space of time,
t
BULL RUN 871
when the report of a^ cannon was heard a mile in onr front,
and a shell flew over our heads, striking in a Held on our
right. A halt was ordered. Half a dozen additional shell
and shot now came crashing and smashing around us. Gene-
ral Reynolds— brave fellow — was among us; and, with
soldierly coolness and courage, he proceeded to arrange a
line of battle.
As the reader will surmise, a rebel battery had opened
* upon us ; and with great earnestness, too, for shot and shell
began to follow each other in rapid succession, striking about
us in the most familiar manner.
Our brave little adjutant had just ridden by me to convey
some order to Captain Conner, who was at the left of the regi-
ment, when I heard a shell explode not far behind me. I
turned, and saw a riderless horse plunge wildly from amid a
cloud of smoke and dust, run a short distance, then fall. I
perceived that a shell had exploded in the very midst of
Company " G." When the smoke cleared away, I beheld
the form of the adjutant lying prostrate, bleeding, motionless,
upon the hard pike. The regiment had not yet moved, and
I stood gazing upon the scene with great interest. I felt like
going to the spot, but I did not like to leave my place at
such a time. Captain Conner hastened to the assistance of
the adjutant, and lifted him up. He was not dead ; but the
blood was flowing from his face, and his right thigh was
horribly mangled. He was carried to the rear, and his leg
was soon amputated. He was not the only sufferer from
that shell ; seven others, of Companies " G" and " B," were
either killed, or disabled forever. Among the killed was a
very dear friend of mine — Sergeant William Leathead, of
Company "G" — who was torn in a shocking manner. Several
lost an arm or a leg ; one lost both legs.
One of our batteries, hastily taking a position, replied to
the rebel battery, and the latter soon ceased to play. Line
of battle was formed. Our regiment took position at the
margin of a wood upon a slight elevation on the left of the
road. We could see dark lines of rebel infantry upon a
range of hills a mile to our front, and a little to our left.
We had very little doubt that a fight was at hand— that a
^72 OUB BOYS.
force of rebelfl were about to cut their way out of tbe net
into which laey had been drawn by General Pope. What>
therefore, w^ our surprise, our amazement, our astonish-
meniy our disappointment^ our chagrin, when, after standing
in line for half an hour, we were suddenly marched by the
right flank, across the road, through a wood, across a field,
over a hill and £ar away ! We marched across the countij
several miles, when we reached a common road, filed into it
and turned toward Manassas. As we had had no rain for
several davs, a big one came up and presented us with a
complete ducking at this interesting crisis. This over, it
was found to be four o'clock.
The sound of artillery began to be heard far to our left; *
it was evidently in the vicinity of the old Bull .Kun battle-
ground. When within two miles of Manassas, we tamed to
the left. The firing in that direction was still beard. It was
not difficult to perceive that we had taken this roundabout
course in order to get around those rebels. When I say
" we," I mean not only our own division, but all the forces
that we had had in the vicinity of Warrenton ; for that place
was now evacuated.
We were told by some teamsters, who were en route from
Manassas to the battle-ground with provisions, that General
Sigel with his corps was " down there fighting the rebels like
thunder;" that Pope had "been playing smash;" that the
rebels had been " taking pleasure-rides in their carriages all
around us," and that they had made a dash upon Catleti
Station, had captured a number of wagon-trains, stores, etc.;
that they had invaded the sanctuary of General Pope's Qwn
private baggage- wagons, and had taken all his cash.
This was interesting. If anybody had been surrounded,
it was more likely that it was we than the rebels. From the
time we started in the morning, up to the time of which I
speak — a period of ten hours— our confidence in General
Pope had fallen a hundred and thirty-seven degrees.
The sound of the artillery grew nearer and nearer, (X *
rather we drew nearer and nearer to it, till at last, a little
after the sun had •gone down, we found ourselves within
hearing of the musketry.
BULL BtTN. fi73
Near nine o'clock we drew veiy near the scene of action.
Soon after, t)ie firing gradually ceased; and all became siill.
The night W€U8 very dark. We stacked arms and lay down
to test, I felt sure that the morrow would be a terrible day,
and T just wonUered, by the way, whether I would be living
at that time of night one day later. While thus ruminating
I fell asleep. This was the evening of Thursday, the twenty-
eighth day of August.
I do not know how long I had slept when I was suddenly
aroused by having a heavy weight placed suddenly upon
my stomach, for some one had stepped upon me. But what
was up ? AH were flying to their arms with one wild rush.
I heard the clatter of horses' hoofs.
" The rebels are upon us !" cried a hundred voices.
At that moment a horse dashed right across our line of
stacked arms — knocking several stacks over, and discharging
several pieces — :his feet passing my ear like the wind as he
went by.
Now I was in the habit of removing my shoes from my
fe^t before going to sleep, and I had done so on this occasion.
I, therefore, proceeded to put them on with great delibera-
tion; for I doubted whether the rebel cavalry was really
upon us. Having piU on the right shoe and tied it, I began
to feel for the other, t found it, and on endeavoring to
thrust my foot into it, I was startled to discover that it was
also a shoe for the right foot, though certainly not the right
shoo. It then occurred to me, for the first time, that although
" two wrongs will not make a right," two rights are certainly
capable of making a wrong. •
" It's only a frightened horse running away," said some
one, and the word spread rapidly.
Nearly all the boys had sprung up and sei^d their arms.
It ttxw only a frightened horse running away that ha^ caused
all this disturbance. The boys began to return to their
blankets and lie down. John Young return^ to the spot
which he had occjipied near me, and remarkM —
** I think I put somebody else's shoe on." ;
'•And /have left somebody else's oflF,"^*I replied.
*' Who is that? Is it you, sergeanllj? , >-
874 OUB BOYS.
"Yes."
**! think your gun is knocked over."
"No doubt; I am going to look afiber it in a moment."
"I think I must have put one of jour shoos on; the one
on my right foot feels so queer." •
"Because it is the left shoe."
" Then you have my right, one ?"
" Yes, here is a right shoe belonging to some one ; it has
been left here."
Our conjectures were correct : John had my left shoe on
his right foot, while he had left his right shoe for me to put
on my left foot. So much for the hurry and excitement.
John restored to me my left shoe, and took the right one
which he had left ; I then placed my left foot within my left
shoe, and found it all right.
Repairing to the stack in which I had placed my rifle, I
founa several of the boys engaged in setting the stack up ;
for it chanced to be one that was knocked over by the
frightened horse. I assisted in reforming the stack, then re-
turned to my humble couch.
When morning came, we were not aroused by the sound
of the cannon, but were allowed to awake at our leisure.
When it came to preparing breakfa^ we felt rather awk-
ward — we did not Know how to set about it; for we were
entirely out of rations, no water was to be had, there were
no fires to cook or boil anything over, and we were forbidden
to kindle any, lest the smoke should attract the attention of
the rebels, and draw their fire.
By and by, we were ordered to fall in. Having done so;
we were marched through a wood a few hundred yards to
• an open ground which I at once recognized as the old Bull
Eun battle-ground. Here we halted, and were massed in
column j)f divisions. We stood upon the very spot over
which tne famous "Black-Horse Cavalry" once charged so
fiercely. Our lines were faced toward the west. A battery
of artillery took a position a quarter of a mile in our front,
and it presently opened upon the rebel lines, and was re-
plied to by a rebel battery a mile and a half distant. An
artillery fight oi ^[la^£-Ml•\LO\3Lt ^xi^vxaftc* ^\!^<i^^^i^ ^^^j^ared
BULL RUN. 875
to be scarce of shell, for they threw solid shot; although
they nearly all flew over our battery, but few of them
reached us.
After an hour, we returned to the spot where we had slept
during the nigh^ and from that point began to advance to-
ward the rebel lines. We moved slowly and cautiously ; in
fact, having crossed a small valley and arrived at a wood,
we halted. The Bucktail regiment was thrown forward as
skirmishers.
The fight was beginning on all sides. The battery which
wejliad been watching resumed its work, and several others
fiirther toward the right commenced operations. «
As the Bucktails could not find any rebels in the wood in
our front, we were massed in close column, and actually
stacked arms. From the position which we occupied, we
had opportunity of witnessing operation^ on the right. The
sound of musketry was soon added to that of the artillery,
and things generally began to wear a very warlike aspect.
But I cannot give a general description of this, or any other
battle ; the reader must look to history for detailed accounts
of the engagements of this unhappy war. It is my object to
relate merely what is connected with our boys.
Near eleven o'clock our brigade was ordered forward with
a battery to the support of a brigade (of some other division)
that had made a reconnoissance beyond and a little to the
right of the wood in our fjront. We moved directly forward
through the wood, and found ourselves in a large clover-field
which, except on the north side where the pike ran, was en-
tirely surrounded by woods. Taking a right-oblique course,
we soon found ourselves at the northwest corner of the field.
We heard a battery playing away in a lively manner to onr
right and front. Siaddenly a brigade came rushing from the
wood in our front at a double-quick. A brigadier-general
whom I did not know was with *them, and he appeared very
much excited. General Meade rode up to him, and asked
him what was up.
" Oh, that's a d — d hot place," he replied.
General Meade led us right into the wood by way of the
pike, when we found ourselves fairly in. rauga of «» b».tt«t^
876 OUR BOYS.
that was on our right, though we could not see it. It was
belching forth grape-and-canister, and they were spattering
about us, striking the trees on all sides. It was, without
doubt, a very hot place. It seemed to me that every tree
for twenty yards around was struck at every discharge, and
it became a matter of speculation with me how so many of us
could escape. We passed through the wood at a double-quick,
and soon found ourselves .slightly out of range for a time. •
On arriving at the western extremity of the wood, a line
of battle was formed and our skirmishers thrown forward.
The rebel battery abruptly ceased to play ; it was prob^ly
taking another position, for had it remained where it was we
would have taken it. Our own battery did not unlimbe^,
for as yet no good or safe position presented itself.
In our front was a slight elevation, at whose summit num-
bers of bushes and small trees stood. Our line of skirmishers
began to ascend the hill, but had only advanced fifty paces
when they were fired upon from the bushes. They returned
the fire, and a lively skirmish ensued. Many of the rebel
bullets passed over the heads of our skirmishers, and mani-
fested an inclination to strike about where we stood. This
was very annoying.
It was soon discovered that we had been drawn into an
ambuscade ; in proof of which the rebels began to make their,
appearance in force in our front and upon either flank. A
battery also opened upon us from a concealed position on
our left. General Meade hastily ordered the skirmishers to
rally and join us. This done, we began to fall back through
the wood in perfect order, still maintaining our line of battle.
When we returned to the clover-field we found the remainder
of the division there, and we moved toward them for the
purpose of joining them. Meanwhile the rebel battery began
to play savagely upon us, and shot- and shell were hurled
into the field with great rapidity.
It soon became evident that our position was one which
we could not maintain. As no support was nigh, the whole
division retired in perfect order through the wood on the
east side of the clover-field. Shot and shell followed us,
ploughing up the gTOxxtvd^ «txi^ c\^^\^^ ^\cv«^«^ ^Ko, threes
BULL RUN. S77
Having passed through this wood and arrived once more
upon what fi^)peared to be our side of the field, we were no
longer annoyed by the rebel artillery.
The battle, in the mean time, raged furiously on the right,
while some slight intercourse opened qn the left. At the
point which we occupied all now became quiet ; we lay in
waiting for the enemy to emerge from the wood.
It must not be supposed, merely because I have not kept
it before the reader, that we did not feel the pangs of hun-
ger during all this time. We were hungry. The last rations
we had received were two days' rations issued to us on the
previous Tuesday night near Warrenton. It was now be-
ginning to be Friday night, and we were entirely without
anything in the eating line:
It was near evening, when General Reynolds, accompanied
by his staff and several orderlies, rode into the wood jn our
firont to see whether any rebels were there. Riding at the
head of his party, he had advanced two hundred paces, when
he suddenly found himself confronted by a party of rebel
skirmishers. He quickly turned about, and rode from them,
with difficulty escaping.
On coming from the wood, he was joined by Greneral Meade,
to whom he related his adventure ; and he requested him to
send a regiment into the wood, with instructions to throw
forward a line of skirmishers. General Meade sent our regi-
ment into the wood. Our flanking companies were deployed
as skirmishers ; they advanced, and soon came in contact with
the rebels. A brisk contest ensued, during which many
minie balls, flying over the heads of our skirmishers, came
whistling about our ears in a decidedly unpleasant sort of a
way.
As night closed in, the firing gradually ceased ; not only
in our front, but also along the whole lines. Our skirmishers
were called in, and we began slowly to retire to a less exposed
position.
Moving troops in the darkness and in the immediate pre-
sence of an enemy is a very ticklish and uncertain operation.
It was, therefore, incumbent upon us to fall back entirely
clear of the rebels, that the army m\g\i\. \yi ^\^vi^ \x\ '^'«aSw'^
878 OUR BOYS.
position for the night. The division had already begun to
retire, leaving our regiment to bring up the rea^; and as we
were in line, we simply faced about and began to move slowly
after the main bod^.
We were crossmg a slight swell in the ground a few
hundred yards east of the wood, when we distinctly heard
the tramp of troops apparently pursuing us.
''Haiti" said Captain Lemon.
We halted — stood m9tionless— listened. Yes, we distinctly
beard the footsteps of what appeared to be a regiment ap-
proaching from rebeldom.
" Ahoxxt— face/" commanded Captain Lemon, in a cautious
tone.
We faced toward the enemy once more.
"Boys, you are all loaded?"
" Yes — yes — yes — "
''Liedovmr
We crouched down to await the approaching enemy.
"Now, boys, not a shot till yott get the word 1"
We remained quiet — the stillness was death-like. On
came the bod^ of troops. Certainly, it was no mere line of
skirmishers — it was not less than a regiment.
" They're coming, boys 1 Steady ! Keep cool I Be very
quiet ; they don't know we're here, and we'll take them by
surprise." %
Nothing could now be heard, save the steady tramp of the
advancing troops — perchance, the suppressed breathing of
some soldier. They were within thirty paces of us.
" Make ready 1"
With a clicking rattle, our pieces were cocked.
"Hilloal Don't fire on tisT said a voice in front.
" Who are you ?" asked Captain Lemon.
"New York troops."
" Halt your regiment then and come forward, whoever is
m command."
."Halt!" commanded a voice.
They halted, and an officer rode forward.
" What regiment?" asked Captain Lemon.
'' The Fourteentb BiookX^TiJ^ ^%i^ "Ooa ^<s^ •
BULL RUN 879
"What I the fellows with the—"
" Red breeches," interrupted the oflficer.
" It's very dark — will you come a little nearer, that I may
see if you wear our uniform ?"
" Certainly 1" And the horseman rode almost upon us.
"All right! I perceive that you are a Federal officer.
How did you get between us and the rebels ?"
" By a flank movement ; we have been engaged a little
further to the right this afternoon."
" Are you aware that we came near firing upon you ?"
" I imagined as much when I heard your boys makmg
ready.; I presume that I called out just in time?"
"xes, you did. Do you know whether the rebels are far
from us now ?"
" Not far— listen ! I hear—"
At that moment a party of rebels were approaching.
" I'll get my regiment ready for those fellows I" said the
commander of the Fourteenth Brooklyn, gleefully ; and he
turned, faced his regiment about, and awaited the approach
of the rebels.
On they came. When they arrived within twenty^five
paces of the Brooklyn boys, the commander of that regiment,
in order that no blunder should occur, called out : —
" Who comes there?"
Thei:e was no reply — there was a sound as of confusion —
several " clicks" were heard, and even the report of a gun,
followed by the whistling of a bullet.
"Firel"
The Brooklyn boyfl- poured a fierce volley of bullets into
the rebel ranks, and they fled in disorder.
''Load again, boys, and give them another I" exclaimed
the commander of the Fourteenth Brooklyn.
They did load; and another shower of bullets whistled
after the dismayed rebels.
The battle of Friday, the twenty- ninth of August, was now
over. It was after nine o'clock — we fell back, and joined
the division— our post was assigned us — we lay down upou
our arms, wondering what the morrow would bring forth—
and slept
•80 OUBBOTS.
CHAPTER XXXV.
A CHABf^B.
Thb memorable Saturday — ^the last day of the Second Bull
Run — the thirtieth day of August dawned upon us. All
was quiet — the air was oppressive ; dull, heavy clouds hovered
over.
Our first move in the morning was to form close column
of divisions, and march again to the spot famed for the Black
Horse Cavalry charge. From that point we moved forward
over Bull Run, and took our position upon a hill beyond.
As yet, the sound of a gun had not been beard. It was evi-
dent that the rebels had retired a short distance the previous
night, to reform their broken lines.
After half an hour, we moved to a position some distance
up the stream. From our new position, skirmishers were
thrown forward into a valley a little to our front ; they soon
came in contact with the rebel skirmisher^ and a scattering
fire was opened. The rebel skirmishers at last gaVe way,
and we prepared to move forward across the valley and take
position upon a hill a quarter of a mile to our front. The
firing ceased, and we descended into the valley. As we did
so, I looked across to the hill opposite, and saw a sight which
I shall never forget. The whole face of the hill was literally
covered with our dead. The fighting on the previous day
had been, at this point, very desperate ; and so thick did the
dead lie, that one might have stepped from one to another
for several hundred yards. They were all our own men —
the rebels, I suppose, having removed theirs. As we ascended
the hill, we had to walk with care to keep from stepping on
some of them ; and the battery that accompanied us could not
ascend at all without running over some of the poor fellows.
Our battery was planted upon the hill, and we took our
position in the rear. Omt. skitttviahers had moved forward,
descending the biU, au^i wei^ t\.«js:\\i ^\* n^otV. '^V<^\i"iiisi«x^
A CHABGS. 381
opened upon a rebel battery whicli could be seen upon a hill
three-quarters of a mile in front. The rebels replied with
grape-and-banister, which, witU a graceful curve, swept over
the hill and descended among us. The fi^ht between the
two batteries grew very warm, and the projectiles rattled
about us in all their terror. Our own brave artillerymen
worked with all their might ; one charge had scarcely left a
gun till another was rammed home and ready to follow. The
captain of the battery sat coolly upon his horse watching
the effect of each sh9t through his glass, occasionally ex-
claiming —
" Hurrah, my boys I you're knocking them ! . Let them
have it r • »
And they worked till great drops of sweat chased one
another down their powder-blackened faces. •
After half an hour of brisk cannonading the rebel battery
ceased to play, and things became very quiet.
In a short time we fell back to the position from which
we had advanced. Our battery took position on the hill,
while we fell back beneath it near the stream. There was
water in the creek, but it was muddy and red.
It seemed that "fall back" was the order of the day; for
without any cause that we could see (though doubtless there
was cause enough) we were ordered to fall back across Bull
Run into a wood a little to our left and half a mile to our
rear — the same wood in which Eeynolds encountered the
rebel skirmishers on the previous day.
We took a position at the east side of the wood, where we
stood for some time in line of battle, wondering what was
going to happen. All was quiet ; no cannon could be heard
— no rifle — no musket. That silence was ominous. What
we had yet experienced at Bull Eun was as nothing when
compared with what we were destined to see during tha
Saturday afternoon. The clouds which had hung heavily
over during the forenoon began to break away, and the sky
was soon clear.
It must have been after three o'clock when the dread
silence was broken by the report of a single cannon, and the
next moment a solid shot came ctd&\iMi^ ^xclq\>i% "^^ v^^^^^
OUB BOYS,
Half a minute yet all was still. Suddenly a thunderi ig
discharge of artillery shook the earth, aud a dozen shell w< nt
screaming toward the rebel|.. Our batteries had opened.
Several rebel batteries now began to play. Each moment
some new battery chimed in on either side, and the air was
soon alive with the fierce missiles.
An officer galloped wildly toward us and delivered a mes-
sage fo General Reynolds.
" Up, boys 1 fall in 1" said the general.
We were soon in our places.
" By the right flank — march /"
We moved off by the right flank, marched across a field,
down a hill, over Bull Bun, and up another hill into an
orchard in which some of our batteries were planted.
The battle had begun in earnest — and it was a battle. A
• hundred guns on each side were at work ; whole batteries
were discharged at once. Shell, round shot, grape-and-can-
ister, case shot, railroad iron, and stones were hurled li^on
us. The rebels grew bold ; they began to make their ap-
pearance from the woods in our front in heavy columns and
firm, unbroken lines. As far as I could see toward the right
were heavy bodies of our troops awaiting the approach of
the rebels. They were closely massed, and in good order
for battle.
We were now obliged to pass through a hot place — an
orchard in which were posted three of our batteries as closely
together as they could stand, and all were thundering away at
the enemy ; while the rebel -batteries were treating that point
with the greatest attention. The iron hail struck in such
quantities, tearing the fruit trees, tearing the earth, tearing
men, that it seemed to be rained from the skies. We passed
through the orchard at a double-quick. Many of our brave
fellows fell by the way. The battle seemed to increase in
fury every moment. When we had passed through we
found ourselves out of immediate range, and .we sat down to
rest. The battle went on. Musketry was opened on all
sides— the infantry was hotly engaged. Captain Lemon
rode to an elevated spot, and with his glass took a survey of
the field. When he returned to us he remarked —
A CHARGE. 883^
"Boys, a mouse couldn't live in that ti'ood we have just
left. The battle is raging terribly there ; the rebel infantry
are in the wood, while our infantry is two hundred paces east
of it, and they are at it. The artillery, too, is playing on
chem. Surely, there will not be a leaf in that wood that
won't have a hole through it."
" Fall in 1 fall in ! Left— /ace / forward — march /" ^
It was General Reynolds, who, at this juncture, rode along
our lines, and gave these commands in a loud voice.
We were again led toward the left, but this time obliqiaely
to the rear. In fact, we passed some distance in rear of the
orchard, down a hill, recrossed Bull Run, ascended another
hill, and once more found ourselves on the ground famous
for the Black Horse Cavalry charge. Here a battery of
brass howitzers took position, and opened out toward rebel-
dom with great earnestness. We took position to support
it. Each brigade was deployed in line, ours in front, the
Second immediately'in rear of us, and the Third in rear of
them. Each brigade comprised a line about as long as a
regiment ought to ; so many had fallen out on account of
hunger and fatigue, while many had been killed or wounded.
Company "D" consisted of eleven — all told. Lieutenant
Moth was the only commissioned officer; while Sergeant
Chair and myself were the only non-commissioned officers.
The regiment consisted of about a hundred and twenty ; the
brigade of five hundred ; the division of less than two thou-
sand.
The smoke and dust had become so dense that the sun
was but dimly visible ; and objects could not be distinguished
at the distance of eighty yards. It appeared that our infantry
in front had given way, and the battery was holding this point.
The artillerymen worked with great spirit and enthusiasm.
•A cheer — it sounded like the waitings of an approaching
storm — rose above the din of battle ; it came from the wood
a few hundred yards in front ; it was a rebel cheer.
" They're coming 1" exclaimed the captain of the battery ;
"they're coming, boys I Nothing but case shot — bring no-
thing but case shot 1" he shouted to the men who were carry-
iog the ammunition from the ca\asoii!& \iO \Xi^ ^\i\>i&.
884 OUR BOYS.
Eeynolds, Meade, and Seymour sat Upon their horses near
the battery ; thiey appeared to be enjoying themselves pro-
digiously.
Another rebel cheer burst forth ; it was nearer than the
first.
"Up, boys!" shouted Eeynolds; ''they're going to try to
take this battery ; you won't let — "
A wild cheer drowned the voice of the brave Reynolds.
Our bayonets were fixed in a second.
"Boys, I. know I can depend on the Pennsylyania
Res—"
" You can.l ves, you can I"
" Forward, then — charge I"
With a mad shout that arose far above the thunder of the
artillery, we rushed forward — General Reynolds leading the
charge. Bullets were poured upon us from the wood in
swarms. Still we rushed on. There is a wild excitement
about a charge in battle which induces men to face death
without a thought of fear. How fast our poor fellows fell
during that charge 1 My wonder was that any of us could
pass unscathed through that leaden storm. I could actually
near the savage bullets striking and crashing among the
bones of men around me. We could not see the rebels — ^the
smoke was so dense; but we knew they were there. We
charged across a road, and right into the wood.
About this time, the colors of the Seventh Regiment were
cut from the staff by rebel bullets, and fell to the ground.
General Reynolds, in the twinkling of an eye, sprang to the
ground, seized the colors, remounted his horse, waved the
flag over his head, and shouted —
" On, my brave fellows— on 1"
We charged to the very ranks of the rebels, when they
turned and fled. We halted, opened fire upon them, and
rained bullets after them without mercy. A rebel battery
opened upon us with shot and shell. How they got the range
of us is more than I can explain; but they threw their
missiles with tolerable accuracy, for a solid shot struck the
ground uncommonly close to my left foot — so close that it
A CHAKGS. 886
came near being left forever. In order to avoid the artillery
fire, we formed in the road where banks of from three to five
feet in height afforded a slight protection. The rebel infantry-
began to rally, and to return our fire ; and for half an hour,
the fight went on with great fierceness. We effectually re-
pulsed them at last, however, and continued to rain the bullets
after them so long as a single shot was returned.
Meantime, shell were flying over our heads most extrava-
gantly ; but, being warmed up with our infantry encounter,
we scarcely noticed them. One exploded so alarmingly near
the top of my head, as I stood upon th^ bank upon which I
had climbed to peer through the smoke after the rebels, that
I could not, for the life of me, explain why my head was not
abruptly torn off. A moment after, another shell went scream-
ing over our heads, struck a wounded man who was limping
from the field leaning on the arm of a comrade, and, explod-
ing, tore him to fragments — almost to nothing — while his
comrade was uninjured. But so bewildered was the latter
when the man leaning on his arm was thus suddenly annihi-
lated, that he dropped his rifle and started to run — he knew
not whither — and presently brought up against a tree with a
shock that brought him to his senses. Thus restored to
equilibrium of mind, he began to look for his gun, and not
finding it, he picked up that? of a fallen soldier, returned to
the lines in the road, and went to work.
The sun, tired of gazing on the terrible scene, had just hid
his face behind the far-off hills beyond Bull Kun, when we
were ordered to fall back upon the battery again. We had
become somewhat scattered during the charge, and our regi-
ment now consisted of but forty men. I was pleased to see
that Captain Lemon was yet unhurt and riding at the head
of the regiment. As for Company " D," there was but one
with the regiment! 0, horror! Where were the rest?
Could they all be killed or wounded ? When we reached
the battery we lay down to support it, and it began to play
away in the same old style. Three more of our boys now
joined me— Charley Brawley, Bobby Haught, and Jim Ryan.
At dark, the battle began to grow beautifully less, and
finally ceased altogether. We supposed that we had held the
25
886 OUBBOYS.
field ; but what was our surprise when we were ordered td
fall in, and take the pike for Centreville ! I was just wonder-
ing why this was, when a rebel battery, which had gained a
position on our left, opened upon us at long range. They
were throwing solid shot ; and when I considered that it was
Very dark and that they could not see us, I imagined that
they were doing remarkably good shooting; for some of
those " feelers" came most feelingly near to us. It was evi-
dent that the left had given way. The battery kept up a
brisk fire for a quarter of an hour, but finding that we treated
it with silent contempt (!) it ceased to play — to. our great
relief, too, for we were so crowded in the pike, that wo
couldn't get out of range very fast.
When we had arrived to within two or three miles of
Centreville, we halted for the night. We were in no kind
of order; and the commanders of regiments were allowed to
use their own will and judgment with their commands.
Captain Lemon, therefore, concluded to halt and rest for the
night, as did many others. He requested me to go over into
a field, and see whether I could find a suitable place to He.
I soon found a "suitable place,'* and reported to him. We
then left the road, entered the field, and marched to the spot,
when Captain Lemon informed us that we were at liberty to
lie down and rest for the night.
"Charley," said I, addressing Charley Brawley, "this is
the thirtieth day of the month."
" Well," said Charley, who thought this a very singular
and uncalled-for remark.
" Do you remetaber this night two months ago ?" I asked.
" O. yes— the night of the battle of—"
"EKactly; do you remember whom you slept with that
night?"
• " O, yes — I slept with you."
" Then suppose, just for the sake oif coincidence, that we — "
" I was just going to propose that myself— why, it's begin-
ning to rain, as I'm a sinner."
And it was beginning to rain. We lay down together,
arranged our teTit.-\Aa\i^^\a ^o ^^ \k> shelter us as much as
possible, and proceeded \.o — %o \.o ^vto;^-
MARYLAND. 387
As my eyes closed, I thought of those now lying upon the
battle-field cold in death, and of those dying from their
. wounds, crying perhaps for water to slake their burning thirst.
I felt that I had great reason to be thankful that I was still
spared. Why it was so I could not tell ; for well I knew
that many better men than I, and exposed to no greater dan-
ger than I had been, had fallen, while I was still allowed to
come out of the battle without a scratch.
The pattering of the rain upon my tent-blanket lulled me
to sleep beside my brave comrade — -Charley.
« « « « « *
Next day (Sunday) was spent at Centre ville.
On Monday we began to fall back ; and that evening the
Battle of Chantilly occurred. We lay within supporting
distance during this fight, but were not called into action.
Twenty-four hours later we were lying comfortably upon
Arlington Heights.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
MARYLAND.
Vabious rumors began to gain currency as to the rebels,
their position and intentions. It was stated that they were
heavily massed near Vienna. Some thought that they were
about to make a most desperate assault on Washington;
others, more wise, expressed it as their opinion that Lee was
about to cross the Potomac and invade Maryland.
We had lain on Arlington Heights two days when we
received marching orders and moved to Upton's Hill, where
w< pitched our small tents and began to feel very comfortable.
But it appeared that we were not destined to remain longer
than two days in one place, for on the evening of the second
day we very suddenly and unexpectedly rec^w^d \s\ax^\ss%
orders. }^e struck our tents, and mov^doS va^^ ^y^^^^^^^
S88 OUB BOYS.
of Washington. The full moon arose and looked calmljr
down upon us, making our journey more pleasant than it
would have been in the darkness. We marched to the Long
Bridge and passed over, leaving Virginia — ^at last Near
eleven months had elapsed since we entered Virginia. How
many of our brave boys had marched with us over the Chain
Bridge and were not in the ranks now ? When I thought
of them I considered myself peculiarly favored to be allowed
to return.
We marched into Washington to Seventh Street, then
turning to the left we moved toward Meridian Hill. A mile
from wie city we halted for the night. Next morning we
moved on — northward. It became obvious that the rebels
had indeed invaded Maryland. Some of the startled citizens
informed us that " Lee's whole army of two hundred thou-
sand had crossed the Potomac — had taken Hagerstown and
Frederick, and were marching right on toward Baltimore."
Since leaving the Peninsula we had been attached to
General McDowell's Corps; he had been relieved of com-
mand, and General Hooker now commanded us.
At the junction of two roads twelve miles from Washing-
ton we halted and remained thirty-six hours, during which
time we were supplied with clothing and rations, of which we
stood sorely in need. Again we marched on, taking the
right-hand road— a turnpike.
Captain Conner was now in command of the regiment;
Captain Lemon, having been taken sick, had remained in a
hospital in Washington.
After marching a dozen miles, we halted near Brooksville,
and bivouacked for the night in a beautiful clover-field near
the residence of a wealthy gentleman. It was here that I
had a striking illustration of the eftect shoulder-straps are
wont to produce on the fair, especially when contrasted with
the humble apparel of a common soldier like myself. Jim,
my messmate, was unwell; he had refused to remain ih
Washington at a hospital, insisting on accompanying ua
through our Maryland campaign. We had just halted on
the evening in c^ueatioxv, -w^iew, perceiving thathe looked wan^
I asked him how he fe\\,. *
MARYLAND. 889
** Oh, I can get along," he answered, eyasively.
"Jim," said I, "you are not well enough to march; I
advise you to — "
"No," he interrupted, "I never was in a hospital, and I
never will enter one. I consider it suicide."
" I cannot but acknowledge that I am of the same opinion,
when I come to think about it, Jim. Have you anything
you feel like eating ?"
"No; I—"
" Would you relish some milk ?"
"I think so."
" Then 111 go to that house and get some if they have any."
And I threw down my effects, took my canteen and walked
to the residence of the wealthy gentleman before alluded to.
Two young ladies of from eighteen to twenty years were
seated on the front piazza. They were tastily dressed, and
the moment I looked upon them, 1 perceived that they were
handsome. A second glance convinced me that they knew
that before /did. Howbeit, I had nothing to do with their
beauty, and I bowed, said " good evening," told them that I
had a sick comrade, and that " if they would be kind enough,'*
and all that sort of thing, I would be glad to be able to pro-
cure some milk for him. A sly wink was exchanged by the
bewitching pair ; they didn't suppose that I observed it — but
I did. At that moment, the mother made her appearance at
the door, and one of the maidens apprised her of the object
of "that soldier's" errand. The old lady took my canteen
and entered the house while I stood upon the steps awaiting
her return, feeling just as awkward as possible ; for any man
will feel awkward when he knows that his general appear-
ance is being criticized by two saucy-looking angels.
Now the lady of the house had but disappeared with my
canteen, when the father came up the path and ascended the
steps of the piazza, accompanied by an officer — a major.
The officer was not a fine-looking fellow, but he wore two
rows of bright buttons on his blue cloth coat ; and on each
shoulder, a great broad gold shoulder-strap about the size
of a spade.
890 OUR BOYS.
" Daughters," said the Marylander, " let me introduce you
to major — a— eh — "
" Smith !" whispered the major, coming to his relief.
"Smith! yes, Major Smith! My daughters, major."
The two lasses arose, egcecuted scientific courtesies, smiled,
and said, " Major Smith," in the most killing manner.
" A beautiful evening," remarked Major Smith.
"Splendid!" exclaimed Miss Mary, the elder.
" Lovely 1" agreed Miss Louisa Catharine, the younger.
" You have a beautiful pla^ here," remarked Major Smith,
taking a seat which was offered him.
" Do you think so ?" said both ladies, somewhat pleased.
" Indeed I do 1 And I think that — I observe that there is
a great resemblance between the — the — ^in fact, the people
seem well-suited to the place."
The ladies were still more pleased, for they saw in this a
compliment to them. They blushed, and said "Oh, no!"
although it was evident that they thought, " Oh, yes !"
Meanwhile, I was standing there unnoticed, waiting for
that milk, ruminating on the weaknesses of human nature,
and mentally making promiscuous calculations as to the rela-
tive value of brass and lead — of swords and rifles— -of blue
cloth and kersey. At last, to my great relief, the kind lady
of the house reappeared with my canteen filled with milk.
I asked her how much I should pay for it, but she wouldn't
take any pay for it, and I thanked her, bade her good evening,
and departed. A deep sigh of relief escaped me as I passed
through the gate and found myself once more in the clover-
field.
Next morning we arose, prepared our breakfast, dispatched
it, and felt ready to move. But the morning began to wear-
away. Near twelve o'clock we moved on ; but not by the
pike; we took a by-road to the left, and marched over some
of the most beautiful country I ever saw. Many beautiful
orchards full of ripe tempting fruit met our eyes as we
marched along. To leave the ranks and attack any of the
orchards was a thing strictly forbidden, and consequently
unsafe.
Near evening we were passing an orchard of nice* fruity
MARYLAND. , 891
when a corpulent fellow of our regiment concluded tbat those
red apples were too tempting for human nature to bear.
Looking about to make sure that he was jiot observed by
any field or general officer, he mounted the fence at the road-
side, and was soon standing beneath the nearest tree. The
heavy laden branches hung low, and grasping a limb he gave
it such an energetic shake that about a bushel and a half of
apples came showering down. Simultaneously with the rat-
tling of the fallen apples, a grim, buzzing sound was heard
in the tree above the soldier's head. A moment he stood
and listened.
*'Buz — z—z — z — ^z-z-z," greeted his ears, and a great
swarm of hornets came darting at him.
With a cry of horror, he turned him about and " streeked
it" for the fence. But too slow were his feet for the wings
of the pursuing fiends. On they came — " buz — z — z — bat !"
Just as he reached the fence they reached him ; and as he
sprang over one of the monsters settled on his nose, another
over his eye, and half a dozen among his hair ; while any
number buzzed unwholesomely near his ear, undecided
as to where to attack him. This was a warning to all evil-
doers, and no more such attempts were made that evening.
The sun was just sinking when we filed off into a beautiful
green field, stacked arms, and bivouacked for the night.
There was a house near the field, and I started for it at once
to procure some milk for Jim. General Meade was riding
up a lane near the house as I approached, and seeing a peach
tree laden with fruit, he called a cavalryman — one of his
orderlies, I think — and left him to watch the tree till a guard
should be detailed. He then rode up to the house for the
purpose of ascertaining what number of guards would be
required to protect the premises. I got my canteen filletl
with milk and was returning to our line of stacked arins,^
when I observed that the cavalry sentinel who had been
E laced on guard over the peach tree, was busily engaged in
elping himself to the delicious fruit; for he could reach it
while sitting upon his horse. But how romantic it is that at
that very moment General Meade was returning from. the
house and " caiiglit him in the act."
892 « OUB BOYS.
" What are you about there ?" he called 'out, savagely.
The guard started.
"Why, you thief 1" exclaimed General Meade. ^
The cavalryman looked confused.
" You mercenary villain ; I set you to guard that tree, and
— and — ^you — " and Meade rode at him.
The sentinel was terrified.
"TU cut your head off!" and the general drew his sword
and flourished it above his head as he reached the offender.
The young gentleman looked awful. Every moment he
expected the bright blade to descend. General Meade with
the bcu:k of his sword began to saw upon the back of the
terrified offender's neck, who, feeling the cold steel, and
imagining that his hour had come — at last — shraigged his
shoulders, drew in his head apparently like a tortoise, writhed
his whole body into the most frightful contortions, and said—
" Oh — oh 00 — 00 — hoo — ^hoo 1" and he seemed on the
point of falling from his horse for dead.
General Meade, thinking that he had punished the poor
fellow enough, suspended operations, and was returning his
sword to its scabbard, when the magnitude of the unfaithful
sentinel's offence seemed to strike him more forcibly than
ever, and seizing his sword by the blade, he menaced the
soldier's countenance with the hilt.
" 0, you rogue 1" he exclaimed ; I must kill you yet ! I
can't help it!" And he seemed on the point of letting him
have it right below the eye.
Then, of all the dodging, and blinking, and squinting, and
shaking, and quaking that I ever witnessed, that executed
by the terrified sentinel far excelled.
"Confound youl I can scarcely keep from murdering
you !" said General Meade, at last returning his sword to its
scabbard.
The soldier heaved a sigh of relief, as the sword returned
to its place with a clank.
"Oh, you deserve killing!" said Meade.
The soldier groaned ; he feared that the general might kill
him yet before he should go away.
MARYLAND. 898
" Don't you think I ought to kill you ?" persisted the latter,
looking savagely upon the oflFender from behind his spectacles.
The soldier wa& silent.
*' Say !" demanded Meade.
" Yes, sir," was the faint reply.
General Meade rode away, and I imagined I saw a slight
smile play about his firm lips.
The jiight passed away without event, save the returning
to the regiment of several officers who were wounded during
the Peninsula Campaign — among them, Lieutenant Carter.
The next dav's march brought us to the " National Eoad"
at Poplar Springs, forty miles from Baltimore. Here we
were informed that on the previous day a scouting party of
rebel cavalry had been there, had behaved very civilly toward
the citizens, had made inquiry as to whether any ".Yankees"
had been there, and had at last returned toward the west.
At this point we halted for the night. At ten o'clock next
morning we formed, and marched westward, following the
pike.
We had marched ten miles, when General Eeynolds re-
ceived a dispatch instructing him to transfer the command
of the division to General Meade, and to report at Harris-
burg, where a command would be given him. It was at this
time that he was promoted to major-general. It was impracti-
cable for him to take any formal leave of us, as we were on
the march ; but he was cheered with great enthusiasm as he
rode away. I never saw him again.
General Meade took command of the division ; and Colonel
Maigilton of our brigade.
We marched a few miles further, and halted for the night.
About noon next day— Saturday, the thirteenth of Sep-
tember — we reached the Monocacy River. We passed over
on a stone bridge from which the rebels had been driven a
few hours previously, filed from the road, and stacked arms
in a field by the river.
During the past few days, the sound of the cannon had
been constantly heard in front, and we had no doubt that a
fight would soon take place. Various rumors were afloat as
to the movements of General Lee. A. «k\.TOVi^ iot^ifc ^^ ^^^^ji^
894 OUR BOYS.
cavalry had been driven from Frederick City, which was a
few miles in front. It was generally thought that Lee had
established himself in a strong position some miles beyond
Frederick City, and that he would make the most desperate
defence. But we felt confident, for we knew that McClellan
was once more our leader ; and we didn't feel Bull-Bunisk
CHAPTER XXXVII.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
When night came and there were no indications of march-
ing, we wrapped ourselves in our blankets and sought re-
pose.
The morning of Sunday, the fourteenth of September, was
beautiful — the sky clear. Before noon, however, it became
clouded over, and there was every appearance of rain. We
had time to breakfast before we were ordered to fall in. At
last we were on our way again — westward. An hour after
we passed through Frederick, where the number of flags and
white handkerchiefs waved at Us from doors and windows
was truly gratifying. At almost every door stood some
bewitching creature with a pail of clear, cold, sparkling
water ; while others stood with glasses in their hands invit-
ing us to drink. They talked pleasantly with us, and mani-
fested every indication of preferring us to the rebels. I
can't for the life of me tell what made me so thirsty that
morning; for I must have stopped a dozen times for a drink
of water ; and each time it chanced (?) I was helped to a
glass by a beauty.
A s we progressed the sound of artillery began to be heard
in front. We had marched twelve miles and were certainly
within two miles of the firing when it ceased. A little after
three o'clock we foiind ourselves almost at the base of a tall
mountain. Here taking a by-road we (our division) filed off
SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 396
the pike to the right. We had marched nearly half a mile
when a rebel battery whi6h was posted at the summit of the
mountain opened upon us with shell and round shot. By
a left-oblique movement, we soon succeeded in gaining the
cover of an abrupt ridge near the base of the mountain.
The battery then ceased to play. A line of battle was now
formed and preparations made to move forward.
About this time Lieutenant Carter said to Captain Con-
ner —
• " Captain, I think there will be a fight !"^
" No doubt there will," replied the captain.
"Captain," he continued, earnestly, "I know I shall be
shot."
" Oh, nohsetise I"
"But I will; I am an unlucky mortal. I was shot while
on the Peninsula almost the first chance I got — ^I was only
wounded there ; to-day I will be killed ; I know it."
" Come now, lieutenant, it's only a foolish notion that has
got into your head; get rid of it; cheer up: you will come
out all right."
" I wish I could think so. I will fall doing my duty, cap*
tain," said the brave fellow ; for he tvas a brave man.
" I know you will do your duty, lieutenant."
About four o'clock we began to advance. We toiled up
the steep ascent in front of us, when we discovered that a
valley lay yet between us and the main ascent of South
Mountain. While passing through a corn-field upon the
hill, the enemy's artillery again opened upon us with solid
• shot. Down the hill we went — across the small valley — up
.the steep ascent of the mountain. A few hundred yards
fix)m the base of the mountain was a stone-fence. • Below
this, the ground was clear; above, the face of the mountain
was covered with trees and rocks. When within fifty yarda
of the stone-fence, a murderous fire of musketry was opened
upon us by the rebels, who lay concealed behind it^ and
swarms of bullets whistled about our ears. With a wild
shout, we dashed forward — almost upward — while volley af-
ter volley was poured upon us ; but we -heeded it not ; we
rushed madJj on. The rebels, mt\m\di«^\j^\i^ osxx -^^ns^r^
896 OTTR BOYS.
and taken aback by oar recklessness and disregard of their
bullets, began to give way. We reached the stone-fence,
and sprang over. The rebels reformed among the rocks,
and fought with remarkable obstinacy.
Captain Conner had left his horse at the rear, and he and
Lieu tenant. Carter were just springing over the wall, within
a few feet of each other, when the latter was st^nick in the
head by a bullet, and fell back — dead.
We pressed the rebels closely. They stood awhile, load-
ing and firing, but at last began to waver. Directly in front
of the right of our regiment, they gave way ; and several
companies from the right — ours among them — ^pressed for-
ward, becoming detached from the regiment. We soon
found ourselves thirty or forty paces ahead of the regiment,
having gained the flank of the Seventeenth South Carolina.
We were within twenty or thirty steps of them, directly on
their left, and they did not see us ; then we mowed them
down. Poor fellows I I almost pitied them, to see them sink
down by dozens at every discharge I I remember taking
deliberate aim at a tall South 'Carolinian, who was standing
with his side to me loading his gun. I fired, and he fell
into a crevice between two rocks. Step by step we drove
the rebels up the steep side of the mountain. By moving a
little to the left, I reached the spot where I had seen the
rebel fall. On my arrival thither, he arose to a sitting pos-
ture, and I was convinced he was not dead yet. I inquired
whether he was wounded, and he very mournfully nodded
assent. The blood was flowing from a wound in the neck.
He also pointed to a wound in the arm. The same bullet had
made both wounds ; for at the time I fired, he was in the act
of ramming a bullet home — his arm extended vertically.
He arose to his feet, and I was pleased to find him able to
walk. I informed him that, in the nature of things, he was
a prisoner; and I sent him to the rear, under charge of one
of the boys.
Having done so, 1 threw myself upon the ground, and
crawled among the rocks to a position fifteen paces in ad-
vance of the company, with the intention of taking some un-
"Vary rebel by surprise, and getting a fair shot at him. Cock-
SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 897
iiig my rifle, I abruptly arose from my position, which was
protected by a rock three feet high. Oh, horror! there,
scarcely ten paces from me, stood a great grim rebel, just on
the point of bringing his gun to an aim — right at me, too,
and his dark eyes scowled fiercely upon me from beneath
the broad brim of a large ugly hat. Now it is sheer non-
sense to talk about taking a cool aim under such circum-
stances. Therefore, with a little more agility than I had ever
before exhibited, I blazed, away at random, and dropped be-
hind the rock— every hundredth part of a second seeming
like an age ; for I felt sure that the rebel bullet would catch
me yet, ere I could drop behind my redoubt. A bullet
tipped the rock above my head as I dr6pped.
Step by step, the rebels retired. I waited at my new po-
sition till the line came up. Our boys had just reached me,
when Dave Malone was struck in the head by a .bullet, and
he fell back, quivering and gasping for breath. He soon ex-
pired. After the battle he was buried in that wild, lonely
mountain — where he fell.
By sunset we had driven the enemy to the crest of the
mountain. Many were the dead and the wounded they left
lying among the rocks. Many prisoners were taken. Among
the wounded left on the field was a rebel officer of manly ap-
pearance. He was wounded in the thigh, and appeared to be
suSering intense pain. Captain Oonmer approached him, and
said : —
" You are wounded, are you not ?"
" Yes, in the thigh — and badly," was the reply.
" May I inquire your name ?"
" I am Major Meanes, of the Seventeenth South Carolina.
May I ask you the same question ?"
"I am Captain Conner, of the Eighth Pennsylvania
Reserves."
" The — the — Pennsylvania Reserves I"
"Yes."
"Well, captain, your men fight like devils; they are
driving our men right up this steep mountain ; I never could
have believed it I"
898 OUR BOYS.
"Ah, major, there is blood in Pennsylvania as well as in
South Carolina."
"I am convinced of that."
About dark, the rebels abandoned the mountain at this
point, and the firing ceased. At the left and centre, however,
the fighting continued till nine o'clock, when it ceased, and
the whole rebel force gave way. O that it had been day-
light, that we might have pursued them at once I Under
the circumstances, however, it was impossible. The night
was very dark, and the ways of the mountain obscure. We
lay down among the rocks and slept.
Our whole loss at the Battle of South Mountain was twenty-
three hundred; that* of the enemy, more than four thousand.
If there was ever a victory gained, in any war, in any cam-
paign, the Battle of South Mountain resulted in a most
decided and complete Union victory.
CHAPTER XXXVin.
ANTIETAM.
As our division was on the flank of the army, we were not
the first to start in pursuit of the rebels on Monday morning.
It was necessary for the greater part of the army to cross
South Mountain by the one road — the pike. It was ten
o'clock when our division moved. As we descended the
western slope of South Mountain, a wide valley of many
square miles lay extended to our view. Here and there a
village could be seen — Boonsboro' among the rest. The
sound of artillery could be heard, and bright flashes and
puffs of white ^moke were seen beyond Boonsboro'. The
advance of the column had already come up with the rebels,
and were now feeling for them with shell ; though it scarcely
seemed like/celing /or t/iem, at all.
On reaching BoonaboTO^ , ^^ Vj^ n^^ '^vct^'fcQR^ ^Ike ;
AKTIETAM.
and at four o'clcxjk, we found ourselves at Keedyaville, where
"we halted. We were now near the scene of action.' A
battery a little way to our right and front was carrying on a
little fight with a rebel battery. The rebels were throwing
shell very carelessly, for some of them reached us.
The road for some distance back was crowded with troops.
We had but halted when a cheer arose in the direction of
Boonsboro', and was borne faintly to our ears. It grew
. more distinct, louder — ^nearer, clearer.
"That's for McClbllanI" exclaimed half a dozen of OUR
BOYS, in a breath.
" It must be — he is coming this way."
Louder and nearer grew the cheering.
" McClellan must be coming 1" exclaimed one.
" He will be along here presently — won't we cheer him ?"
Yes, McClsllak was coming. The cheer was taken up
by each regiment as sodn as he hove in sight of it, and con-
tinued till his form disappeared in the distance. The tumult
swelled out to a roar of voices as he arrived within sight of
us. We knew that he had directed the movements of the
previous evening, and we felt ready to embark in a still more
dangerous contest under his guidance. On he came, riding
at a moderate pace— his cap in his hand, and a smile upon
his manly face. How glad we felt to see him among us now
that a decisive battle would probably soon be fought ! Lit-
tle Mac, accompanied by his staflF, rode over to the battery
to see how things were going on.
At six o'clock we moved forward a few hundred paces ; then
taking a by-road we left the pike and moved toward the right.
Half a mile from the pike we halted and took position in an
orchard. Darkness came op, the batteries ceased to play, and
we sought repose.
Next morning a dense fog hung over us and obscured
everything from view. It was obvious that nothing would
be done till the fog should disappear. The white veil hung
heavily over us till near noon ; then it began to move away.
Still it was cloudy, and rain was even expected. The ar-
tillery fighting was resumed, and continued till near three
o'clock. Then we began to move, ^e taax^^ ^^i^.'^^:^
400 OUB BOYS.
road, crossed Antietam Creek, marched three-quarters of a
mile, and halted for half au hour. All was still. That
silence more dreadftd than the battle of which it is ominous
now reigned. We moved on half a mile further, then
marched into a field on our left, where we formed close
column of divisions. Then we advanced across several
fields — our course nearly westward. Having gained the
crest of a gentle slope, the head of the column wheeled to
the left ; I imagined the whole movement to be one intended
to gaiu the flank of the enemy. I think, however, that the
entire front of our army must have been changed that eve-
ning ; at least the right and centre.
When our column turned to the left I observed that a
general who did not belong to our division was directing the
movements. As at one time he chanced to ride very near
our regiment, I discovered, to my gratification, that it was
McClellan ; and it led me to believe that the movement in
progress was one of no little importance. Noble Little Mac I
How his very presence cheered us I The very mention of
his name was su£Gicient to inspire us with a ready desire to
meet the enemy; for when McClellan was with us we
knew that all would be well.
We were now marching toward a wood that skirted the
field on the south side ; on our right and on our left M'ere
corn-fields. When within two hundred yards of the wood a
rebel battery opened upon us from a slight elevation beyond,
and shot and shell began to fly about us in a way at once
lively and disagreeable. We instantly deployed into line ;
while a battery took position in the corn-field on our right,
another on our left, and a third, well supported, went forward
and took position in the wood.. They opened vigorously
upon the rebels, when several additional rebel batteries
joined in. Evening was now approaching.
We advanced to the margin of the wood and formed line
of battle. A rebel battery far to the right opened a flank
fire. The battle was terrible. Amid the storms of iron hail
General McClellan rode up to the battery in the corn-
£eld on our right, and directed it to change its position in
ANTIETAAI. 403L
order tbat it might play upon the rebel battery on our flank
to greater advantage.
" Lie down !"
Such was the command that passed along the lines, shortly
after, and I took a seat upon a stump that was near where I
stood ; for I thought I should be as safe in a sitting posture
as in a horizontal one. Most of the boys stretched themselves
upon the ground to avoid the missiles which were now
being copiously rained about us. Just as I sat down, a large
ragged fragment of a shell whizzed savagely past the top of
my head, and struck the ground a few paces in rear with a
fierce spat I It must have struck my head had I been a
moment later in sitting down.
" Whew 1" exclaimed Juggie, with an oath— he was a
Erofane young man—" What if that had hit you 1" Juggie
ad lain down.near the stump.
" I suppose it would have killed me," I replied ; " but what
if it had hit you with that great oath in your mouth ? I tell
you, Juggie, a man is mighty apt to get hit for swearing —
you had better quit it."
Whiz I bang I went a shell at that moment, bursting into
fragments ten or fifteen feet above our heads.
"Je— or I forgot 1" exclaimed Juggie. He had come
very near swearing again.
Juggie was ill at ease; he could not help thinking now
and then what a terrible thing it would be if one of those
shells should chance to hit him.
The cannonading continued with great fury. Meantime,
the musketry had opened on our left, with some fierceness.
At half-past nine the firing ceased — all became quiet.
For four hours we had been exposed to the most terrific
artillery fire. During all this time Captain Conner, having
dismounted from his horse, was walking quietly to and fro
in front of the regiment, regardless of the showers of shot
and shell which were continually hurled upon us. When
the firing ceased, I took off' my knapsack, lay ^down, and
slept.
Morning — the morning of the memorable Wednesday, the
seventeenth of September — came. With the early gray of
26
402 OUB BOYS.
dawn, tbe battle was resumed with artillery ; atd, as on the
previous evening, the missiles from the enemy's guns came
crashing through the belt of timber in our front, striking all
around us. For half an hour this interesting process was
carried on.
" Fall in 1 fall in I— By the right flank— marcA /"
It was the voice of General Meade. We arose and moved
toward the right. When we had marched three hundred paces,
the head of the line, directed by General Meade, began to break
oft* in divisions, by the left flank ; and we were soon march-
ing in column of divisions toward the enemy. The head of
column halted just at the edge of the wood, and we hurriedly
closed en masse. The artillery fighting continued with all
the violence of the previous evening.' After half an hour,
the column again moved forward ; the front emerged from
the wood.
I knew that we were going into battle ; that it would prove
to be a desperate one, I had no doubt. I felt that Lee was
about to make a last desperate effort to maintain the foot-
hold he had gained on the Maryland shore ; and as McClel-
LAN was equally determined to dislodge him, the conflict
promised to be a terrible one. I examined my cartridge-box,
and found it all right ; it contained forty rounds. I examined
my cap-box, and found it all right ; it contained about half
a pint of caps. Then I thought of the thirst under which a
man labors in battle, and I looked to my canteen : to my
chagrin, I found it empty. I had filled it on the previous
afternoon just before we left our position in the orchard, and
I could not account for the mysterious disappearance of the
contents.
*'.Haman," said I, addressing my messmate, " I find that I
have not a drop of water — have you any?" .
*' Yes — here, I'll divide with you," said the brave fellow ;
and as we were moving but slowly he began to pour some
of the water from his canteen into mine.
" There, |ihat's enough," I said.
"But you haven't half yet," he argued.
*' ril make it do, though."
The column moved s\o\\\^' ow^ ^wd we soon found ourselves
JtNTIETAM. 403
entirely^ clear of the wood, and moving directly toward a
large corn-field * Just in front of us, near the corn-field, there
was a slight depression, on reaching which we hurriedly de-
ployed into line. A battery took position upon a slight
elevation behind us, and opened upon the rebels who occu-
pied the corn-field. The rebel infantry suddenly opened
upon us from the corn-field; the fight had commenced in
earnest.
Presently Colonel Magiltpn, who sat calmly upon his
horse near us, ordered our regiment to a small grove two
hundred paces to our left, where a regiment of rebels were
amusing themselves by picking off our artillerymen. We
moved by the left flank, and I had an opportunity to look
around. I saw General Meade sitting quietly upon his horse
by the battery; he was calmly surveying the prospect in
front through his spectacles, while the rebel bullets were
spattering the ground at his horse's f^.et, and many, no doubt,
singing about his ears. The brave Magilton, too, still sat
tranquilly upon his horse in the very face of death.
As we neared the grove — it was at the corner of the field
— a regiment of rebels, who had lain concealed among the
tall corn, arose and poured upon us the most withering volley
we had ever felt. Another and another followed, and a con-
tinuous rattle rent the air. We could not stop to reply —
we could but hurry on. The slaughter was fearful ; I never
saw men fall so fast; I was obliged to step over them at
every step. I saw Lieutenant Moth fall senseless to the
ground— stunned by a spent ball. Poor Page fell dead;
John Woodward, too, fell to the earth — a bullet buried in
his brain. Putty Stewart, Jim Hasson, John Swearer, Dave
Cease, Juggie, and a number of others fell wounded.
We reached the grove, and drove the rebels from it.
They retired obliquely into the corn-field, keeping up a re-
treating fire. I observed, not thirty yards from me, two
stout rebels assisting a wounded comrade from the field,
supporting his fainting form between them. I could have
* The corn-field famous for being the scene of the desperate straggle
between Hooker's oorps and that of Longstreet. ^
404 OUR BOYS.
killed one of tbem ; their backs were presented toward mo
very temptingly. I was going to fire, but at that moment I
heard the wounded man groan. I hesitated. Could I shoot
one of the men who *were bearing him away and allow him
again to fall to the earth ? I could not. I sought another
mark ; and seeing a rebel in the act of loading his gun just
at the edge of the corn-field I fired at him.
I now saw a long line of rebels filing from a wood at the
right and rear of the corn-field, and coming upon the scene.
They hurriedly marched by the right flank, which brought
them toward those already in the corn-field. As we had
driven the rebels entirely from the wood, we opened fire
upon the yet far-oflF reinforcements. But they changed their
course slightly by an oblique movement, and came to the aid
of the rebel lines two hundred paces to our right.
Lieutenant Moth having been wounded, and assisted from
the field by Sergeant Anawalt, and Lieutenant Cue having
remained at Keedyaville sick, I suddenly, for the first time,
found myself in command of Company " D" — and in battle,
too. I saw, however, that OUR boys did not stand in need
of much commanding just then : they were doing very well
. — selecting their own positions, and firing at any rebels who
presented the most tempting mark.
In order to gain a better view of the field, I stepped for-
ward to the crest of a slight elevation, and stood by a small
oak tree which I hoped would shield me from observation —
it was too small to afibrd protection. From this point I had
an excellent view of the rebel lines in the corn-field. 1 could
distinctly see their colors. I saw that they were not aware
of the position of our regiment— they were looking to the
front — and it occurred to me that it would be a beautiful
thing, in a military point of view, for us to open a flank fire
upon them. I turned and called to our boys, beckoning at
the same time, and they joined me. Will Hoffman and Charley
Brawley stood beside me. At the same moment, Haman
glided by us and took his position by a tree still farther
toward the front. As he did so, a spent ball struck him on
the ankle, and he fell ; but he immediately sprang up, stood
by his tree and proceeded to retaliate with great deliberation.
WOUNDED. 40B
"Boys," said I to Will and Charley, ''do you see those
rebels ?"
"Is that their line?"
"Yes."
"So close as that?"
"Yes — don't you see their flag? And look! See how
they are peppering fiway at our fellows on the right I Fire
away, boyst Who will be the fibst to bring down
THAT FLAG 1"
Without further ado, we went to work. I aimed every
shot at the point over which the flag waved ; at every fire I
looked eagerly to see it fall.
OHAPTEB XXXIX.
WOUNDED.
I HAD fired a dozen rounds at the rebel flag, when I
suddenly became conscious of a most singular and unpleasant
feeling in my left leg. I was in the act of ramming down a
ball at the time, and I would have finished, but my left foot,
of its own accord, raised from the ground, a benumbing
sensation ran through my leg, and I felt the hot blood stream-
ing down my thigh. The truth flashed upon me — / was
wounded. I could not yet tell where the ball had struck me,
but on looking down I perceived, by a small round hole in
my pantaloons, that I was shot in the thigh about three inches
below the hip-joint. It was plain that the bone was broken ;
the contracting of the muscles had shortened the limb, and
raised the foot from the ground.
"Boys, I— I— rm shotl" I said.
Brawley and Hofiman looked seriously into my face.
" Where ?" they asked, in a breath.
"Here." And I pointed to the perforation which the
bullet had made.
106 OUR BOYS.
•They took liold of my arms.
" Let me fire this charge yet," I said.
I endeavored to ram the ball home, but I grew weak and
faint, my head became dizzy, and a mist obscured my eye-
sight
*' Boys, I — ^I— can't make it," I said ; and I leaned my rifle
against the small tree by which we stood.
" We must carry him away, Brawlev," said HoflFman.
" Certainly 1" replied Charley; and they supported me
between them.
" Wait a moment," I said — I felt my strength fast leaving
me — and I threw off my haversack, canteen, and knapsack.
The cartridge-box remained. I hesitated: I thought of
some stamped envelopes which I carried therein. Would I
throw it off and lose them ? Yes ; perhaps I should never
need them — and off it went. While ridding myself of these
incumbrances, I had been standing on my right leg.
" Now, boys."
Supporting my whole weight between them, my brave
comrades moved slowly toward the rear. My left leg hung
powerless, my foot dragged upon the ground, and I felt the
shattered pieces of bone grinding together. The pain thus
caused was so acute that I grew deathly sick, everything
faded from my sight, and sense left me. But I soon awoke.
Where was I? I could not at once recall my scattered
senses. The rattle of musketry and the roar of artillery
sounded familiarly in my ear, and I soon remembered what
had happened. My comrades had laid me down, and were
standing anxiously over me ; they feared that I was dead.
When I opened my eyes they were much relieved, and I
was asked —
" How do you feel ? are you in much pain?
"No— not— m— oh I ohl"
" Let us place him on this blanket," suggested Charley ,
and he picked up a blanket that lay near.
" Yed, we can carry him better on that, and — here, let us
get those two fellows to help."
They called to two mexi ^\io W^ \aafe <iarried a wounded
comrade from the field audL^^^T^T^xv^^Yc^Vi'C^'^^^v ^V^^
WOUNDED. 407
assisted, and I was soon laid on the blanket. Then, each seiz-
ing a corner of the blanket, they moved slowly toward the rear.
The pain caused by every motion was terrible ; I had never
experienced anything worthy of being compared with it.
As yet we were scarcely fifty paces from our line of battle,
and many a bullet flying oVer the heads of OUR boys fol-
lowed us, striking the ground and throwing up the dust *
about us, plainly manifesting that they had no respect for a
wounded man. I was carried directly through the strip of
woods near which we had lain on the previous evening and
during the night. Just in the rear of this wood stood a
number of ambulances ready to convey wounded men from
the field. I was placed in one— a one-horse owe— another
sufferer was placed beside me, and the jumping, jostling,
springing, shaking, quaking vehicle moved oflF. I opened
conversation with my companion in misery.
"Where— are — you (oh I oh I) wounded?" I asked, as the
ambulance went plunging along.
" In the side — oh I" he exclaimed, as it gave a sudden leap.
Then he asked —
"Where are you wo— oh I"
" In the — oh, dear — leg — thigh — oh !"
" Partners," interrupted the driver, at that moment, " we
are about to go over a little rough place now, but we'll soon
be over it."
" What kind of a rough—"
"Oh, it's only a little corn-field."
The ambulance now began to go over the ridges of the
corn-field, and it made such a succession of starts and knocked
me about so alarmingly, that I really wondered that the
wounded limb stayed on at all. My companion groaned in
agony.
At last the vehicle came to a stand-still, and we were
lifted out and laid down in front of a barn. Many wounded
were lying in and around the barn. Some one very near
me uttered a deep, agonizing, heart-felt groan; and, turning
my head in the direction, I beheld Juggie lying prostrate
upon the ground — rpale as death, and his clotK^^ «,^TOsk\sAw
here and there with blood. . '
408 ouBBOTa
" Juggldy is that you?'' I asked.
"Oh, yes!"
** Where are you wounded ?"
" Through and through I Oh 1 oh 1" and he pointed to a
bullet-hole in his right side.
A youthful surgeon was passing at that moment, and I
requested him to look at my wound.
*' In one moment," said he, passing into the barn.
After the lapse of a hundred times " one moment," he re-
turned, made a slight examination of my wound, and said— ^
" Oh that's— a— a— the— "
"The what?"
" The bone is all smashed, and — "
"And what?"
" Why, I expect— <Aa< leg mil have to came oj^."
"WhatI"
" I'm afraid that — ^here's the bullet that struck you I" and
he produced that interesting article, having taken it from
my drawers, where it had lodged after passing through my
thigh ; it was much bruisi^d, but I could make out that it
was an ounce minie ball.
I took the ball — what a consolation I and put it into the
pocket of my blouse, but afterward lost it.
" Do you really think there is any probability of ampu-
tation being necessary ?" I asked.
" It is almost certain^'* and he again passed into the barn.
Oh, horror! could it be so? Must 1 lose my leg? If
I would not— I could not reconcile myself to it. The sur-
geon was a young man — perhaps he didn't know.
About this time, our boys in front began to give way.
The fighting came nearer and nearer, and a shell or two
came flying over the barn. It was decided to remove the
wounded, if possible, and I was placed, with several others^
in a two-horse ambulance. After a ride of twenty minutes
the vehicle stopped, and we were lifted out and laid upon
the ground near a small school-house. Within this little
building, the work of amputation was going on. It was a
kind of field hospital. The surgeon-in-charge came out af-
ter b^If an hour, aud. 1 aaX^^ "^^^w^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^Nv^t of my
WOUNDED. 409
wound. He examiued it, and very coolly and indifferently
said : —
"Til have to take that leg oflf for you after a while, but I
hav'n't time just now — ^there are so many cases on hand, you
know."
I assured him that I could wait; and he left me and re-
turned to his work.
It was near evening when my turn came. I had lain
during the whole afternoon without the school-house, listen-
ing to the horrible screams which came from within, and
occasionally, to kill time, gazing upon a heap of men's arms
and legs which lay piled up against the side of the house.
The sound of the battle could still be heard.
But to be brief.
I was carried mto the school-house, and laid upon the
operating table.
"Tell me, doctor," I said, earnestly, "mitst my leg be
amputated ?"
He coolly thrust his finger into the^wound, and felt the
pieces of shattered bone.
"That bone," said he, "is shivered all to pieces; and if
you value your life — "
" Can my life be saved only by — "
" Yes, and even then I doubt — I — ^" He hesitated.
" You think it a doubtful oase, even»then ?"
"Yes."
I said no more; chloroform was administered, I sank into
unconsciousness ; and when I awoke — it was all over.
* # # , # * *
'Tis enough. I will not tax the reader's patience by a
recital of my subsequent sufferings. I will not detail the
circumstances connected with the autumn and winter which
followed. I will not tell how I lay for weeks in an old bam
near Antietam Creek, neglected for days at a time by those
who called themselves "surgeons" — "doctors." I will not
ask the reader to^accompany me to that miserable institution
called " Smoketown Hospital " where I lay in a tent, without
fire,- during*the greater part of the winter, suflfe'ring from cold,
hunger, and neglect. Ah, reader, l\iQ\i^t^^\^^^\A^^i^^wc^'^
410 OUR BOYS.
connected with the campaign are not to be compared with
those I experienced in the hospital I Yet such are many of
our ho8pi^.als. Ye who sleep on your beds of down, ye who
gather around your tables covered with plenty, ye who are
free from pain, from hunger, from danger — how little do ye
know, how little imagine, of the misery that reigns in our
far-off hospitals I You may have brothers there — fathers,
sons, husbands, lovers — none to whisper a kind word to
them, to soothe the aching heart I No I
** The rude oath and the heartless Jeer
FaU ever on the loathing ear."
There are doctors there— cfoc^or^ ; but what kind of men
are they generally? Do they care for the sufferer? No!
All they care for is money I
Ah, were it not that the days of miracles are past, 'twould
be strano^ that fire falls not from heaven to consume a few
thousanoH— not only of army surgeons, but also of others,
who care not how long the work of death goes on, that they
may fill their pockets I
But, as GOD is just, a day — a terrible day of vengeance
will come, when many now glorying in wealth and renown,
the proceeds of torture and blood, will cry in agony unto
the rooks, "Fall on us!" and unto the hills, "Cover us!"
CHAPTER XL.
CONCLUSION.
The Eighth is no more. The Pennsylvania Reserves
are disbanded, and those lefk of them have returned to their
homes.
Reader, have you felt interested in the fortunes of our
BOYS, and have you patiently watched their progress as you
read this narrative ? If so, a word in conclusion may not
be inappropriate.
CONCLUSION. 411
The officers of our division would demand a few remarks ;
but history will tell you of them. History records no
brighter deeds than those of McCall, Eeynolds, Meade, Ord,
Magilton, McCandles^ Hayes, Simmons, Woolworth, Sickels,
and others. Were I an historian I would ask no prouder
names wherewith to adorn my pages.
Major Bailey became colonel of the Eighth; Captain
Lemon, lieutenant-colonel ; and Captain Gallop, major.
Captain Conner resigned his commission in consequence
of ill health, but has since won his way to distinction in the
Western Army.
Lieutenant Cue became captain of Company " D."
Lieutenant Moth was killed in the battle of Fredericks-
burg.
Sergeant Graham returned to the regiment, and was com-
missioned adjutant.
My brave messpiates are still alive.
Dick and Haman became non-commissioned officers — the
former being first-sergieant at the time the regiment was
mustered out. Jim refused to accept any position — he reso- •
lutely adhered to his fife.
Gaskill is still alive. No bullet was ever made to kill
him,
Dave Winder recovered from his fracture, re-enlisted, ai;id
entered the army in West Virginia.
Hare, Maythorn, and Smith are still alive. Underwood
deserted.
Cease recovered from his wounds. His morals are unim-
paired ; for, to this day, he has never been known to speak
the truth.
Dennis — ^brave fellow — passed unhurt through many bat-
tles, and at last fell a victim to disease. He sleeps in a quiet
churchyard on the banks of the Mo«ongahela ; and the snow-
white stones that mark his resting-place can be seen by
travellers as the boats glide up and down the smooth stream.
Others whom I have not mentioned — ^though no less worthy
of notice — have died of disease ; but many more lie buried
where they fell. The soil of Virginia and MarylaTLd c<i^^\%
them, and green as ever is the aod «}oo^^ \!a^\sv/ X^^,*^^^
412 OUB BOTB.
are scattered over the fields of Cold Harbor, Glendale^
Beaver Dam, South Motintain, Antietam, Gettysburg, Fred-
ericksburg, and the Wilderness of Spottsylvania, where
friend and foe
** In one red burial blent*'
lie wrapped in the sleep that knows no earthly waking — ^the
sleep that will only he broken when the last trump shall
wake the slumberers to new life in a land whose bright and
happy skies are never veiled in the storm-clouds of war,
and a land where the shriek of the shell and the whistle of
the bullet are never heard.
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medical terms, the Causes, Symptoms, and Cure of Diseases in every form,
with important Rules for Preserving the Health, and Directions for the
Sick Chamber, and the Proper Treatment of the Sick; the whole drawn
from extensive observation and practice. By Professor HnirRT S. TATLolt,
M.D. Illustrated with numerous engravings of Medicinal Plants and
Herbs. 12mo., cloth. Price $1.50; plain sheep $2.00.
THE BEATJTITnL 8FT: an Exciting Story of Army and High Life in Kew
York in 1776. By CnARLns Burdbtt, Author of ** Three Per Cent A Month,"
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TEE E0TALI8T*8 DATTGHTER AKB THE REBELS; or, the Dutch Dominie
of the Catskills. A Tale of the Revolution of unusual power and interest
By Rev. David Murdoch, D.D. 12mo., paper. Price $1.50 ; cloth $2.00.
THE HERO 0IRL and how she became a Captain in the Army. A Tale of
the Revolution. By Thraob Talmon. With illustrations. 12mo., paper.
Price $1.50 ; cloth $2.00.
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